Meghalaya

The pursuit of Article 371 by the Voice of the People Party (VPP) has triggered an intense debate over its potency versus the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Representatives of various political parties discussed the matter together on Friday at a symposium on Article 371(A), Article 371(G), and the Sixth Schedule, organised by Sankardev College. There was no representative from the VPP. The speakers included advocates Erwin K Syiem Sutnga, Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait, Mewaker Lyngdoh, state Congress secretary Manuel Badwar and UDP vice president Robertjune Kharjahrin. Mewaker Lyngdoh represented BJP. They all shared their views and analyses, citing examples and making references. They deliberated on the impact of these constitutional provisions on governance, autonomy and ind...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, during the first live pre-budget consultation session for FY 2025-26, on Wednesday said the state’s own tax revenue has increased from Rs 1,450 crore in 2018 to Rs 3,217 crore now. The CM said the excise revenue has also increased from Rs 199 crore to Rs 458 crore in six years and expressed hope that it will cross Rs 520 crore this year. He attributed this growth to the government's efforts to plug loopholes and improve revenue collection, particularly in the excise sector.

Shillong Lajong FC secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC in their I-League clash at the SSA Stadium on February 14. Marcos Rudwere starred for Lajong with two goals (4' p, 72'), while Kenstar Kharshong (88') and Renan Paulino (90+3' p) added to the tally. Sreenidi Deccan initially dominated possession but failed to break through Lajong’s counter-attacking defense. The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Phrangki Buam was fouled inside the box, leading to Rudwere’s successful penalty. Lajong’s second goal followed another set-piece opportunity, with Daniel Gonçalves heading the ball into Rudwere’s path for a clinical finish. Kharshong’s glancing header in the 88th minute and Paulino’s injury-time penalty sealed the comprehensive win. Sreenidi’s recent resurge...

District authorities in the Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills District prohibited bull and animal fights across the district, following reports of illegal wrestling being organised during local festivals and fetes, officials said on Thursday. District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills District R.M. Kurbah in an order said that any violation of the prohibitory order, imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), would be strictly dealt with as per legal provisions.The District Magistrate said that if this rampant holding of bull’s fight or animal fight is allowed, it will Violate Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. She said that it has been brought to the notice of the district authority that there is the rampant holding of bullfights or anim...

The Supreme Court has upheld the Meghalaya government’s 2014 decision to dissolve Chander Mohan Jha (CMJ) University, citing mismanagement and procedural lapses. The ruling, delivered on February 13 by a bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Sandeep Mehta, found multiple violations of University Grants Commission (UGC) norms. The court noted that the university failed to follow the procedure under Section 14(1) of the CMJ University Act for appointing its chancellor, rendering the appointment invalid. Additionally, the state government’s dissolution order dated March 31, 2014, was declared to be in full compliance with the law. Meghalaya’s government had provided CMJ University ample opportunity to rectify its violations before issuing the dissolution order. The court found the state had...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced a significant surge in the state’s tax revenue during the first live pre-budget consultation for FY 2025-26 on Wednesday. The state’s own tax revenue increased from ₹1,450 crore in 2018 to ₹3,217 crore in 2025, marking a substantial financial milestone for the northeastern state. Sangma attributed the rise to the government’s consistent efforts to plug loopholes and improve revenue collection, particularly in the excise sector. He highlighted that excise revenue alone jumped from ₹199 crore to ₹458 crore over six years, with expectations of crossing ₹520 crore this year. “From ₹199 crore to ₹500 crore reflects the commitment of this government to plug the loopholes,” Sangma said, emphasizing the critical role of technology in monitoring ...

Independent candidate from Nongkrem constituency, Lambor Malngiang said voters of Nongkrem are ready to show a ‘red card’ to VPP chief and sitting MLA, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit in the 2028 Assembly polls. Addressing an election rally at Smit on Tuesday night, Malngiang said the people of Nongkrem have faced great difficulties over the past two years since the sitting MLA refused to help them. Malngiang said there is no point in electing an MLA who is shying away from performing his responsibilities on the flimsy ground that he is not in power. “We need a leader who is ready to work for the people. I disagree with the observation that the MDC election is a semi-final. I consider this election as the final since the people will give a red card to the sitting VPP MLA in 2028,” Malngiang,...