Annual Plan 2003-2004 Draft Proposals Government of Meghalaya

Abstract

Area & Location: Meghalaya was first created as an Autonomous State within the State of Assam on the 2nd April, 1970 with the two erstwhile Districts of Assam, viz: the United Khasi & Jaintia Hills District and the Garo Hills District. The Autonomous State was upgraded into a full fledged State with effect from the 21st January, 1972. The State has a geographical area of 22,429 Sq. Kms approximately and has now 7 Districts viz : (I) the East Khasi Hills District (ii) the West Khasi Hills District (iii) the Jaintia Hills District (iv) the Ri-Bhoi District (v) the West Garo Hills District (vi) the East Garo Hills District and (vii) the South Garo Hills District. At the beginning, the State has 24 C&RD Blocks but the number has increased to 39 by the end of 2000-2001. It is one of the smallest States in India and is strategically located in the North-East between 25° 5” and 26° 10” North Latitudes and between 98° 47” and 97° 47” East Longitudes. It is a strip of land spread along the northern boundary of Bangladesh and it is bounded by that country on the South as well as on the West.