Meghalaya

First-time MDCs of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), Shemborlang Rynjah and Strong Pillar Kharjana, are all set to be elected unopposed as the new Chief Executive Member (CEM) and the Chairman of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) respectively as the opposition decided against contesting. Rynjah, who represents Lyngkyrdem-Laitkroh, and Kharjana, who got elected from Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah, are the only ones who filed nominations on Thursday for the elections to the posts of CEM and Chairman. The VPP has decided that Rynjah would lead the new Executive Committee (EC) in the KHADC as the CEM. The party also announced the name of Kharjana for the post of Chairman. It was learnt that Rynjah was chosen due to his leadership quality. VPP sources said the party leadersh...

The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the Meghalaya Urban Parking Policy 2025, aiming to enhance urban mobility and address unorganised on-street parking in cities. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized the urgent need for a structured parking system to tackle rising traffic congestion. He acknowledged concerns raised by local Dorbars and communities and assured collaborative implementation for effective reforms. In another key decision, the Cabinet amended the mandatory medical service policy for state-sponsored medical students. The new provision exempts doctors working with non-profits and Central institutions from compulsory service in government hospitals, ensuring flexibility while maintaining healthcare commitments in the state.

The setback in the KHADC election seems to be taking its toll on the MDA coalition, with reports of friction between the NPP and the UDP, the two key MDA constituents, on the eve of the swearing-in ceremony of the 29 newly-elected MDCs in the KHADC. A tussle between the NPP and the UDP is regarding the post of opposition leader. Although the UDP has five MDCs and is the second largest party in the new House, the NPP, which has four MDCs, has been backed by the two independent MDCs—Ricky Shullai from Laban-Mawprem and Lurshai Kharbani from Rambrai-Jyrngam along with the lone HSPDP MDC from Mawshynrut, Srally Rashir. With the support of the three MDCs, the NPP’s strength has gone up to seven, owing to which the party is poised to take the opposition leader’s post. HSPDP MLA from Mawsh...

Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar on Wednesday said NEHU Vice Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla cannot be removed from his position despite demands. “The university is autonomous and there are set procedures for the recruitment of a VC. So you cannot change the VC on demand as it is not possible,” he said. He, however, said the Centre is in touch with the state officials and are keeping a close watch on the NEHU issue. “Efforts are on to minimise the problems in the university. I hope we will be able to address whatever problems are being faced by the students,” the MoS said.

Mawlai SC moved one step closer to defending their OC Blue Shillong Premier League title with a crucial 1-0 win over Rangdajied United FC at SSA Stadium, Polo, on Tuesday. The victory also ended Rangdajied’s title hopes. Earlier in the day, Langsning FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Laitkor SC, reclaiming fourth place in the standings. Khrawkupar Jana (36’) netted the winner for Mawlai, while Melambha Shabong (90’+2) sealed Langsning’s victory in stoppage time. With two matches remaining, Rangdajied, currently third, can no longer overtake Mawlai’s 41 points. Shillong Lajong FC remains the only title challenger, trailing Mawlai by five points. Meanwhile, Langsning leapfrogged Laitkor to fourth place with 24 points, just one ahead of their rivals, who have a game in hand. Rangdajie...

The Meghalaya High Court has ordered the reconstruction of St. Anthony’s Lower Primary School in Shillong, ensuring that the new structure closely resembles the original building, which was controversially demolished during the court’s Christmas vacation. The 72-year-old school, established in 1922, was torn down despite a December 9, 2024 court order, sparking concerns over due process and heritage conservation. The bench, comprising Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh, questioned the urgency behind the demolition, stating,"Why was the alleged imminent danger to the building not brought before the vacation bench for appropriate leave?" According to affidavits, Reliant Foundations Private Limited, Guwahati, deemed the school structurally weak and at risk of collapse by e...

The National People’s Party (NPP) is all set to lead the Executive Committee (EC) in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) with support from its ally United Democratic Party (UDP) and two others who won contesting as independent candidates. Thombor Shiwat will take over as the Chief Executive Member (CEM). The NPP bagged 13 seats in the JHADC. Support from the UDP, which won 3 seats, and the two independents—Violet Lyngdoh and Moonlight Pariat—will take the formation’s tally to 18 in the 29-member council. One member will be nominated to the House later. The NPP huddled with its coalition partners at a meeting late Monday night. It was decided that Shiwat, who is an NPP MDC, will continue as the CEM. Lasky Rymbai of the UDP will also continue as the Deputy CEM.The en...