Meghalaya

In a significant decision, the Meghalaya government is set to implement what is effectively a virtual Inner Line Permit (ILP) system for tourists and visitors entering the state. The new compulsory registration mechanism will require verification of antecedents, intentions and proper documentation of all outsiders, similar to the ILP regime followed in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur. Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira said the registration process will function almost like an ILP. He said the registration process will be rolled out through dedicated centres across the state, beginning with Umling in Ri-Bhoi. The minister explained that the move is intended to keep proper records of visitors, especially as large numbers of people visit the state. Similar tourist r...

With nearly one and half year left for the next Meghalaya Assembly elections, the BJP appears to be signalling a shift in strategy—from being a junior coalition partner to emerging as an independent political force in the state. The latest trigger for political speculation was the presence of former UDP leader and ex-MLA Jemino Mawthoh at a BJP programme commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Mawthoh not only attended the event but also addressed party workers, fuelling rumours that he could soon join the saffron party.While there has been no official confirmation, senior BJP leaders privately indicate that his induction is only a matter of time. The development comes amid other signs that the BJP is working to strengthen its footprint in Meghalaya. Ass...

Calling out the alleged prolonged inaction, the Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has strongly criticised the Meghalaya government and the office of the Defence Estate Officer for what it described as their continued failure to act against the alleged illegal occupation of land in the Lum Survey area, claiming that the locality has become a hub of illegal settlements, drug-related activities and other criminal elements. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the HYC alleged that the authorities have repeatedly cited pending court proceedings as the reason for not initiating eviction drives. However, the organisation maintained that the explanation is “misleading and unacceptable,” asserting that the litigation concerns only three individuals claiming rights over a specific portion of the la...

The Meghalaya Cabinet on July 9 approved amendments to the lease agreement for Orchid Resort at Mawkasiang in New Shillong, clearing the way for the property to be upgraded into a five-star resort as part of the state's efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the revised lease terms have been aligned with the state's policy for similar tourism projects. Under the new agreement, the developer will make a one-time deposit of Rs 5 crore and contribute four per cent of the annual turnover to the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). According to the Chief Minister, the decision is expected to encourage private investment, improve tourism infrastructure and generate employment while contributing to the state's economic growth. The ...

The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the establishment of St. Xavier’s University in the state and sanctioned the allotment of 50 acres of land at Mawkhanu at a concessional rate to facilitate the project. Announcing the decision on July 8, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the move reaffirms the government's commitment to strengthening higher education in the state. According to the Chief Minister, the Cabinet approved the land allotment after detailed discussions with the university authorities. The land will be provided at a concessional rate of around ₹1 lakh per hectare. Calling the initiative "an investment in the future of our youth", Sangma said St. Xavier’s is a premier institution with a long-standing legacy of academic excellence. He added that the university's est...

The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a series of major proposals aimed at strengthening education, agriculture, tourism and information technology sectors across the state. The decisions include land allocation for St. Xavier’s University, development of an integrated Lakadong turmeric processing plant, expansion of tourism infrastructure and enhancement of IT facilities. The cabinet approved the allotment of 50 acres of land at Mawkhanu for the establishment of St. Xavier’s University at a concessional rate of ₹1 lakh per hectare. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the university will create new educational opportunities for students in Meghalaya and the wider Northeast region while contributing to youth development. The cabinet also approved the acquisition of 3.972 acres of land i...

Senior BJP legislator Alexander Laloo Hek on Tuesday declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party will contest the 2028 Meghalaya Assembly elections independently, expressing confidence that the party will be in a position to form and lead the next government in the state. Speaking to reporters, Hek said the BJP has already begun strengthening its organisational network across Meghalaya in preparation for the Assembly polls. "We will fight the 2028 elections on our own and are confident of leading the next government," he said, asserting that the party is steadily expanding its political base in the state. Commenting on the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, Hek disclosed that the BJP had initially approached him to be its candidate. However, he declined the proposal, stating t...

Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Wednesday announced that the State has moved up two grades in the Government of India's Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for 2025-26, rising from Akanshi-3 to Akanshi-1 with its score improving from 448 to 525.7.Rymbui said it is the first time the state has moved out of the lowest grade since the PGI framework was introduced.The Minister attributed the improvement to reforms such as the Structured Pay Framework for teachers, school rationalisation, CM IMPACT, infrastructure upgrades, strengthened teacher training, digital governance, and focused efforts to improve learning outcomes.He said the state's overall PGI score has risen steadily from 401.62 in 2022-23 to 417.89 in 2023-24, 448 in 2024-25 and 525.71 in 2025-26, registering an incr...

In a significant development for Meghalaya's coal sector, the Centre has agreed to constitute a committee to examine the state's request for greater authority in granting approvals for coal mining projects, raising hopes of a long-term solution to issues that have persisted since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014. The decision followed a meeting in New Delhi between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy. Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla was also present during the discussions. During the meeting, Sangma urged the Centre to delegate powers under Section 26 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, enabling the Meghalaya government to approve mining plans and grant statutor...

A Jaintia student body has urged a regional rural bank to close its branches for Behdienkhlam Festival, saying it is the “most important religious and cultural festival of the Pnar community.” In a letter to Meghalaya Rural Bank general manager (In-charge), Jowai & West Jaintia Agglomeration Area, the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) Jowai Circle on Tuesday requested “immediate instructions to all Branch Managers… particularly the Jowai and Mihmyntdu branches, to observe the officially declared local holidays on 8th and 9th July 2026 in connection with the celebration of Behdienkhlam Festival 2026.” “Observing these holidays will demonstrate respect for the traditions, culture, and sentiments of the people of West Jaintia Hills,” the JSU said. The union also requested that “nece...