Saturday, June 13

Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM launches ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project for sustainability
Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM launches ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project for sustainability

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced the launch of the ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project, a sustainability-focused initiative targeting seven northeastern states, including Meghalaya. Spearheaded by North East Leaders Connect (NELC), the project aims to promote education, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the Tawang Declaration. The initiative is supported by the Möbius Foundation and the University of Cambridge. Announcing the project on his official social media account, CM Sangma stated, "North East Leaders Connect is happy to launch the ‘Mobius Young Climate Leaders’ project in seven northeastern states of India for education, economic, and environmental sustainability in alignment with the Tawang Declaration." The initia...
The crisis of drug abuse in Meghalaya, with 10% of its population affected
Meghalaya

The crisis of drug abuse in Meghalaya, with 10% of its population affected

Drug misuse is a serious issue in Meghalaya, where an estimated 10% of the population, or over 3 lakh people, use drugs. The bulk of individuals impacted are young people between the ages of 15 and 29, with a prevalence rate of 30% among this demographic, according to Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh. The state administration is pushing for the creation of a special court to hear charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in response to the escalating crisis. The establishment of this specialized court is presently being discussed with the Meghalaya High Court. The Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) is a dedicated police unit that the government has set up to address the growing drug problem. With 30 policemen under its command, the ANTF is committed to co...
Meghalaya allocates Rs 90 crore for NH-6 repair, completion targeted by 2025
Meghalaya

Meghalaya allocates Rs 90 crore for NH-6 repair, completion targeted by 2025

The Meghalaya government has announced a Rs 90 crore tender for the repair and development of National Highway-6 (NH-6), aiming for completion by March 2025. The highway, a critical link for the region, has faced partial closures due to ongoing infrastructure maintenance. Sutnga Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla confirmed that work is progressing steadily, with significant improvements observed up to the Sonapur area. Construction is now advancing towards Malidor, she said, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring timely completion.The allocated funds will be used to build new bridges, retaining walls, and other essential structures, addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges. To facilitate construction, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has implement...
The Meghalaya government suggests hosting the national games
Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government suggests hosting the national games

Early in 2027, the Meghalayan government intends to host the National Games. In order to evaluate the status of several projects aimed at creating sporting facilities for the event, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recently met with officials. The Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) has suggested that the games be held between February and March of 2027. This schedule is predicated on the assumption that the majority of the infrastructure projects will be finished by the end of 2025 or, at the latest, by March 2026. Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Shakliar Warjri formally informed Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya of this decision. The state government and MSOA have two years to complete preparations. In 2018, the state committed to hosting 36 spor...
Meghalaya church incident sparks demand for justice
Meghalaya

Meghalaya church incident sparks demand for justice

The All Saints’ Cathedral in Shillong has called for swift action following a disturbance at a church in Mawlynnong village, East Khasi Hills District. Bishop Purely Lyngdoh condemned the incident as an attack on religious freedom, describing it as deeply concerning. “We are very sad at what has been done in the Church at Mawlynnong, and we denounce it vehemently,” he said. The Bishop linked the disturbance to a broader pattern of incidents targeting Christian institutions, attributing them to threats from Hindu groups. He also raised concerns over demands from a Hindu organisation in Assam to perform rituals at the Mawjymbuin Cave, suggesting a coordinated effort to disrespect tribal religious practices. Lyngdoh urged the state government to ensure accountability and justice, warni...
Meghalaya Education Department releases new guidelines for the 2025 school year
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Education Department releases new guidelines for the 2025 school year

The Meghalaya Education Department has been adamantly against educational institutions declaring school holidays without permission. A comprehensive set of rules for the 2025 academic year has been prepared by the Department in a significant attempt to improve and streamline education. On February 10, all students will start a systematic class readiness program for the 2025 academic year. Primary school students (Classes I–V) will participate in this preparation phase until March 7; middle and high school students (Classes VI–X) will finish it by February 28. It will focus on foundational learning and skill development. Exam schedules for Classes VI–IX will henceforth be managed by the Department in an effort to foster accountability and transparency. To ensure standardized assessment ...
Meghalaya teen awarded Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for bravery
Meghalaya

Meghalaya teen awarded Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for bravery

Kisen Wanniang, a 15-year-old from Mawlangwir village in Meghalaya's South West Khasi Hills, has been honoured with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for bravery. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on December 26, 2024. Wanniang's act of courage involved rescuing four children aged 9 to 12 from drowning in the Maweitksar River during heavy rains. While washing clothes by the river, he heard their cries and, without hesitation, braved the strong currents to save them, one by one.The awards ceremony recognised 17 children from across India for achievements in categories such as bravery, innovation, and sports. President Murmu lauded the young awardees as the "pride of the nation," emphasizing the...
Meghalaya Congress seeks Mukul Sangma’s return, but he declines
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Congress seeks Mukul Sangma’s return, but he declines

Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Vincent H. Pala has expressed openness to welcoming back former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma into the party fold, highlighting that his leadership and experience could benefit Congress. However, Pala clarified that any potential return would require approval from the party’s high command and consultation with key leaders. Sangma, who served as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 2010 to 2018, currently leads the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the state. In response, he dismissed any intentions of rejoining Congress, labeling the party in Meghalaya as “directionless.” He also hinted at the possibility of launching a new political party, though he did not elaborate further on his plans. Sangma, who has been critical of Congress's current...
At the Rozgar Mela in Shillong, 124 candidates receive appointment letters
Meghalaya

At the Rozgar Mela in Shillong, 124 candidates receive appointment letters

At the 14th Rozgar Mela, which was held at the NEIGRHMS auditorium in Shillong, 124 candidates received their appointment letters, marking a major step toward increasing employment prospects in Meghalaya. The event was a significant milestone in the government's attempts to empower young people and was a part of a nationwide campaign that was staged concurrently in 45 sites. The 67th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) organized the event, which was presided over by Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan. In his speech, the minister welcomed the recently chosen candidates and underlined the government's emphasis on young mobilization for the advancement of the country. "I would like to extend my congratulations to the 124 people who were hired for...
Meghalaya-Assam border talks: West Jaintia Hills Committee to submit report in two months
Meghalaya

Meghalaya-Assam border talks: West Jaintia Hills Committee to submit report in two months

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar announced that the regional committee for West Jaintia Hills will submit a report on Assam-Meghalaya border issues within two months. The report will primarily address concerns related to villages in the Block-I area. Following the submission of the report, the Meghalaya government will review its findings and initiate discussions with Assam to resolve the border disputes. Dhar further emphasized that both states should undertake developmental activities only after informing their respective district administrations. The chief ministers of both Meghalaya and Assam will soon schedule a date for the second phase of border talks, marking a significant step in addressing the longstanding border issues between the two states.