Shillong: Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman began her four-day official visit to Meghalaya on July 10 with a series of key engagements in Shillong, including a communication with interns under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS) and the inauguration of the Polo Shopping Complex.
Attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ampareen Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary Donald Phillips Wahlang, and Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, the Union Finance Minister chaired a North East Roundtable session under PMIS.
The session taken together interns, industry representatives, and senior officials from various states to discuss progress and first hand involvements of the scheme.
The PMIS, hurled to bridge the gap between education and employability, provides structured internship opportunities to youth across India. Interns from several north eastern states shared their journeys and the transformative impact of the programme.
Among them was Khlainkupar Lyngkhoi from East Khasi Hills, an HR intern at REC Limited, who credited the scheme for instilling confidence and practical skills. “One of the most important skills I have acquired is time management. I am handling various responsibilities in the workplace, and I am thankful to the Ministry and the Government for this opportunity,” he said, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Sitharaman.
In her address, Sitharaman emphasised the vision of the Prime Minister behind the PMIS. “The main objective of this initiative is to support those who have never had an assignment or a job—those who need to acquire skills and gain exposure.
This programme is meant to help you familiarise yourself with the work environment and stand a better chance in your careers,” she stated.
Coinciding with Guru Purnima, the Finance Minister noted the significance of mentorship in the lives of interns. “The mentors you meet in these companies will play a teacher’s role in shaping your future,” she said.
Encouraging entrepreneurial aspirations, she assured interns of continued support from the Ministry. “An internship experience that can trigger the spark of entrepreneurship reflects the potential of this scheme. I urge all interns to become brand ambassadors of PMIS so that more youth can benefit.”
Earlier in the day, the Union Finance Minister inaugurated the Polo Shopping Complex in Shillong, accompanied by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, and Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh.
ALSO READ: Guwahati Tea Auction Centre Brews over 3 Cr in FY25, Q1 Sales Hit 32 Mn Kg on Export Momentum
Developed under the Smart Cities Mission, the Polo Shopping Complex marks a major step in Shillong’s urban alteration.
As the city's first modern shopping facility, it promises to uplift commercial infrastructure while offering sustainable and citizen-friendly amenities.
With a project cost of Rs. 100.33 crore, the complex spans 1.26 acres and features a built-up area of approximately 1.70 lakh square feet.
The facility integrates eco-conscious features such as a rainwater harvesting system and rooftop solar installations.
Over the next three days, Sitharaman is scheduled to contribute in multiple programmes across Meghalaya, review development initiatives, and involve with stakeholders and beneficiaries across various sectors.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
