Meghalaya

The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Smti. R.M. Kurbah, I.A.S., has declared October 20, 2025, as a "Dry Day" throughout the district in observance of Diwali. The order, issued under Section 52 of the Meghalaya Excise Act (Assam Excise Act, 1910 as adopted), mandates the closure of all Bonded Warehouses, IMFL "OFF" & "ON" shops, Home-Made Wine license premises, Wine & Beer Bars, Canteens, Outstills, and Home Delivery services on the said day.

The State Cabinet in its meeting held on  Wednesday took several key decisions, including the release of fund for GHADC. During the meeting, the cabinet released Rs 79.5 crores to GHADC .This fund will enable GHADC to clear the backlog of one year Salary of the employees  Out of 79 crore,11 crore is the due whole 68.5 crore is being released as advance grant to GHADC The cabinet also  approved the Meghalaya State Education Commission Report 2025. Members of the Cabinet held detailed discussions on the various recommendations outlined in the report and have directed the Education Department to thoroughly examine the proposals and prepare a set of actionable steps, along with a clear roadmap for their implementation. Based on the department's roadmap, the Cabinet will take...

In a significant move for healthcare professionals in the state, the Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the regularization of more than 1,000 nurses who were appointed on an ad-hoc basis against sanctioned posts before December 2007. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, after chairing the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, stated that the decision pertains to the regularization of positions under the Meghalaya Nursing Service, including staff nurses and auxiliary nurses and midwives. The Chief Minister recalled that in 2022, the state government had regularized over 3,000 employees who had similarly been appointed on an ad-hoc basis before December 2007, following a Supreme Court ruling. "This time, the Health Department submitted a fresh list of nearly 1,000 nurses who fall into the same category ...

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the southwest monsoon is expected to completely withdraw from Meghalaya by October 14, signaling the end of one of the most deficient monsoon seasons in recent years. According to IMD data, Meghalaya experienced the “highest rainfall deficit in the country” this year. Between June 1 and July 28, the state received only 690.7 mm of rain against the normal 1,555.4 mm, marking a shortfall of nearly 56 per cent. For the entire June–September period, total rainfall stood at 1,328.5 mm compared to the normal 2,401.4 mm, representing a deficit of approximately 45 per cent. Meteorologists attributed the low rainfall to shifting monsoon patterns and weakening moisture inflow, factors that have raised concerns over agriculture, wate...

The Meghalaya government has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NorthEast United FC aimed at boosting football development and promote Shillong as the 'Football Capital' of India, officials said on Tuesday. The partnership, effective from 2025 to 2028, brings together NorthEast United FC, the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in a joint effort to promote football culture, encourage youth participation, and strengthen Meghalaya's image as a key tourism destination, they said. The MoU was signed by representatives of NorthEast United FC, Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya. Under the MoU, NEUFC will play a pivotal role in conducting grassroots tr...

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the complete withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from Meghalaya is expected by October 14, marking the end of one of the most deficient monsoon seasons in the state in recent years. According to IMD data, Meghalaya recorded the “highest rainfall deficit in the country” this year, with rainfall around 56 per cent below normal levels. Between June 1 and July 28, the state received only 690.7 mm of rain against the normal 1,555.4 mm. For the entire June–September period, Meghalaya registered a rainfall deficit of about 45 per cent, receiving 1,328.5 mm compared to the normal 2,401.4 mm. Meteorologists attributed the anomaly to shifting monsoon dynamics and weakening moisture inflow, which have raised serious concerns over agricu...

A major tragedy was averted in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district on Saturday evening after police safely defused an improvised explosive device (IED) found at Umsning market. The timely response of the bomb disposal squad prevented what could have been a devastating explosion in the busy commercial area. According to Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Singh, a suspicious bag was discovered in a compound near the Meghalaya Rural Bank around dusk on October 11. “Upon examination, it was confirmed that the bag contained explosives,” Singh said, adding that the area was immediately cordoned off and the public evacuated to ensure safety. A Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), assisted by a K-9 unit, was swiftly deployed to the scene.  The explosive device was safely neutralise...

An improvised explosive device (IED) was found at Umsning market in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district and was safely defused, police said on Sunday. An abandoned bag containing suspected explosives was detected in a compound located in front of Meghalaya Rural Bank in the market on Saturday evening, Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Singh said. A bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) and a K-9 team were requisitioned and, upon examination, they confirmed the presence of explosives. A bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS), along with a K-9 team, were immediately deployed to the site. The IED was successfully neutralised without any damage or casualties. “On analysis, it was found that the IED was made using 4.7 kg of gelatine, 10 detonators, and around 50 iron rod pieces as splinters...

The Meghalaya government has begun identifying alternative locations for the proposed relocation of 342 families currently residing in the Harijan Colony at Them lew Mawlong, Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar confirmed on Friday. Dhar, while interacting with the press, explained that discussions are progressing before any final decision is made. He remarked that the process is ongoing and that details will be shared once the government reaches a conclusion. Talks with the Defence Ministry, he added, have not yet concluded. "We are still in talks with them," Dhar informed, pointing out that the matter remains under discussion at multiple levels. He also acknowledged that the relocation issue is still before the court but stressed that the state machinery...

VThe Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has expressed deep anguish over the recent deaths of two missing children in separate incidents that have shocked the state. A seven-year-old boy from Nongrah in East Khasi Hills and a thirteen-year-old from Khyndewso in Ri Bhoi district were both reported missing before their bodies were tragically recovered, sparking grief and outrage across Meghalaya. MSCPCR Chairperson Agatha K. Sangma extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, stating that the Commission “stands in solidarity with them during this time of profound grief and loss.” Sangma described the rising number of missing child cases in Meghalaya as “a disturbing trend” that warrants immediate and coordinated government intervention. The C...