Meghalaya

As water levels in the Brahmaputra and Jinjirim rivers continue to surge, residents of the plains belt are taking proactive measures to protect themselves and their livestock. Despite extensive flooding affecting many areas, the district administration and state government have not yet declared an official flood, causing frustration among affected communities. Over the past few days, rising waters have submerged vast expanses of land, compelling numerous residents to evacuate their homes. Some have sought refuge along roadsides, while others have relocated to higher ground at relatives' homes. Local rivers and low-lying areas remain inundated, leaving many stranded. Israful Hoque, a resident and activist from Chibinang, expressed dismay over the delay in declaring a flood. "Our PWD roa...

Bishop Emeritus George Mamalassery, the inaugural bishop of Tura Diocese in Meghalaya, breathed his last on July 5 at Holy Cross Hospital, Tura, at the age of 92. His death was attributed to severe respiratory complications following prolonged treatment for lung fluid accumulation. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed his condolences, hailing Bishop Mamalassery as "a pillar of faith and beacon of hope" whose enduring legacy will continue to inspire. "Saddened by the news of Bishop Emeritus George Mamalassery's passing. He will be remembered fondly as a stalwart of faith and a symbol of hope. His legacy will remain a guiding light for us all. Condolences to his family, friends, and the Christian community in Meghalaya and beyond," the chief minister remarked. Born in 19...

The 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT commenced today at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi (Meghalaya). Scheduled from 03rd to 16th July 2024, the exercise brings together a contingent of 45 personnel from the Indian Army's SIKKIM SCOUTS battalion, alongside members from various other arms and services. Representing Mongolia, personnel from the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army are participating in the training event. NOMADIC ELEPHANT, held annually alternating between India and Mongolia, last took place in Mongolia in July 2023. The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of His Excellency Mr. Dambajavyn Ganbold, Ambassador of Mongolia to India, and Major General Prasanna Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area of t...

The Hynniewtrep Border Disputes Redressal Forum (HBDRF) has called upon Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to intervene in a land dispute involving the Socheng Amreng Border Development Committee (SABDC) in Khanduli village, West Jaintia Hills District.In a memorandum submitted on Wednesday, HBDRF Chairman C Sungoh highlighted concerns over SABDC's alleged demand to reinstate an entry tax gate, seen as a tactic for land encroachment in non-disputed areas like Khanduli and Myn-I (Am-ih in Karbi). Sungoh emphasized that these areas unequivocally belong within Meghalaya's boundaries. "We urge the government to promptly engage with their Assam counterparts to uphold our people's rights and maintain peace and harmony," Sungoh stated, expressing apprehension over attempts to register l...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s wife Mehtab Chandee, is amongst the top contenders for the upcoming Gambegre bypolls, according to media reports. After suffering a heavy loss in the recently-held Lok Sabha elections, the National People’s Party (NPP) is actively gearing up for the upcoming Gambegre bypolls with the party leaders assessing the names of potential candidates. As per media reports, the ruling Meghalaya party has more than 10 potential names, including that of CM Sangma’s wife Mehtab Chandee, sister Agatha Sangma and brother James PK Sangma, in its list for the polls. While the names of the contenders have not yet been finalised, media reports quoted an NPP leader who informed that the party workers are especially supportive of Mehtab Chandee and Agatha Sangma cont...

On June 5, the BIS Guwahati Branch Office organized an interactive session with stakeholders, industries, academia, and laboratories at Hotel Pinewood, Shillong. The session was led by Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, IAS, Director General of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and attended by Shri Pravin Bakshi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Government of Meghalaya, along with other officials. In his address, Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari emphasized the critical importance of quality consciousness in both products and processes. He highlighted the role of certified standards in enhancing product quality and stressed the need for increased awareness and compliance with quality control orders among manufacturers. Tiwari outlined v...

Meghalaya has garnered attention for securing the fifth-lowest pass percentage in the country in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).Following the announcement of the medical entrance exam results by the National Testing Agency (NTA), data from the Ministry of Education revealed that out of the 3,815 candidates who appeared for the exam in Meghalaya, only 1,837 successfully passed, constituting a pass percentage of 48.15, ranking it fifth-lowest nationwide. Kashish Samee, hailing from the General category, clinched the top spot in Meghalaya's results, securing a rank of 3,732.During the exam administration, concerns were raised regarding discrepancies at least two examination centers in Jowai and Nongpoh. However, it remains uncertain whether these issues had any impact o...

Dr. Eureka Lyngdoh, Principal of Sankardev College, emphasized the importance of preparation in implementing new educational policies, reflecting on the state's experience with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Dr. Lyngdoh remarked that had Meghalaya prepared in advance for the CUET's implementation two years ago, the state would not have faced the challenges it did on Saturday."We, as principals of various colleges, need adequate time to implement any new initiative," Dr. Lyngdoh stated. She also mentioned that college principals had urged the National Testing Agency (NTA) to ensure proper infrastructure, including digital facilities, for the CUET. In a significant development, Meghalaya has been granted an exemption from the CUET for the academic year 2024-25. This decision...

Necessary arrangements for the vote counting of Meghalaya's two Lok Sabha constituencies on June 4 have been finalized, officials confirmed. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) BDR Tiwari held a meeting with representatives from all political parties, providing a detailed presentation on the counting procedures. The CEO's office announced that the vote counting will commence promptly at 8:00 AM. A total of 369 tables will be used for the process, distributed across seven districts under the 1-Shillong (ST) parliamentary constituency (PC) and five districts under the 2-Tura (ST) PC. Specifically, 244 tables will be deployed for the Tura constituency and 125 for Shillong. The 15-Mawlai assembly segment, the largest in terms of the number of electors, will undergo counting in nine rounds. There...