In a landmark move to strengthen corporate governance and regional development, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) has officially acquired a five-acre plot in New Shillong Township, Meghalaya, to build its first-ever regional campus. This marks a major step in expanding the institute’s presence beyond Delhi and aligning national growth with regional empowerment.
The project is being funded under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the Northeast Region (PM-DevINE), with a planned investment of ₹100.95 crore. The new campus aims to serve as a regional hub for training, research, and policy advisory in key areas like Corporate Governance, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), Competition Law, Board Leadership, and Insolvency and Bankruptcy.
Ceremony Marks a New Chapter for Northeast
A land-transfer ceremony was held to mark the beginning of this journey. It was attended by several senior officials, including:
Shri Donald Phillips Wahlang, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya
Ms. Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General & CEO, IICA
Other dignitaries from both central and state governments.
The Meghalaya Chief Secretary applauded the initiative, calling it a step toward “knowledge-led growth”. He highlighted that the campus’s location in Knowledge City—home to institutions like IIM Shillong, NIFT, and the National Law University—will allow for strong academic collaboration. He also mentioned that a new airport is being planned for Shillong, which will further improve connectivity to the region.
“Our First Baby Outside Delhi”
Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, DG & CEO of IICA, called the new campus “our first baby outside Delhi” and a symbol of decentralization and empowerment. He said the initiative will play a vital role in promoting entrepreneurship, good governance, and capacity building, all aligned with national missions like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vikshit Bharat @ 2047.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent focus on the Northeast and referred to the region as the “Ashtalakshmi of India”, a phrase the PM uses to describe the Northeast’s immense potential. Quoting the Prime Minister’s vision of “Transformation by Transportation”, he said the new campus combines infrastructure and education to drive lasting peace, prosperity, and progress.
Supporting Local Talent and Institutions
The new IICA campus will not only provide high-quality training but also collaborate with local universities and institutions in Knowledge City. Together, they will offer customized courses and policy support that address the region’s specific development needs.
Over the years, IICA has already trained more than 300 professionals in the Northeast. It also manages the Independent Director Databank, which includes members from all Northeastern states. The new campus will build on this foundation to provide more in-depth and accessible learning opportunities.
Empowering Northeast Through Cooperative Federalism
Ms. Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, thanked the Meghalaya government for its support and called the partnership a “fine example of cooperative federalism.” She emphasized that this initiative reflects the Centre’s commitment to empowering the Northeast and turning it into a key engine of national growth.
What’s Next?
Construction of the campus will begin shortly, and the first academic and advisory programmes are expected to launch within the current financial year. The new facility will focus on building ethical entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and responsible corporate leaders—from within the heart of India’s Northeast.
This campus signifies more than just physical expansion. It reflects IICA’s deep commitment to regional inclusion, knowledge-driven development, and making the Northeast a vital part of India’s growth story.
