Thursday, July 30

Meghalaya

SKOCH Awards: Meghalaya wins one Gold, two silvers
Meghalaya

SKOCH Awards: Meghalaya wins one Gold, two silvers

Meghalaya has won one gold and two silver honours at the SKOCH Awards, showcasing excellence in innovation and inclusive development, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Sunday. Meghalaya won Gold Award on Mushroom Development Centre at Upper Shillong for its work as a Shiitake Production and Training Centre, which has helped promote skill development, value addition and income generation among farmers. The state also secured two Silver awards. The Mawlai Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Block was recognised for its community-driven development initiatives, while the Directorate of Tourism's Nongwar Tourism Project was honoured for promoting sustainable, community-based tourism while preserving local culture and natural heritage. Meghalaya also secured two Silver Awards. T...
State Govt Mulls ‘Christmas Tourism’ Plan to Turn Meghalaya’s Festivities into Global Attraction
Meghalaya, Shillong

State Govt Mulls ‘Christmas Tourism’ Plan to Turn Meghalaya’s Festivities into Global Attraction

The Meghalaya government is developing a pioneering 'Christmas Tourism Policy' aimed at transforming the state's indigenous festive celebrations into a well-structured global attraction. State Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira highlighted the initiative's intent to leverage the substantial influx of tourists observed during the recent Christmas and New Year festivities. The Minister noted that a multitude of events organized throughout the state helped draw significant visitor numbers this past season. Anticipating a further increase in tourism arrivals by 2026, Shira mentioned that numerous tourism projects nearing completion will likely contribute to this growth. The proposed policy is designed to enhance Meghalaya's appeal as a premier festive destination, enabling visitors to im...
New Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court sworn in
Meghalaya

New Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court sworn in

Justice Revati Mohite Dere was sworn in as the chief justice of the Meghalaya High Court on Saturday.Governor CH Vijayashankar administered the oath of office to Justice Dere at a function at the Durbar Hall of the Lok Bhavan in Shillong.Justice Dere will replace Justice Soumen Sen as the chief justice of the Meghalaya High Court. Justice Sen has been posted to the Kerala High Court.Justice Dere earlier served as a judge at the Bombay High Court.
Youth lynched in Meghalaya, three arrested
Meghalaya

Youth lynched in Meghalaya, three arrested

A youth was allegedly lynched by a group of miscreants at Rajabala, West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya on Friday, drawing strong condemnation from Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.The victim was part of a team of NGO members who had gone to an illegal stone quarry to inquire about illegal activities when he was attacked by a group of miscreants. Tension prevailed in area following the incident.Condemning the incident and offering condolences to the victim's family, the Chief Minister said the Meghalaya Police in West Garo Hills conducted multiple raids last night, resulting in the arrest of three individuals. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend all others involved in this crime, he said. The Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, is engaging with civil society organisations to constitute a P...
CM Assures Justice After Youth Killed in West Garo Hills
Meghalaya

CM Assures Justice After Youth Killed in West Garo Hills

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has strongly condemned the brutal killing of a young man in the West Garo Hills district and assured that the perpetrators will face the strictest punishment under the law. He urged citizens to maintain peace and communal harmony as authorities tighten security in the area.The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on January 9 at Goalgaon under Rajabala Police Station. The victim, Dilseng M. Sangma, son of Gaban Ch. Marak from Amokgre village in Phulbari, was reportedly attacked by unidentified assailants. He was rushed to the Bhaitbari Community Health Centre and later referred to Tura for advanced treatment but tragically succumbed to his injuries while being shifted.Calling the attack “tragic and unfortunate,” Chief Minister Sangma said, “Yesterday, ...
Meghalaya: VPP not to contest GHADC elections
Meghalaya

Meghalaya: VPP not to contest GHADC elections

The Voice of the People's Party (VPP) on Thursday said it will not field any candidates in the upcoming GHADC elections, opting instead to focus on strengthening its organisational base in the region.VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said the party believes it is too early to contest elections in the Garo Hills and would rather concentrate on grassroots expansion. "We have forayed into the Garo Hills over the past few years and have received steady support. However, it is still early days, and we do not want to contest elections merely for the sake of it. In time, the party and its work will be recognised on a larger scale," he told The Shillong Times. He said the party is now looking ahead to the 2028 Assembly elections, by which time VPP expects to emerge as a strong force a...
Shillong Airport expansion under hurdles, likely to miss 2027 deadline
Meghalaya

Shillong Airport expansion under hurdles, likely to miss 2027 deadline

The expansion of the Shillong Airport at Umroi is expected to take longer than the state government’s targeted timeline of 2027 for enabling operation of larger aircraft. Sources indicate that environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is still pending and under process. Without this key approval, the project cannot proceed fully. Meanwhile, eight bidders have responded to the tender for the expansion work. The financial bids have been opened, but the final bidder is yet to be selected as the offers are being cross-verified. The expansion proposal includes extending the runway from the current 1,829 metres to 2,400 metres, allowing Boeing and Airbus narrow-body aircraft (and potentially select wide-body types) to operate from the airport. Source...
CM distributes appointment letter to newly recruited SI of Meghalaya Police
Meghalaya

CM distributes appointment letter to newly recruited SI of Meghalaya Police

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, today attended the Distribution of Appointment Letters programme organised by the Meghalaya Police at the 2nd MLP Battalion, Goeragre. On his arrival, the Chief Minister was accorded a Guard of Honour, followed by a felicitation ceremony. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister, congratulated the 76 newly appointed Sub-Inspectors and described the occasion as a significant milestone in their lives and careers. He noted that more than 21,000 candidates had applied for the posts, highlighting the highly competitive nature of the recruitment process. Emphasising the trust reposed in the police by the public, the Chief Minister urged the recruits to live up to the expectations of the government, their families, and the people of the State.“Out of more tha...
NEC sanctions Rs 13.45 crore for infra projects in Meghalaya
Meghalaya

NEC sanctions Rs 13.45 crore for infra projects in Meghalaya

Meghalaya received Rs 13.45 crore in December 2025 as part of a wider funding push by the North Eastern Council to accelerate development across the Northeast, according to an official statement issued on January 9. The allocation formed part of a total of Rs 76.78 crore released by the NEC during the month to Northeastern states and regional agencies, with a focus on infrastructure creation, livelihoods, cultural assets, research and innovation. Meghalaya’s share was directed at projects that combine urban improvement with rural connectivity and community facilities. Key works funded in the state include tourism infrastructure at Laitlyngkot (Lamlyer) in East Khasi Hills and the development of the Seng Khasi Ri Raid Laban Cultural Complex at Lum Shat Sngi, Kenches Trace, Shillong. The...
Merit-Based Recruitment: 76 Sub-Inspectors Join Meghalaya Police as CM Urges Integrity and Public Service
Meghalaya

Merit-Based Recruitment: 76 Sub-Inspectors Join Meghalaya Police as CM Urges Integrity and Public Service

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on January 9 formally handed over appointment letters to 76 newly recruited Sub-Inspectors of the Meghalaya Police, marking an important step towards strengthening the state’s police force. The appointment ceremony was held at the 2nd Meghalaya Police Battalion campus in Goeragre. The newly appointed officers were selected after a highly competitive recruitment process that saw participation from more than 21,000 applicants across the state. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the selection was based purely on merit and hard work, and congratulated the recruits for successfully clearing a demanding and transparent process. Speaking to the new Sub-Inspectors, Sangma urged them to carry out their duties with honesty, dedication a...