Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government plans to install advanced vehicle scanners to prevent illegal narcotics from entering the state. Paul Lyngdoh, Adviser to the Social Welfare Department, announced that locations for these scanners have been identified and the procurement process is underway. The initiative aims to significantly decrease the demand for narcotics by enhancing security at key entry points, thereby reducing smuggling activities statewide. All vehicles will be subject to scanning, including defense and military transport, following discussions with military authorities. Currently, frequent raids are conducted, and once the scanners are operational, compliance will be mandatory for everyone. About 95% of illicit substances in Meghalaya are reported to come from the Golden Triangle regio...

All Saints’ Hall in Shillong turned into a lively hub of literature and learning as a book fair was organised, attracting book lovers, students, educators, and families from across the city. The fair offered a wide range of books, from academic texts and competitive exam guides to novels, children’s literature, and regional writings. Visitors were seen browsing through neatly arranged stalls, exploring genres that catered to every age group and interest. Special discounts and affordable pricing made the fair particularly popular among students and young readers, encouraging a renewed interest in reading amid the digital age. Organisers said the objective of the book fair was to promote a reading culture and provide easy access to quality books under one roof. “Books remain the stronges...

The Justice BP Katakey committee has ordered the immediate release of funds for the demolition of 33 Coke Oven Plants in East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills districts.The committee directed the District Administration of East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills to demolish the 16 Coke Oven Plants in East Jaintia Hills and 17 Coke Oven Plants in West Khasi Hills, citing the possibility of stealthy production. “The Committee recommends immediate release of the required fund to the District Administration of East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills District for demolition of the aforementioned 16 Coke Oven Plants in East Jaintia Hills District and 17 Coke Oven Plants in West Khasi Hills District and also to demolish the said 33 Coke Oven Plants, immediately, on receiving the fund…. so a...

Meghalaya MP Ricky A J Syngkon has written to the Centre seeking the appointment of a full-time director at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong, citing concerns over administrative and academic continuity at the institute. In his letter to the Ministry of Textiles, Syngkon referred to the quarterly report of NIFT Shillong for the October–December 2025 period, which revealed that the institute has been functioning without a full-time director. He said the absence of permanent leadership has resulted in a lack of continuity in administrative and academic decision-making. “The absence of stable leadership has weakened oversight and limited the institute’s capacity for long-term planning and institutional development,” the MP said. Syngkon also pointed out that se...

A committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court has ordered the demolition of 33 Coke Oven Plants operating illegally in two districts of the state, citing the risk of secret and unauthorised production if the units are allowed to remain standing.The directions were issued by the Justice B P Katakey Committee, which has asked for the immediate release of funds to carry out the demolition in East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills districts. As per the committee’s 34th interim report submitted before the High Court, 16 Coke Oven Plants in East Jaintia Hills and 17 in West Khasi Hills are to be demolished without delay. The committee said that keeping the structures intact could allow operators to restart production quietly, which would defeat earlier court orders. “The Committee recom...

Two persons who were earlier arrested on suspicion of tampering with evidence in the murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi in Meghalaya have been dropped from the latest chargesheet after police found no proof against them during a detailed investigation. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said that Balbir Ahirbar and Lokendra Singh Tomar were initially taken into custody based on suspicion that they had tried to destroy evidence linked to the murder. However, the investigation later revealed that there was no material to support the allegations against them. “The arrests were made on suspicion, but the investigation did not support the allegations. The final report found that they had no role whatsoever, which led to their dismissal from the case, and ...

The Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Meghalaya, in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), organised the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet (RBSM) 2026 today at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, under the Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India. The initiative aims to strengthen export opportunities and improve global market access for MSMEs from Meghalaya. The inaugural session was attended by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma; Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge, Commerce & Industries Department, Sniawbhalang Dhar; Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed; senior government officials; representatives from FIEO; fo...

In view of intense construction work along a 250-metre stretch, the East Khasi Hills district administration has announced traffic diversions on the Shillong-Dawki Road near Mahadev Khola Dham in the 101 Area, Upper Shillong, from February 3 to 18. Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said that trucks, including 407 and 409 models, and commercial buses are restricted on the affected stretch. These vehicles will be diverted at 5th Mile towards Shillong Peak Road via Pomlakrai. Vehicles approaching from the MES (Rilbong) side will be rerouted through Anjalee, Barik, Dhankheti, Fire Brigade, Madanrting, Laitkor and Pomlakrai. Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) coming from the Nongstoin and Mawngap side will be diverted at Mawmaram Junction towards the Lawmei-Umsaw road. Similarly, HMVs from S...

The Meghalaya Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd. has been adjudged among the best-performing state cooperative banks in the country and awarded the third prize by the National Federation of State Cooperative Banks for the financial year 2024-25, officials said on Monday. The award, which carries a trophy, a shawl and a plaque of appreciation, will be presented at an award function scheduled to be held in Gangtok, Sikkim, they said. "This recognition by the federation is a reflection of the bank's sustained performance, financial discipline and commitment to strengthening the cooperative banking system in Meghalaya," a senior MCAB official told media persons.

The Department of Commerce and Industries of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), hosted a Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet (RBSM) on Tuesday at the State Convention Centre in Shillong. This event was part of the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) of India, aimed at enhancing export prospects and global market access for MSMEs in Meghalaya. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who described it as a proud moment not just for Meghalaya but for the entire North Eastern region. He shared insights on how opportunities can emerge from perceived limitations, stressing that initiatives like the RBSM should yield tangible results and that persi...