Meghalaya Chief Minister expands Achiever of Month to music, unveils arena plans

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the state’s "Achiever of Month" programme will now include a music category, beginning with a ceremony in Tura. The expansion follows the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme, which already supports thousands of musicians with financial aid and performance opportunities. Sangma said the initiative, launched in 2018 for entrepreneurs, will rotate recognition across departments each month, with sports slated as the next focus.

He also unveiled a series of infrastructure projects to boost the music ecosystem: a 40,000‑to‑50,000‑seat performing arena in the new Knowledge City at Mawkynrew, Shillong; a music‑themed hotel offering daily live performances; a Music Institute in Tura; and a Film City and Film Institute in Shillong. Artists were urged to create original compositions to build a distinct identity and reach global audiences, citing models such as the Ziro Festival.