Meghalaya

The state government has notified a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) restricting the use of tinted glass, sirens, beacons, and name plates on official vehicles. The SOP states that vehicles of 'Z-Plus' and 'Z' category protectees recommended by a government committee can use tinted glass or black films for security reasons. Sirens can be used only by the police, emergency services, and VVIP/VIP vehicles. The use of beacons or red lights with or without flashers is prohibited, as per a Transport Department notification. The SOP also outlines the rules for name plates on vehicles and flag rods for the National Flag. As per paragraph 3.44 of the Flag Code of India 2002 (as amended) the following dignitaries are allowed to hoist the National Flag on the official vehicles: President, V...

The Meghalaya government has mandated that tinted glass or black films are restricted to official vehicles designated for ‘Z-Plus’ and ‘Z’ category protectees, contingent upon a recommendation from a specific committee. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued to align the state's regulations with Supreme Court directives and national motor vehicle laws, specifically referencing Supreme Court cases and the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. The SOP dictates that sirens are limited to police and emergency services, prohibits the use of beacons, and establishes guidelines for name plates on vehicles, along with specifications on usage. It also details which officials are entitled to display the National Flag on their vehicles. The SOP is applicable to all government vehicles, e...

In a remarkable advancement for India’s semiconductor mission and a proud moment for the Northeast, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Meghalaya has achieved two successful indigenous chip fabrications under the Government of India’s Chips to Startup (C2S) / SMDP programmes. These milestones place the institute among the leading academic contributors to India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem. Earlier this year, NIT Meghalaya designed and fabricated the state’s first-ever indigenous digital integrated circuit, marking a historic step for semiconductor research in the region. This achievement reached national attention when the fabricated chip was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the SEMICON India 2025 Summit. The moment highlighted the crucial role of academic R...

In a bid to place Meghalaya and the region firmly on the global organic map, the state government on Friday inaugurated the first Northeast India Organic Week, a multi-nation platform that brought together delegations and buyers from 13 countries to boost trade and innovation in the sector. The event was organised in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Union Commerce Ministry and IFOAM-Organics Asia. Officials said representatives from Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, Indonesia, New Zealand and several other countries are participating at the event, signalling the region's growing potential as a gateway for global organic trade.

Meghalaya today welcomed a global assembly of agricultural pioneers, policy experts, and young changemakers for Day 01 of the 4th International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) World Organic Youth Summit. Organised by IFOAM-Organics Asia, the Summit is a centrepiece of the ongoing 1st Northeast India Organic Week, a landmark convergence hosted by the Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The day’s deliberations convened with a high-profile inauguration, featuring strategic developmental strides made by Meghalaya in the sector. Ms Jennifer Chang, Executive Director, IFOAM Asia, in her address, praised Meghalaya for its exce...

International pop-rock sensation Richard Marx is set to light up the Me’gong Festival 2025 in Tura, western Meghalaya, adding a major global draw to one of the state’s most anticipated cultural celebrations. Organisers formally announced his participation on Friday, November 28, confirming that the two-day festival scheduled for December 5 and 6 will feature a powerful mix of international, national and local talent. Joining Marx on the mainstage will be the acclaimed Dutch electronic duo Yellow Claw, known for their high-energy performances at music festivals worldwide. From India’s mainstream music circuit, popular Bollywood voices Kanika Kapoor and Neeti Mohan are also set to perform, adding star value and diversity to the festival’s musical lineup. The Me’gong Festival has consi...

Revenue Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has decided to call convene a meeting in the second week of December to determine the course of action for evicting unauthorized occupants from the Maxweltn Estate and Mahadev Khola. He announced this after a meeting held with the delegation of the Khasi Students Union (KSU) on Thursday. "I have to call a meeting of the revenue department and the deputy commissioner (revenue) to understand the full fact (of the matter). When there is a judgment in favour of the government that this land (at Maxwelton Estate) belongs to the government then why not the government takes position of it and how to evict these so-called these illegal settlers," Rymbui told reporters. "This issue will be discussed at length and necessary action will be done and why inaction is ...

The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a series of major development proposals aimed at boosting tourism, improving road and air connectivity, and expanding household electrification across the state. The decisions, taken on Wednesday, reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and uplift underserved regions. A key approval involves the procurement of land to develop tourism facilities at Umpardong, Umden in Ri Bhoi district—widely known as the Silk Village. The project seeks to enhance visitor amenities in the popular weaving hub, where local communities have long demanded better lodges, rest facilities, and tourist support infrastructure. To further support accessibility, the Cabinet sanctioned ₹50 crore for constructing the road from Nongpoh to Umden, addre...

In a bid to tighten security and enhance transparency in government recruitment, the East Jaintia Hills District Administration on Thursday announced that it is exploring measures such as installing CCTVs, enforcing temporary internet shutdowns and deploying mobile signal jammers during District Selection Committee (DSC) examinations.The move comes after a high-level consultative meeting chaired by district officials and attended by Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla, Sutnga–Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla, MDCs, DSC members, legal experts, school principals and other stakeholders. The meeting was convened to address concerns over recruitment procedures, following a letter submitted by R. Siangshai and advocate K. Ksoo highlighting issues related to transparency.The move comes after a high-lev...

Activist Angela Rangad has sharply criticised the state administration over its ongoing crackdown on hawkers and mobile vendors in the city, calling the actions “illegal, anti-poor, and a deliberate abuse of power.” Speaking to reporters, Rangad accused authorities of violating the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act and disregarding the very committee meant to oversee its implementation. “The city of Shillong and the people in power do not want to follow the law,” she said. “They are anti-poor and anti-people who are simply trying to make an honest living. The income disparity in this town is like nowhere else.” Rangad, a member of the Progressive Temporary Booth Committee (PTBC) and long-time campaigner for hawkers’ rights, said the recent e...