Meghalaya

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...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the state government has planned projects and initiatives amounting to approximately Rs 3,600 crore, which will be prioritized for the current year. During a media conference, he emphasized the government's annual review of unresolved issues and its commitment to long-term solutions. He highlighted the resolution of the persistent ad hoc and SSA teachers’ issue as a significant achievement, noting that implementation will commence in April, with prior communication already established. Additionally, the Chief Minister mentioned that delays in scholarship provisions had been addressed following discussions with the Government of India to prevent future occurrences. A key focus for the year will be on cleanliness and sanitation, parti...

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has described the issue of non-tribal participation in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) polls as “complicated” and one that requires careful consideration. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sangma said, “It is a complicated subject, there is no doubt about it and for many, many years this has been debated and previous governments in the past, this challenge has always been there.” The Chief Minister highlighted the complexities surrounding the issue, citing the purpose of the ADCs, voting rights, and the impact of decisions made by previous governments. “Who is supposed to serve versus decisions made by the governments then to allow the voting when the council was formed – so it is a very complex problem, it is not something which one c...

The Dorbar Shnong Brishyrnot, in coordination with the Dorbar Shnong Khaddum, has announced that Chympe Falls will remain closed to the general public, visitors, and tourists on all Sundays starting January 25, 2026, as well as on selected days every year. The decision has been taken collectively by both village councils in the interest of community welfare and effective management of tourism activities at the site. As per the notice issued, Chympe Falls will remain closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day on December 25 and 26, New Year’s Day on January 1, Independence Day on August 15, Republic Day on January 26, and all Sundays throughout the year. The Dorbar Shnongs stated that the closure is necessary as Sundays and these specific days are reserved for community engagements, religious ob...

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced on Thursday that the state has made significant strides in scientific mining, with four individuals granted licenses and investments made in equipment and infrastructure. Speaking to reporters, Sangma said, “Four individuals have been given licenses and different investments have been made at different levels and equipment have been placed in those and at a certain level, scientific mining has started.” Highlighting the progress made, Sangma mentioned that scientifically mined coal has already been flagged off twice. “In fact, there was one instance where we had sent and flagged off the scientifically mined coal in a certain batch – twice it has happened in fact,” he said. The Chief Minister expressed optimism that the process of granting licens...

Talks between Meghalaya and Assam to resolve the remaining disputes along the interstate border will resume only after Assam’s elections, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Thursday. Sangma also announced an aggressive push to complete fencing along the Bangladesh border and consultations on an ILP-like law to curb illegal immigration. The Meghalaya CM said the second phase of border talks, aimed at resolving six remaining areas of difference, has been delayed as the Assam government is currently preoccupied with election-related activities.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has congratulated the state’s canoe slalom team for delivering an outstanding performance at the National Canoe Slalom Championship 2026, held at Maheshwar in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. The Meghalaya contingent secured nine medals, including two gold and seven silver, finishing as the overall runners-up among the participating states. Commending the athletes, Sangma extended special congratulations to Manbhalang Kharkrang for clinching a gold medal, and to Riyanka Nongsiej, Elizabeth Vincent, Vikash Rana, Purnima Rana, and Indra Sharma for their silver medal wins. The Chief Minister also lauded Manbhalang Kharkrang, Elizabeth Vincent, and Vikash Rana on being selected for the Asian Games coaching camp, describing it as a si...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday said that the state remains on high alert along its international borders, even as the work on border fencing is nearing completion. He said all security agencies are closely monitoring the situation and, at present, there is no major cause for concern, but constant vigilance is necessary. Speaking on the issue, the Chief Minister said borders are always sensitive areas and assessing whether they are fully secure is not something a state government can decide on its own. He pointed out that border security involves the Government of India and several central agencies. However, he assured that from the state’s side, all possible steps are being taken to ensure safety and preparedness. Sangma said the Meghalaya government, the Border Securi...