Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday inaugurated a Khasi traditional mural commemorating 20 years of Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun at Mawlai Mawiong Rim in Shillong.Speaking during the occasion, Sangma said, “The youth of the society is the most critical section and the different traditional youth organisations like the Seng Samlas are important not only for the future but for the present time of our state.”The Chief Minister also urged the youth to take advantage of the programmes and schemes of the state government, which are meant specifically for the youth of the state for their development, uplift and engagement while providing the necessary skills, platform and opportunities.“The message that I would like to give today not only to the youth of Mawlai but the entire state is...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on January 19, unveiled a traditional Khasi mural at Mawlai Mawiong Rim, marking two decades since the establishment of Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun, a youth organisation working to preserve indigenous culture and engage young people in constructive activities. The mural showcases elements of Khasi heritage, traditions and cultural identity, serving as a permanent tribute to the community's rich history. Taking to Twitter, Sangma congratulated the organisation on completing 20 years of service, expressing hope that it would continue working collectively to channel youth energy towards meaningful contributions to the state's development. Separately, the Chief Minister paid his respects to Rev Dr Robert R Cunville at his residence in Upper Lachumiere...

The Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Meghalaya, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Amazon on January 16, 2026, at the Directorate of Commerce and Industries, marking Amazon's first collaboration with a State Government department in Meghalaya. The MoU signing was followed by a workshop conducted by the Amazon team for over 100 MSMEs, introducing participants to Amazon's Karigar and Saheli initiatives. The Department encouraged local MSMEs to register on the Amazon platform to improve product visibility and access wider markets, and assured handholding support at the artisan level to enable smooth onboarding and business collaboration with Amazon. The event was attended by Amazon representative Sarita Tiwari; Director of Commerce and Industries F. Sutnga...

Meghalaya’s immediate task is clear: secure a place in the Santosh Trophy quarterfinals from a demanding Group B that features former champions and recent finalists. The state team left for Silapathar in Assam on January 19 ahead of their opening fixture in the 79th Senior Men’s National Football Championship. Meghalaya will begin its Group B campaign on January 22 against Odisha in the Upper Assam town. Qualification from the group is the first benchmark, with four teams set to advance to the quarterfinals. The squad was given a formal send-off on Friday at the MFA Ground in Polo, where Meghalaya Football Association president Hamletson Dohling and senior officials addressed the players and wished them well for the tournament. Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh continues as head coach, leading ...

An alleged case of illegal coal mining has claimed another life in Meghalaya, with a labourer from Assam dying after collapsing at a mine site in East Jaintia Hills district, police said on November 18. The deceased, identified as 48-year-old Mosaid Ali of Jamuna Moudanga in Assam’s Hojai district, was working at an illegal coal mine at Umthe village when he collapsed on January 14, Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said. Ali was rushed to the Sutnga community health centre, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Following the incident, police sealed the mine and ordered an investigation into the circumstances leading to the death. The matter has drawn the attention of Justice (Retd) BP Katakey, appointed by the Meghalaya High Court to monitor illegal coal mining and transport...

Small traders from Assam faced fresh trouble today after they were stopped from selling vegetables in neighbouring Meghalaya and forced to return home. More than a hundred traders from the Mankachar area came back with unsold produce after being blocked at a weekly market in Meghalaya. The incident took place at the weekly Najeng market in Tura, the district headquarters of West Garo Hills. According to local sources, Garo organisations and traders did not allow the Assamese traders to do business at the market and asked them to leave. The situation in parts of Meghalaya has remained tense following an incident about nine days ago in Rajabala, where a member of an organisation named Achik was allegedly assaulted by miscreants from a non-Garo community. The injured person later died,...

The Meghalaya reservation policy report will be placed before the Assembly in the Budget session proposed to be held from mid-February, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said after a cabinet meeting on Friday. The reservation policy provides significant quotas for major tribes (Khasi-Jaintia and Garo), other ST/SCs, and an open category, generally reserving 80 per cent for STs in jobs/education (40 per cent each for Khasis/Garos), 5 per cent for other STs/SCs, and 15 per cent for general/unreserved. This 1972 framework came under review by an expert committee due to demographic changes, with reports suggesting adjustments for economic factors and fairness. Speaking on the Cabinet discussions, the Chief Minister said the committee’s report will be tabled during the Budget session. “Based o...

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) marked 10 years of the Startup India Initiative on National Startup Day 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on January 16. The event was held in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Chief Guest. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Joint Secretary Sanjiv, leading entrepreneurs and Shark Tank India investors including Aman Gupta (boAt), Ritesh Agarwal (OYO) and Mohit Yadav (Minimalist) also attended the programme. In a proud moment for the state, Meghalaya was conferred a Certificate of Appreciation under the States’ Startup Ecosystem Ranking (5th Edition), recognising it as a ‘Leader’ for its outstanding efforts in building a vibrant startup ecosystem....

A new clause allowing private applicants to register and be admitted for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination (SSLC/Class 10) under the Meghalaya Board of School Education was approved today by the Meghalaya Cabinet. This decision will make it easier for students to finish Class 10 if they were unable to pass the matriculation test earlier or had to drop out after Class 8 for a variety of reasons. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated, "We are confident this step will encourage many to return, complete their education, and build a better future." Additionally, Community-Integrated Skill Learning (CISL), a structured curriculum component for Classes VI through X, has been authorized by the Cabinet. For Classes VI through X, Health and Physical Education is currently given ...

The Meghalaya Cabinet on Friday decided to table the report of the Expert Committee on the Meghalaya State Job Reservation Policy, 1972, during the upcoming Budget Session of the Assembly, likely to be held from February 16 to 27. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting as part of the 3rd Cabinet Retreat at Orchid Resort, Mawkasiang, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the report was discussed and it was agreed that it should be placed before the Assembly. The government has proposed to the Governor to convene the Budget Session from mid-February, and the dates will be formalised after approval. Sangma said it would not be appropriate to disclose the contents of the report before it is tabled in the House. Earlier, the Chief Minister had said the report has been thoroughly reviewed by officia...