Saturday, March 14

Meghalaya

KSU seeks state government action on ILP and unemployment crisis
Meghalaya

KSU seeks state government action on ILP and unemployment crisis

The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) has asked the state government to come out with a positive and clear message this year on the demand for the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the Meghalaya. "This year we have high expectation that the government should aggressively pursue the issue of ILP with the central government. In 2019, the resolution was passed by the Assembly and we expect the state govern- ment to come out with a positive and clear message for the people of the state regarding the Centre's mind and stand on the resolution," KSU president Lambokstar Marngar said on Thursday. Talking about other ex- pectations in 2025, the KSU leader said they expect the in- clusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, resolution of the interstate border disp...
Meghalaya’s largest cavefish named India’s first ‘National Cave Animal
Meghalaya

Meghalaya’s largest cavefish named India’s first ‘National Cave Animal

In a first for Meghalaya Neolissochilus pnar, the world’s largest cavefish fiund in the state, has been named India’s first “National Cave Animal of the Year.” This announcement was made by Speleological Association of India (SAI), an Indian partner of the International Union of Speleology (UIS) as part of its newly launched initiative to highlight the country’s unique subterranean fauna. By designating a National Cave Animal annually, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the ecological significance of cave ecosystems and promote their conservation.
NEHU acquires Rs 16.5 crore in government funding for research and development
Meghalaya

NEHU acquires Rs 16.5 crore in government funding for research and development

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has received significant financing from the federal government. Through the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has authorized Rs 14 crore in funding for the "Capacity Building and Skill Development in Medical Device Sector" sub-scheme. This is a component of the larger "Strengthening of Medical Device Industry" effort, which aims to increase India's domestic capacity for producing medical devices, lessen dependency on imports, and promote global competitiveness. It is envisaged that the program will encourage collaborations between businesses, healthcare facilities, and students, offering practical experience and increasing the employability of graduates. By addr...
One stabbed on new year’s day in Shillong
Meghalaya

One stabbed on new year’s day in Shillong

As the entire Shillong was celebrating new year on January 1, a person sustained serious injuries after being stabbed by miscreants in Cantonment area of Shillong. The incident happened at the parking lot area of Ghumti in Shillong Cantonment. According to sources, the person has been admitted to NEIGRIHMS and is under medical supervision. Notably, complete details of the incident are not available at the moment and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Complaint lodged after attack on youth on new year's day in Shillong.As the entire Shillong was celebrating new year on January 1, a person sustained serious injuries after being attacked in Cantonment area of Shillong. As per the complaint filed at Jhalupara Police Outpost, the person identified as Deva Kharkongor,...
Meghalaya CM launches ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project for sustainability
Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM launches ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project for sustainability

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced the launch of the ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project, a sustainability-focused initiative targeting seven northeastern states, including Meghalaya. Spearheaded by North East Leaders Connect (NELC), the project aims to promote education, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the Tawang Declaration. The initiative is supported by the Möbius Foundation and the University of Cambridge. Announcing the project on his official social media account, CM Sangma stated, "North East Leaders Connect is happy to launch the ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project in seven northeastern states of India for education, economic, and environmental sustainability in alignment with the Tawang Declaration." The initia...
The crisis of drug abuse in Meghalaya, with 10% of its population affected
Meghalaya

The crisis of drug abuse in Meghalaya, with 10% of its population affected

Drug misuse is a serious issue in Meghalaya, where an estimated 10% of the population, or over 3 lakh people, use drugs. The bulk of individuals impacted are young people between the ages of 15 and 29, with a prevalence rate of 30% among this demographic, according to Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh. The state administration is pushing for the creation of a special court to hear charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in response to the escalating crisis. The establishment of this specialized court is presently being discussed with the Meghalaya High Court. The Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) is a dedicated police unit that the government has set up to address the growing drug problem. With 30 policemen under its command, the ANTF is committed to co...
Meghalaya allocates Rs 90 crore for NH-6 repair, completion targeted by 2025
Meghalaya

Meghalaya allocates Rs 90 crore for NH-6 repair, completion targeted by 2025

The Meghalaya government has announced a Rs 90 crore tender for the repair and development of National Highway-6 (NH-6), aiming for completion by March 2025. The highway, a critical link for the region, has faced partial closures due to ongoing infrastructure maintenance. Sutnga Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla confirmed that work is progressing steadily, with significant improvements observed up to the Sonapur area. Construction is now advancing towards Malidor, she said, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring timely completion.The allocated funds will be used to build new bridges, retaining walls, and other essential structures, addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges. To facilitate construction, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has implement...
The Meghalaya government suggests hosting the national games
Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government suggests hosting the national games

Early in 2027, the Meghalayan government intends to host the National Games. In order to evaluate the status of several projects aimed at creating sporting facilities for the event, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recently met with officials. The Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) has suggested that the games be held between February and March of 2027. This schedule is predicated on the assumption that the majority of the infrastructure projects will be finished by the end of 2025 or, at the latest, by March 2026. Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Shakliar Warjri formally informed Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya of this decision. The state government and MSOA have two years to complete preparations. In 2018, the state committed to hosting 36 spor...
Meghalaya church incident sparks demand for justice
Meghalaya

Meghalaya church incident sparks demand for justice

The All Saints’ Cathedral in Shillong has called for swift action following a disturbance at a church in Mawlynnong village, East Khasi Hills District. Bishop Purely Lyngdoh condemned the incident as an attack on religious freedom, describing it as deeply concerning. “We are very sad at what has been done in the Church at Mawlynnong, and we denounce it vehemently,” he said. The Bishop linked the disturbance to a broader pattern of incidents targeting Christian institutions, attributing them to threats from Hindu groups. He also raised concerns over demands from a Hindu organisation in Assam to perform rituals at the Mawjymbuin Cave, suggesting a coordinated effort to disrespect tribal religious practices. Lyngdoh urged the state government to ensure accountability and justice, warni...
Meghalaya Education Department releases new guidelines for the 2025 school year
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Education Department releases new guidelines for the 2025 school year

The Meghalaya Education Department has been adamantly against educational institutions declaring school holidays without permission. A comprehensive set of rules for the 2025 academic year has been prepared by the Department in a significant attempt to improve and streamline education. On February 10, all students will start a systematic class readiness program for the 2025 academic year. Primary school students (Classes I–V) will participate in this preparation phase until March 7; middle and high school students (Classes VI–X) will finish it by February 28. It will focus on foundational learning and skill development. Exam schedules for Classes VI–IX will henceforth be managed by the Department in an effort to foster accountability and transparency. To ensure standardized assessment ...