Meghalaya

Meghalaya has emerged as the state with the fourth highest Outstanding Liabilities to Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ratio in India, according to the latest audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. Among the Northeastern and Himalayan states, Meghalaya ranks third, signaling a growing debt burden. The CAG report highlights the mounting financial liabilities on the state's Consolidated Fund, which include market loans, borrowings from financial institutions, and advances from the Government of India (GoI). Public debt for the year 2022-23 stood at a staggering ₹14,637.12 crore, comprising ₹11,285.50 crore in market loans, ₹1,349.04 crore in institutional loans, and ₹2,002.58 crore from the GoI. The report points out a s...

In a recent Assembly session on August 29, Mukul Sangma, the newly-appointed Leader of the Opposition in Meghalaya, called for the expedited implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) of 2016. Sangma underscored the urgency of addressing amendments related to facilitation centres, which had previously faced objections from the Meghalaya High Court. Sangma highlighted that while the MRSSA has passed judicial scrutiny, it requires fine-tuning to ensure effective implementation. He stressed the importance of demonstrating commitment to civil society by moving forward with the Act. The MRSSA, aimed at empowering local traditional bodies and addressing concerns over illegal immigration, has faced delays due to proposed amendments and constitutional procedures....

On August 27, the Meghalaya Assembly decisively rejected the Meghalaya Reservation for Non-Creamy Layer of Scheduled Tribes (in State Reservation Policy) Bill, 2024, in a voice vote. The bill, proposed by Adelbert Nongrum, an opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator from North Shillong, failed to secure the necessary support. Following the vote, Assembly Deputy Speaker Timothy D. Shira announced, “The No’s have it, the motion is not carried and leave to introduce the Bill is not granted.” Nongrum had argued that the bill aimed to provide reservation for the non-creamy layer of Scheduled Tribes within the state, aligning with the State Reservation Policy. He presented empirical data indicating that a significant portion of the Scheduled Tribe population in Meghalaya is econ...

The Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) has requested an extension from the Meghalaya government to respond to the relocation plan for 342 families from Them Iew Mawlong. The original 15-day deadline, set by the government, was deemed insufficient by the committee for thorough consultations. In a statement issued on August 26, HPC Secretary Gurjit Singh explained that the committee needs additional time to engage with key Sikh community leaders and organizations. "We plan to consult with the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee in Amritsar, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, and other senior leaders for their guidance," Singh stated. However, he noted that these leaders are unavailable for consultations for the next two to three weeks d...

Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, highlighted Meghalaya’s distinctive landscapes and rich cultural heritage during a press conference on Friday. Addressing reporters on his third day in the state, Dr. Choudhary underscored the central government's commitment to ensuring that Meghalaya's growth is both inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Dr. Choudhary, who had recently returned from South West Khasi Hills, emphasized the importance of balancing development with conservation. “Meghalaya holds a special place in our country due to its unique landscapes and vibrant community. We are dedicated to promoting sustainable growth that aligns with the state’s environmental values,” he said. The Union Minister detailed several central government initiatives aim...

The sequel to the 1997 war film Border has sparked excitement about the cast and plot. Sunny Deol is returning, while other details remain under wraps. Varun Dhawan is set to join the cast, and fans are eagerly awaiting the news. TV stars Nakuul Mehta and Kriti Sanon have also expressed their reactions to the news. Varun Dhawan has announced his joining the cast of Border 2, a war film directed by JP and Nidhi Dutta. The actor will play an army person. Nakuul Mehta, Kriti Sanon, and fashion designer Manish Malhotra reacted to the announcement, with Nakuul Mehta saluting the actor, Kriti Sanon expressing his admiration, and Manish Malhotra expressing his heartfelt support. Varun shared a clip in which he praises the Border franchise as "India's Biggest War Film Gets Bigger," stating ...