Sunday, September 27

Meghalaya

Meghalaya’s chief minister was present at the Tura SPARK Summit 2025
Meghalaya

Meghalaya’s chief minister was present at the Tura SPARK Summit 2025

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma of Meghalaya was present at the SPARK Summit 2025 on Friday, which took place at the District Auditorium in Tura. During the summit, the Department of Education, Government of Meghalaya, under Samagra Shiksha, celebrated a year of achievements under the SPARK Program (School Programmes in Articulation, Resilience, and Kindness). Other dignitaries in attendance included Jagdish Chelani, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills; Swapnil Tembe, Secretary, Education and Director of School Education & Literacy and State Project Director, SEMAM-SSA; and H. M. Shangpliang, Advisor to the Government of Meghalaya, Department of Education. The Chief Minister underlined in his speech that the main goals of education are not just academic success but also the develo...
The earthquake story continues with vibrations in Meghalaya and Manipur
Meghalaya

The earthquake story continues with vibrations in Meghalaya and Manipur

Following two powerful earthquakes that rocked Bangkok, Thailand, and Myanmar, Manipur's Imphal and Meghalaya also experienced small tremors on March 28. The epicentre was located roughly 50 kilometers east of Monywa in central Myanmar. Residents of Thangal Bazar in Imphal, Manipur, which is home to numerous historic multi-story structures, were in a state of terror following an earthquake with a Richter value of 4.3. At 1:29 pm, the earthquake occurred 10 kilometers below the surface at latitude 24.96 N and longitude 94.69 E. At 1:03 PM today, an earthquake of a magnitude of 4.0 rocked the East Garo Hills region of Meghalaya. The earthquake was measured at a depth of 5 kilometers and at latitudes 25.57 N and 90.58 E. But according to authorities, no damage has been detected as of yet....
Investors eye hospitality, health, IT sectors in Meghalaya
Meghalaya

Investors eye hospitality, health, IT sectors in Meghalaya

With Germany already committed to investing in Meghalaya, the 7th Act East Business Show has further strengthened economic collaborations, positioning the state as an attractive investment destination across multiple sectors. Delegates from 14 countries expressed keen interest in investing in key industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and Information Technology (IT). The three-day business show concluded on Thursday with discussions on tourism, travel, and hospitality. The German delegation also held a separate meeting with Meghalaya Chief Minister, expressing optimism about future investments and collaborations. Earlier, German Ambassador to India, Dr. Philipp Ackermann, had visited the iconic living root bridges, appreciating the region’s natural beauty. The participating cou...
CAG report reveals illegal appointments in KHADC
Meghalaya

CAG report reveals illegal appointments in KHADC

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report for the financial year ending March 31, 2020, has flagged irregularities in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) recruitment process. The report revealed that the Council made eight direct appointments to various posts without following recruitment rules, issuing advertisements, or conducting competitive examinations. The report, tabled on Wednesday during the Council’s budget session, cited the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Service Rules, 1961, which govern staff appointments and promotions. According to Rule 3 of these service rules, recruitment for all classes of services and staff must be conducted through advertisements, followed by competitive exams, oral examinations, or interviews. However, af...
Shillong Police Reserve to be shifted to NST in decongestion bid
Meghalaya

Shillong Police Reserve to be shifted to NST in decongestion bid

As part of efforts to ease congestion in the state capital, the Cabinet on Wednesday approved the relocation of the Police Reserve to Tynring, within the New Shillong Township. A 50-acre site has been earmarked for the new Police Reserve, which will also serve as a corridor between the township’s administrative and knowledge zones. Announcing the decision, Cabinet Minister and MDA 2.0 Spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh described the relocation as a crucial step in Shillong’s urban planning and decongestion efforts. “This move will not only help decongest the state capital but also create space for further urban development,” Lyngdoh stated. With the Cabinet’s approval, the government will immediately begin work on establishing the new Police Reserve. Lyngdoh emphasised that relocating the fa...
Watershed Yatra reaches Ganchikalak Secondary School in South Garo Hills
Meghalaya

Watershed Yatra reaches Ganchikalak Secondary School in South Garo Hills

At Ganchikalak Secondary School, the Watershed Yatra—a national campaign supporting sustainable watershed management—engaged teachers and students in a number of hands-on environmental conservation activities. MLA of 59 Chokpot LAC, Sengchim N. Sangma, who is also the MDC of Chokpot GHADC, was the Chief Guest at the program's opening ceremony. Former MDC Willy D. Shira, Wennison Ch. Marak, Shri Pittingson R. Marak (ADC, South Garo Hills), Chokpot Civil Sub-Division SDO, Dr. Merril N. Sangma (GHEPS President), K. C. Momin (GHEPS Advisor), John Oswin S. Momin (Divisional Soil & Water Conservation, Baghmara South Garo Hills), as well as Nokmas, Sordars, teachers, and students were present at the event. Students learned about sustainable resource management and watershed conservation t...
CAG unearths financial lapses in KHADC
Meghalaya

CAG unearths financial lapses in KHADC

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report for the year ending March 31, 2020, has unearthed financial lapses in the KHADC including an irregular payment of Rs 1.50 crore by the Council for consultancy services. It has also identified systemic deficiencies and a lack of internal controls in the collection of Professional Tax by the KHADC. The report was presented on the first day of the council’s budget session on Wednesday. The report recommended an investigation into the selection process of M/s TA Consultancy Services and the individuals responsible for the payment, particularly since the work was carried out by the council’s technical branch. According to the CAG, M/s TA Consultancy Services, Shillong, submitted an application on October 10, 2018, offering consult...
Meghalaya hosts 7th Act East Business Show to boost trade with BBIN, ASEAN
Meghalaya

Meghalaya hosts 7th Act East Business Show to boost trade with BBIN, ASEAN

Meghalaya hosted the 7th Act East Business Show in Shillong, bringing together dignitaries from 13 countries and provinces to boost trade and economic ties between BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) and ASEAN nations. The event focused on technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, positioning Meghalaya as a key economic hub in the Northeast. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized the state's commitment to attracting investments and fostering partnerships, aligning with Meghalaya’s vision of achieving a $10 billion economy. Highlighting policy reforms, infrastructure development, entrepreneurship promotion, and grassroots economic networks, Sangma stressed their crucial role in reshaping the state’s economic roadmap. He also underscored India’s proactive approach i...
NEHU has appointed Prof Sherwin May Sungoh as the new Pro Vice-Chancellor
Meghalaya

NEHU has appointed Prof Sherwin May Sungoh as the new Pro Vice-Chancellor

Prof. Sherwin May Sungoh has been named the next Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) of the Shillong Campus of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU). After the 85th meeting of the Emergent Executive Council (EC) on November 14, 2024, the decision was finalized. According to an NEHU release, Prof. Sungoh formally assumed leadership on March 21, 2025, and informed Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla of her appointment. Prof. Sungoh is a seasoned academic who teaches in the Department of Education at NEHU. She has contributed significantly to the advancement of academic programs and research at the institution thanks to her vast experience in teaching, curriculum creation, and educational policy. Her contributions, which include articles, research projects, and administrative duties, span ma...
Aerial survey finds 1.92 lakh MT of illegal coal in 4 dists of Meghalaya
Meghalaya

Aerial survey finds 1.92 lakh MT of illegal coal in 4 dists of Meghalaya

More than 1.92 lakh metric tonnes of illegal coal have been detected in four districts of Meghalaya during an aerial survey, casting doubts on the state government’s claim of having cracked down on illegal coal mining and transportation. Justice (retired) BP Katakey, who heads a committee appointed by the High Court of Meghalaya, told media persons on Tuesday that an area of about 740 sq. km was surveyed aerially based on the coordinates of the inventoried coal found earlier. He said the aerial survey report has been submitted, and the purpose behind the exercise was to locate coal other than the inventoried quantity shifted to the designated depots of Coal India Limited (CIL). The coal found in the East Jaintia, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South Garo Hills distric...