Saturday, June 13

Meghalaya

More than 749 state water sources are deemed “critical”, and the government will act
Meghalaya

More than 749 state water sources are deemed “critical”, and the government will act

Marcuise N. Marak, the minister of Meghalaya Public Health Engineering (PHE), disclosed that more than 749 water sources in the state had been classified as "critical." "The state government will take appropriate measures aimed at the revival of the resources," the minister told reporters. He added that in order to protect the water sources, the state has called in specialists to create a project, establish policies, and carry it out. Marak also revealed intentions to use Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor the condition of the water in Meghalaya's rivers and other bodies of water. Additionally, it was disclosed that the state plans to fully execute the Jal Jeevan Mission by March 2025. According to Marak, authorities have finished 81.39 percent of the job thus far, with the...
Schools in Shillong to remain closed for a day due to large-scale program
Meghalaya

Schools in Shillong to remain closed for a day due to large-scale program

Schools in Shillong will remain closed on December 10 due to a major program organized by the Directorate of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya. The decision, issued by the Directorate of School Education & Literacy, aims to address anticipated traffic congestion and existing restrictions within the city during the event. The closure affects all schools within the municipal limits of Shillong. In an official order, Swapnil Tembe, Director of School Education & Literacy, instructed all school heads to ensure compliance. Parents have been advised to make alternative arrangements for their children for the day. The large-scale event is expected to draw a significant number of atte
Meghalaya CM hails George Jacob Koovakad’s appointment as Cardinal
Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM hails George Jacob Koovakad’s appointment as Cardinal

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has extended his heartfelt congratulations to George Jacob Koovakad on his elevation to the esteemed position of cardinal by Pope Francis. This historic recognition marks a significant milestone for both the Catholic Church in India and the country’s ecclesiastical presence at the Vatican. Koovakad’s appointment brings the number of Indian cardinals to six, further strengthening India's representation in the Vatican. At 51, Koovakad is a distinguished diplomat-priest who has earned praise for his dedicated service, particularly his role in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State. His leadership in organizing key papal trips to countries such as Canada, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo has earned him international acclaim. In a t...
Meghalaya Police announce revised dates for Physical Efficiency Test
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Police announce revised dates for Physical Efficiency Test

The Meghalaya Police have rescheduled the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for candidates, following technical glitches encountered during the initial rounds held from November 18 to December 21, 2024. The PET, which was originally notified on November 7, has now been cancelled due to these errors. In a press release, the Central Recruitment Board outlined the revised PET dates and venues: Candidates scheduled for the PET at the 3rd MLP Bn., Sahbsein, Jowai, can begin downloading their admit cards from December 6, 2024. Admit cards for other PET centers will be available from December 16, 2024. Candidates are advised to verify their personal information before downloading the admit card, with the option to correct data online. Those seeking to change their PET date must submit an appl...
Meghalaya secures $50 million ADB loan for water harvesting systems
Meghalaya

Meghalaya secures $50 million ADB loan for water harvesting systems

Meghalaya’s water security efforts received a significant boost as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) inked a $50 million loan agreement with the Government of India to construct water harvesting systems across the state. The project, spanning 12 districts, will establish 532 water storage facilities and safeguard over 3,000 hectares of farmland through advanced irrigation systems. Designed to capture monsoon rains and curb flash floods, the initiative ensures year-round water availability, aligning with Meghalaya’s 2019 water policy emphasizing sustainable management and community participation. “This project integrates climate adaptation into water security planning, supporting agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods,” said Mio Oka, ADB India Resident Mission Country Director. Notable ...
Umiam Lake set to become iconic eco-tourism hub in Meghalaya
Meghalaya

Umiam Lake set to become iconic eco-tourism hub in Meghalaya

Umiam Lake, a serene and picturesque destination just 15 kilometers from Shillong, is set to undergo a major transformation into a premier eco-tourism hub. The Government of India has approved a Rs 99.27 crore project aimed at enhancing the lake's appeal, turning it into a must-visit spot for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and tourists alike. Known for its tranquil beauty, Umiam Lake already attracts visitors with activities such as kayaking, speed boating, trekking, and fishing. The development plan will introduce a range of new features, including a Craft Village, Food Court, and other recreational spaces. The goal is to offer immersive cultural and entertainment experiences, making Umiam a top eco-tourism destination in India. In addition, four public-private partnership (PPP)...
CM-Connect boosts Citizen Engagement in Meghalaya: Conrad Sangma
Meghalaya

CM-Connect boosts Citizen Engagement in Meghalaya: Conrad Sangma

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized the success of the CM-Connect programme in addressing citizens' concerns during an outreach event in Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills, on December 3. Launched in February, CM-Connect enables residents to voice grievances, ask questions, and offer suggestions directly to the government. The initiative uses online, offline, and IVS platforms, including WhatsApp, ensuring accessibility. “This participatory approach ensures citizens are heard, and their concerns are addressed effectively,” Sangma stated. During the event, Sangma announced a ₹10 crore allocation for an artificial turf playground in Mawthungkper village to meet local demands. He also encouraged communities to collaborate with the government on development projects and addressed...
NEHU students resume classes amid ongoing protests
Meghalaya

NEHU students resume classes amid ongoing protests

Students of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Meghalaya have announced the resumption of classes starting today, following a month-long suspension of physical sessions due to protests. Despite this, demonstrations demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla will continue. Led by the NEHU Students' Union (NEHUSU) and Khasi Students' Union (KSU – NEHU Unit), students plan to hold daily two-hour sit-ins until their demands are met. NEHUSU General Secretary Toniho Kharsati voiced concerns over academic delays, emphasizing the impact on students' futures. The protesting groups have expressed strong opposition to Prof. Shukla’s return, vowing to resist his entry into the university. Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor in-charge Prof. Nirmalemdu Saha confirmed that Prof....
Meghalaya High Court disposes of PIL on misuse of power in vehicle procurement
Meghalaya

Meghalaya High Court disposes of PIL on misuse of power in vehicle procurement

A two-year-old Public Interest Litigation on the purported abuse of authority by a senior police official in the purchase of vehicles was resolved by the Meghalaya High Court. The order was made on December 2 by the division bench of Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh. In 2022, Patricia Mukhim and Riewad Vicharwant Warjri filed a Public Interest Litigation alleging that an Assistant Inspector General of Police improperly purchased and mishandled about 29 automobiles intended for the police force. Since it was filed, the case has advanced significantly. Only two witnesses were unavailable, according to Advocate General A Kumar, who told the court that 41 of the 43 prosecution witnesses had been questioned throughout the departmental investigation. After being first arre...
Shukla’s demand for central security sparks outrage in Meghalaya
Meghalaya

Shukla’s demand for central security sparks outrage in Meghalaya

The demand for Central security by Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, Vice-Chancellor of Meghalaya's North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), has sparked local outrage, with the Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) dismissing it as unfounded and potentially misuse of power. Shukla, who requested Central Armed Forces for his "safe return" to the campus on December 2, argued that the security measures provided by the Meghalaya State Government were inadequate for someone of his stature. In response, HITO criticized the VC’s demand in a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming that it lacked a valid foundation. The pressure group accused Shukla of disrespecting local traditions, particularly pointing to his defiance of a directive from the Mawlai Town Dorbar, a body that re...