Meghalaya

Under the MPOWER Training of Master Trainers Programme, which is currently in year 2 of implementation, a six-day intensive training was successfully conducted from 3rd to 8th August 2026 at the Meghalaya Teacher Training Academy (MTTA), Malki, Shillong. The programme focused on strengthening the capacity of Master Trainers in the key thematic areas of Life Skills, Financial Literacy, Mental Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health, marking an important milestone in the implementation of the MPOWER programme and Meghalaya’s continued efforts to strengthen teacher professional development, promote holistic adolescent development, and enhance learning outcomes across the state. The training was supported by MTTA, which provided the necessary institutional support and training facilit...

Traditional institutions and leaders from Khasi Hills have urged the Meghalaya government to intervene against the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council’s (KHADC) proposed amendment to its land administration law, arguing that the move weakens the customary institutions responsible for community land governance. A delegation of the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SNSBH) and Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SRKBH) met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the District Council Affairs portfolio, on August 7 and submitted a memorandum outlining their objections. The meeting followed discussions between representatives of traditional institutions and the Governor. The delegation said it was acting on the...

Meghalaya's renowned vocal ensemble KC Lights brought pride to India by winning two gold medals and a Special Jury Award at the 3rd Thailand International Choral Festival (Thai ICF) 2026, held at the Thailand Cultural Centre from August 3 to 7 in Bangkok. Led by Headmaster and Conductor Brian N. Wallang, the choir secured a gold medal in the Folksong Category with a score of 84.55 for their performances of Ka Jingwanphai and U Sier Lapalang, both arranged by Emmanuel Martin Marbaniang. The group also claimed a second gold medal in the Teenage Choir Category, scoring 85.80 with performances of Blue Moon and Enya's Orinoco Flow. In addition to the two gold medals, KC Lights received the Special Jury Award for Sincerity of Expression, recognising their emotionally powerful performan...

The Meghalaya Directorate of Tourism has opened online applications for the Tourist Buddy Scheme, an initiative aimed at creating employment for local youth across the Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi district. The last date to apply is August 14. Under the scheme, local youth will be engaged as the first point of contact for tourists, providing information on attractions, local culture and safety while assisting in the management of tourist destinations. They will also monitor basic infrastructure, including roads, parking, public toilets, waste management and drinking water facilities, besides maintaining visitor records and reporting issues to the Tourism Department. The initiative also focuses on visitor safety by ensuring the availability of life jackets, first-aid kit...

Thousands of supporters of the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) took to the streets of Shillong in a major protest against the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, alleging that public concerns and issues affecting indigenous communities have been ignored. The rally, attended by around 3,000 people, began from IGP and passed through areas near the Secretariat before moving towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where it concluded peacefully. A heavy security presence was maintained throughout the march. Addressing the gathering, VPP president and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said the party was forced to organise the protest after repeatedly failing to get adequate opportunities to raise public issues in the Assembly. He said a responsible government...

Both Meghalaya and Assam are exploring ways to mitigate the flood problem at Jorabat along the inter-state border, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday. The recurring flood at Jorabat, the biggest entry point to Meghalaya from Assam, has repeatedly disrupted normal life and traffic along the border during monsoon rains and it has been a matter of concern for both the state governments. Meghalaya government is studying every aspect of the floods in the area and exploring both immediate and long-term solutions in coordination with the Assam government, Sangma said. Pointing at the bowl-like topography in the area, he said, “There is a concern because of the bowl-like structure created due to the road construction. The level below the main flyover is quite deep, which lea...

Farmers and landowners of Shnongrim village under Nongkhlieh Elaka have sought an independent inquiry into allegations that they were prevented from attending the statutory environmental public hearing for Shree Cement Company’s proposed integrated cement plant and limestone mining project at Lum Syrman. The public hearing, conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Alertson Nongbri, lasted for 46 minutes. Following the hearing, villagers submitted memorandums to the MSPCB and the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, with copies forwarded to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), seeking a fair investigation into the matter. According to the vill...

The Draft Electoral Roll for East Khasi Hills under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 was published on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the electoral roll revision process. Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Abhilash Baranwal said the month-long revision exercise was completed successfully with the support of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), election officials, political parties and Booth Level Agents (BLAs). Baranwal thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth completion of the draft roll preparation and urged electors to actively participate in the next phase of the revision process. He appealed to voters and political parties to scrutinise the draft electoral roll and submit any claims or objections during the designate...

The Centre has approved an allocation of Rs 336.62 crore for Meghalaya under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 for the financial year 2026-27, providing a significant boost to the state's rural drinking water infrastructure programme. Public Health Engineering (PHE) Minister Marcuise Marak on Tuesday said the funds, sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, will strengthen the implementation of JJM 2.0 across the state and facilitate the clearance of at least one-third of the pending bills of contractors engaged in drinking water projects under the mission. Marak made the announcement following a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil in New Delhi. He said the release of funds would help expedite ongoing water supply projects and improve the pace of implementatio...

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, today announced the launch of Mission Clouded Leopard, the State’s flagship programme dedicated to the conservation of the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), the State Animal of Meghalaya. The announcement was made on the occasion of International Clouded Leopard Day, observed on 4 August every year. The Mission provides an integrated framework for securing viable populations of the species across the State. It covers habitat protection and restoration, scientific research and long-term monitoring, strengthened protection measures, improved landscape connectivity, capacity building of frontline staff, community participation, public awareness, and collaboration with neighbouring North-Eastern States for landscape-level conser...