Friday, July 17

Meghalaya

Nongthymmai loses to Rangdajied United 5-1 in the season finale
Meghalaya, Sports

Nongthymmai loses to Rangdajied United 5-1 in the season finale

Rangdajied United FC defeated Nongthymmai SC 5-1 on March 11 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, to wrap up their OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024 campaign. Rangdajied's goals came from Mebanaibok Kharbudnah (40'), Pasborlang Khonglikong (43', 64'), and Freddy Jyrwa (54', 69'). Michaelson Kurbah (86') gave Nongthymmai a late consolation goal. Since both clubs lost their most recent games, this was a game for pride and an opportunity to finish the season on a strong note. Prior to today, RUFC and Nongthymmai were confirmed in third and ninth place, respectively. Rangdajied concluded with 11 victories, 2 draws, and 5 losses, earning them 35 points, whereas Nongthymmai, who will be demoted to the First Division for the upcoming season, finished with three wins, two draws, and 13...
KSU members protest against MSIPF and Railway project in Shillong
Meghalaya

KSU members protest against MSIPF and Railway project in Shillong

The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) staged a protest on Tuesday, marching towards the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in Rilbong against the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion Facilitation (MSIPF) Act 2024 and other issues. However, security forces halted them at Garrison Bridge. The protest was fuelled by concerns over the MSIPF Act, which KSU claims threatens the tribal community and violates the Meghalaya Land Transfer Regulation Act, 1971. The government recently introduced an amendment-the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion & Facilitation (Amendment) Bill 2025-removing paragraph 34 and adding a clause stating that the Act would not override the Land Transfer Act. However, KSU remains unconvinced and demands its complete repeal. KSU General Secretary Donald Thabah emphasised tha...
Meghalaya CM unveils $10 bn economy roadmap
Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM unveils $10 bn economy roadmap

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma unveiled Meghalaya’s ambitious roadmap to achieve Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs 85,787 crore, approximately USD 10 billion, by the 2028 fiscal. During his reply to the debate on the budget, Sangma, who also holds the finance portfolio, highlighted the transformative infrastructure projects, enhanced investment strategies, and citizen-centric schemes. He expressed confidence that the state’s development trajectory will reshape its economic landscape. He thanked the members for their participation in the budget discussions, mentioning that a record 34 of them took part. He underscored that Meghalaya’s budget tripled over the past decade, rising from Rs 9,858 crore during 2012-18 to Rs 27,072 crore in 2024-25. Investments from Externally Aided...
New Shillong projects to boost tourism, economy: Conrad
Meghalaya

New Shillong projects to boost tourism, economy: Conrad

The New Shillong Township is fast emerging as a symbol of Meghalaya’s growth ambitions, with the state government investing heavily in projects designed to elevate the region’s infrastructure, tourism potential, and economic opportunities. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized the township’s potential as a game-changer for the state. The township will feature the iconic Monolith Towers, which received the highest amount of funds in the Northeast. The New Secretariat building, designed with sustainability in mind, will improve government efficiency and adhere to environmentally responsible practices. The Unity Mall, a unique commercial destination, will blend traditional aesthetics with modern design, reflecting the state’s cultural ethos. The state government is also advancing othe...
Meghalaya farmers adopt organic farming methods through expert-led training
Meghalaya

Meghalaya farmers adopt organic farming methods through expert-led training

With a workshop on "Organic & Integrated Farming in Modern Agriculture," more than 300 farmers in Jaintia Hills took a step toward sustainable agriculture and gained essential skills to increase sustainability and production. In order to combine ancient farming methods with contemporary innovations, the event, which was organized by Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Community College (DDUCC) and the Skill Development Centre, Wahiajer, under North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), included hands-on demonstrations and interactive discussions. The workshop aimed to empower farmers with innovative organic farming methods, balancing traditional knowledge with technological advancements. Experts provided hands-on training, promoting sustainable techniques and environmental conservation. The "Golden ...
Meghalaya tightens mining laws in response to environmental worries
Meghalaya

Meghalaya tightens mining laws in response to environmental worries

Concerns over illicit extraction and its effects on the environment have long made mining operations in Meghalaya a divisive topic. The state government has reiterated its dedication to regulation, stressing that current legislative frameworks closely oversee mining operations. In answer to a query from Heavingstone Kharpran, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma spoke to the Assembly and described the many rules that are in effect. According to him, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 and the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules of 2016 govern sand quarrying and stone mining. Additionally, sand quarrying is governed by the 2020 Enforcement & Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining and the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016. Environmental or...
VPP opposes govt’s move for ouster of Justice Katakey
Meghalaya

VPP opposes govt’s move for ouster of Justice Katakey

The Meghalaya government’s purported plan to dismiss Justice (retired) BP Katakey, the head of the one-man committee looking into illegal coal mining and transportation in the state, has been vehemently opposed by the Voice of the People Party (VPP). The party called on the citizens to rise against what it describes as a “nefarious attempt” to undermine justice. “It is quite offensive that the state government is attempting to remove Justice Katakey. This reveals once more the real nature of the MDA Government, which appears to be hostile to openness,” VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh stated on Sunday, adding that “anyone who dares to hold the NPP-led MDA Government accountable appears to face its wrath”. According to reports, the state government is seeking legal advice on submitti...
BSF seizes sugar-laden vehicle near Bangladesh border in Meghalaya
Meghalaya

BSF seizes sugar-laden vehicle near Bangladesh border in Meghalaya

The Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted a vehicle carrying a large quantity of sugar near the India-Bangladesh border in South Garo Hills, Meghalaya, on Sunday, suspecting it was meant for smuggling. The operation was conducted by 144 Battalion BSF, which apprehended an Indian national attempting to transport the sugar illegally across the border. However, authorities have yet to disclose the exact quantity of the seized consignment or the identity of the suspect. Sugar smuggling remains a persistent issue along the India-Bangladesh border due to price differences between the two countries. Security forces have increased patrols and surveillance in known smuggling corridors to prevent illegal trade.
Meghalaya CM misleading people over scholarships delay: BJP
Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM misleading people over scholarships delay: BJP

The state BJP has indirectly accused Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma of misleading the public over the delayed disbursement of scholarships. The party said that while the hold-up stems from the state’s failure to fulfil its obligations, the blame is being unfairly shifted onto the Centre. According to the BJP, the Chief Minister’s attempt to pass the buck to the central government is nothing more than a smokescreen to hide the state’s inefficiency — particularly its repeated failure to submit the mandatory 10% contribution and the finalised list of beneficiaries, without which the Centre cannot release the remaining funds directly to students’ accounts. Earlier, Sangma blamed New Delhi, claiming the delay was due to the Centre’s failure to release funds on time. But the BJP isn’t buy...
Meghalaya among states with shortest working hours for govt, pvt employees
Meghalaya

Meghalaya among states with shortest working hours for govt, pvt employees

Meghalaya is among the states with the shortest working hours in India, reveals a recent report by Shamika Ravi, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). The study, titled “Time Spent on Employment-Related Activities in India: A Note”, highlights significant differences in working hours across the country, with Meghalaya standing out for its notably shorter workdays. The national average time spent on paid economic activities is about 422 minutes per day, roughly seven hours, in Meghalaya. In urban areas, individuals in Meghalaya work an average of 375 minutes per day, approximately 6.25 hours, placing the state among the states with the least time spent on economic activities in urban India. The trend of shorter working hours is common across the North...