Guwahati, June 18 (IANS) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Guwahati on Thursday evening on a two-day visit to the Northeast, during which she is scheduled to participate in a series of official programmes in neighbouring Meghalaya.

Sitharaman was received at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and senior government officials.

The Chief Minister welcomed the Union Finance Minister upon her arrival and held brief discussions with her at the airport.

According to official sources, Sitharaman will stay overnight at Koinadhora in Guwahati before leaving for Meghalaya on Friday morning.

During her visit to the hill state, the Union Minister is expected to attend multiple government functions and development-related events.

Officials said the visit forms part of the Centre’s continued engagement with the Northeastern region, with a focus on economic development, financial inclusion and infrastructure growth.

The programmes in Meghalaya are expected to witness participation from senior state government officials, policymakers and representatives from various sectors.

While the detailed itinerary of her engagements in Meghalaya was not immediately available, sources indicated that Sitharaman would interact with stakeholders and review initiatives linked to financial empowerment, entrepreneurship and development projects in the region.

The visit assumes significance as the Centre continues to prioritise the development of the Northeast through increased investments in connectivity, infrastructure, tourism and social welfare sectors.

Over the past few years, the region has witnessed enhanced policy attention and financial support under various central schemes aimed at accelerating economic growth and improving livelihoods.

Sitharaman’s visit is also expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on key development priorities of the Northeastern states and the progress of ongoing projects supported by the Union government.

The Union Finance Minister’s engagements in Meghalaya on Friday are likely to focus on strengthening the Centre-state partnership and reviewing initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development in the region.

–IANS

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