Meghalaya

Prominent indigenous organisations in Meghalaya have condemned Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma's recent claim that Meghalaya is a "Christian state," asserting that such remarks undermine India's secular principles. Seng Khasi Kmie, a leading indigenous body, criticized the minister's statement, with its president, O Pyngrope, urging public officials to respect the Constitution. “India is a secular state. Leaders must uphold the sanctity of the Constitution and avoid divisive statements,” Pyngrope said. The controversy arose after Minister Sangma justified plans to include Christian rituals in the inauguration of Captain Williamson Sangma State University, arguing, “If the Parliament can be blessed with Hindu rituals, why not Christian rituals in a Christian state?” Seng Khasi Kmi...

The Union Government has released tax devolution of Rs 1,73,030 crore to State Governments today, as against the devolution of Rs 89,086 crore in December 2024. A higher amount is being devolved this month to enable states to accelerate capital spending and finance their development and welfare-related expenditures. Meghalaya received Rs 1327.13 crore from the above amount under the tax  devolution.

In an effort to bring governance closer to the people, the state cabinet moved its base to Sohra for a retreat on Friday. The purpose of the meeting, which is chaired by CM Conrad K. Sangma, is to give different government agencies a stage on which to present their projects and programs. In order to accomplish desired goals and objectives, it also looks for gaps and encourages teamwork. On the first day, the meeting saw the participation of Deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone Ymbon, and Power Minister AT Mondal. However, Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong was notably absent from this maiden attempt, alo...

Shillong’s first modern shopping mall, located in Polo, is all set for its grand inauguration, with the state government considering a tentative launch date in January. According to sources, the construction of the mall is fully complete. While the inauguration is tentatively scheduled for January 21, official confirmation is awaited. Built by Badri Rai Company at an estimated cost of Rs 85 crore, the six-storey mall spans a total built-up area of 1.5 lakh square feet. It features 90 shops, mechanised car parking facilities, 12 escalators, five lifts, a food court, EV  charging stations, office spaces on the fifth and sixth floors, and a dedicated kids’ zone, making it a significant addition to the state capital’s urban infrastructure.The state government will allocate shop spaces...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized the need to address logistical challenges to unlock the agricultural potential of Northeast India. Speaking at ICAR’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, Sangma highlighted the region's capacity to become a hub for organic products like turmeric, ginger, honey, and mushrooms but cited cold storage and infrastructure gaps as barriers to growth. While Meghalayan products such as pineapples and spices have reached European and UAE markets, Sangma pointed to bud rot disease in arecanut plantations as a critical issue. He called for enhanced collaboration between ICAR and state agencies to address such agricultural challenges. The CM also advocated for greater autonomy for Krishi Vigyan Kendras and cluster-based approaches to crop production. ...

The World Bank has approved a $35 million project to support over 5 lakh adolescents in Meghalaya by addressing key challenges in education, health and skill development. The initiative titled the Meghalaya Multisectoral Project for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment, and Resilience (MPOWER), aims to reduce school and dropout rates, improve learning outcomes, prepare young people for employment opportunities. The project is aimed at strengthening learning outcomes for adolescents in grades 6-12, by closing gaps in students’ reading and mathematics skills. To reduce dropout rates, the project will equip students with life skills, mental health awareness and provide guidance on career choices. Special focus will be on reaching student dropouts and providing them with the same support.The ...

Troops of Border Security Force (BSF) Meghalaya seized various contraband items worth more than Rs 31 lakh along the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. The items included garlic, cattle, sugar, blanket, tea, energy drink and 02 Mahindra pickup vehicle used for carrying smuggled items along the India-Bangladesh border.

The President of India  Droupadi Murmu will visit Meghalaya on January 9. On January 9, the President will grace the golden jubilee celebration of the ICAR Research Complex for ​the North-Eastern Hill Region at Umiam, Meghalaya. Murmu, who will be accompanied by Union Agriculture Minister. She will also meet Governor and Chief Minister. From January 10 and 11, a cabinet retreat will be held at Sohra as well.