Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma addressed the dual challenges and opportunities presented by the state's young population, about 50% of which is under 20 years old. He emphasized the government's commitment to nurturing youth through guidance, opportunities, and values-based education during the release of the platinum jubilee souvenir for St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School in Tura. In his speech, he commended the efforts of the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir Committee and celebrated the students’ cultural performances. Sangma highlighted the importance of service, perseverance, and the inspiration drawn from the school’s 75-year legacy and its dedicated educators. He acknowledged significant challenges in education, noting the state's annual expenditure of over Rs 3,500...

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma announced that his party will participate in the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, inviting interested candidates to apply for the nomination. "We will be having candidates in the GHADC and those who want to fight as TMC candidates will be invited to apply for the nomination," Sangma said, adding that the process will begin soon. Sangma emphasized the importance of rebuilding the GHADC and restoring its pride, stating that the current state of the institution is a concern. "How GHADC has been reduced to the kind of institution which has given reasons for the people of the state to look at, are these forces who are responsible for the present status of the GHADC have some other intent...

UDP working president and West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday dismissed speculation that he was preparing to leave the United Democratic Party, firmly asserting that he had no intention of quitting despite the growing turbulence within the party. Addressing the rumours head-on, he said, "These are just conjectures and theories, it has not crossed my mind to leave the UDP because if there is any issue, I believe that such issues should be discussed internally within the party." Reaffirming his political stance, Lyngdoh added, "I insist on one point which is throughout my career in the political sphere I have always been a fighter and never a quitter. I will not quit that easily." His remarks come amid widening cracks inside the UDP, with several members unhappy over how the r...

An influential youth organisation in Meghalaya has sought a fresh review of teachers declared "tainted" in the 2008-09 lower primary recruitment case after the Meghalaya High Court quashed proceedings against the key accused, including a former minister in the MDA government, in the alleged 'white ink scam'. The LP teacher recruitment exercise had triggered statewide controversy after allegations surfaced that score sheets were tampered with using white ink to alter marks and favour certain candidates. A CBI inquiry, followed by state-level investigations, identified a group of candidates as "tainted", leading to cancellations of appointments, terminations and stalled careers for many.

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted searches at multiple locations in Meghalaya as part of a money laundering probe into alleged misappropriation of funds at the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), officials said. These are the maiden raids undertaken by the federal probe agency's sub zonal office located in Shillong after registering a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in the state. The agency has conducted similar action in the state as part of cases registered in other states.

North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) marked a landmark day with a dual celebration—national recognition for one of its scholars and the strengthening of its international academic partnerships. Ferdinand Lyngdoh Marshillong, a PhD scholar in the Department of Linguistics and a person with hearing impairment, has been conferred the prestigious National Award for “Shresth Divyangjan” by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. The award, presented by the President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Marshillong is pursuing his doctoral research on “Khasi Sign Language: Acquisition, Structure and Social Implications of Indigenous Signs”* under the supervision of Dr. Saralin A. Lyngdoh. His w...

The Meghalaya government on Wednesday joined the international community in observing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong. Delivering his address, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, said the true measure of a society is not how it treats the strong, but how it uplifts those who face challenges. "Today, we celebrate extraordinary ability; the power to overcome, to create, and to inspire,” he said. The Chief Minister said Meghalaya's flagship platform has shifted narratives from charity to rights, from pity to dignity and from labels to abilities. "Through the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, we created the Eastern Brook Band, musicians with disabilities, who now carry our state's story to the world,” he said. He also add...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday emphasised that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a defining role in governance, development and citizen empowerment in the coming years. Addressing the Regional AI Impact Conference here, Sangma said it was an honour for the state to host the meet, adding that Meghalaya is steadily emerging as a leader in the IT sector in the Northeast and advancing its capabilities in AI. "AI is the future. It is a technology that will reshape governance, accelerate development and empower citizens like never before," he said.

The village of Nongjrong in Meghalaya has announced a new regulation that will close its popular viewpoint and all tourist attractions every Sunday starting January 2026. The decision aims to preserve the environment and provide residents with a much-needed weekly day of rest amid rising tourist inflow. The Dorbar Shnong (village council) said that visitors will be barred from entering the area from Saturday night until the end of Sunday. All homestays will also close during this period. Community leaders said the village has struggled to cope with growing tourist numbers, especially on Sundays when essential services and shops remain closed. Residents have raised concerns about insufficient parking, limited infrastructure and the constant movement of tourists disrupting daily life. Th...

A report submitted by Amicus Curiae S. Panthi to the High Court of Meghalaya has exposed serious deterioration along the Jowai-Ratacherra stretch of National Highway-6, including large potholes on the Jowai Bypass. The court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the poor condition of this vital highway stretch. According to the Amicus Curiae's report, which was taken on record, the road in and around Byndihati, Mynkre, Thadlaskein, and Lumshnong is in deplorable condition. Large potholes dominate the middle of the highway, reinforcement rods are exposed, guard walls are damaged, and several non-pucca sections, particularly near the Sonapur bridge area, are severely affected. The report stresses that these stretches require immediate repair.