Meghalaya

The Meghalaya Education Department has mandated that all government colleges in the state implement student uniform policies, following requests from educational institutions and student unions across the region. According to a notification issued on June 24, each college will have the autonomy to design its own uniform while working toward common goals of building unity and reducing socio-economic divisions among students. The directive, signed by Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar Mantri, states that the uniform policy aims "to foster unity, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging among students while reducing visible socio-economic disparities." This marks a significant shift in higher education policy for the northeastern state, where government colleges have traditionally allowe...

Given the number of accidents and other incidents that have caused loss of life and limb, the Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS) for East Khasi Hills has informed the general public that it is now mandatory for tourists to take tourist guide services while trekking to avoid any unfortunate events. “In view of safety reasons, it is now mandatory for all tourists to take the services of a registered tourist guide while undertaking treks (and outdoor activities) in the area,” East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Rosetta M Kurbah said in an order. The recent incident regarding the death of Indore tourist Raja Raghuvanshi is the most notorious. It had originally been suspected that he and his wife had had an accident while trekking alone. Su...

The Meghalaya High Court has admitted a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the state government’s recent policy change on issuing Scheduled Tribe certificates to members of the Khasi community. The PIL, filed by the local civil rights group Syngkhong Rympei Thymmai, through its General Secretary Armour Lyngdoh, contests the Social Welfare Department’s May 2024 decision to withdraw a 2020 guideline that had previously allowed Khasi individuals to obtain tribal certificates even if they used either parent’s surname, or in the case of non-Khasi wives, adopted their Khasi husband’s surname. Hearing the case on June 27, a bench comprising Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh raised critical questions about the policy’s legality and its impact on citizens' fundamental ri...

In a key development towards resolving the decades-old border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, a second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is likely to be signed before Independence Day, Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and MDA government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh announced on Friday. This comes two years after the first MoU, signed in 2022, successfully settled disputes in six out of twelve identified areas of contention along the interstate boundary. Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh revealed that the upcoming agreement is expected to bring five villages located in the disputed Block II area of Ri-Bhoi district under Meghalaya’s jurisdiction. “This is a significant step forward. The inclusion of these villages reflects continued engagement and negotiation with the Assam government,” he sai...

MDA spokesperson and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh on Friday said  that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed with the Assam government on August 15, which will facilitate the inclusion of five villages under Meghalaya. In the context of stand-off between Pnar and Karbi residents at Lapangap in West Jaintia Hills, Lyngdoh said the government has already sent forces to ensure peace in the area. Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said that the government is committed to resolve the border dispute. On the Langpih sector, Lyngdoh said a final solution is close to being reached. “A joint inspection needs to be undertaken, and I am awaiting confirmation from my counterpart, Mr. Patowari, who heads the committee for the Langpih sector from Assam”, he said.

Two educators named in a recent complaint regarding alleged irregularities in faculty appointments at Mendipathar College have strongly denied any involvement, stating that their names were included without their consent or prior knowledge. The complaint was submitted by social activist Cherian Momin, adviser to the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (COMSO), to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Cheanchi Marak and Miss Sengatchi Marak, who were temporarily appointed under the People’s College Scheme at Mendipathar College, issued a joint statement distancing themselves from the allegations raised by Momin. “We were appointed temporarily and as substitutes in accordance with the Governing Body's decisions, and we were fully aware of the terms and nature of our roles,” the st...

The recently refurbished Williamson Sangma Meghalaya State Museum, housed inside the grounds of the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong, was officially opened by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. The occasion represents an important turning point in the state's initiatives to use cutting-edge methods and contemporary technologies to protect and promote its rich cultural legacy. Sangma stated that the state's Education Department will shortly issue orders mandating that all pupils visit the museum as part of this vision. By incorporating cultural education into their academic path, the initiative seeks to promote cultural awareness and pride in young learners. The chief minister announced intentions to build comparable museums in several districts, starting with Tura, in order t...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for presenting him with Ryndia silk fabric woven by women of the northeastern state. In a letter to Sangma, Modi said people across the world are increasingly seeking products that are ethically produced and have less impact on the environment. The CM had gifted a piece of 'Ryndia Silk' fabric woven by women weavers of Ri-Bhoi district. The fabric, which was granted a GI tag last year, is a symbol of Meghalaya's cultural heritage and pride.