Meghalaya

Personnel of BSF Meghalaya Frontier on Wednesday foiled a smuggling attempt and confiscated large quantity of oranges along the Dawki-Lyngkhat road near the Indo-Bangladesh border. The BSF troops, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a pick-up truck, whose driver, an Indian national, failed to produce any valid documents justifying the transport, and was apprehended. The recovered oranges intended for illegal cross-border transportation along with the vehicle and the detained individual were handed over to Pynursla Custom office for further action.

The NPP-led MDA Government has made it clear that they have no plans to introduce the very controversial Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state at a time when the BJP-led NDA Government appears keen on enforcing the UCC nationwide. The NPP is a part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said the state government is clear in its stand and that the UCC is not part of its agenda. “We respect the secular fabric of the state and the country. We respect the identity of the different tribal communities, and we are clear that the practices of different communities must be respected,” the Chief Minister said. Justifying the decision to reject the UCC, Sangma argued that uniform codes, as a concept where everything becomes uniform, are not feasibl...

The Meghalaya Cabinet today approved the establishment of the Pla Tangka Cooperative Society (PTCS)—a pioneering women-led apex financial cooperative society aimed at strengthening the financial ecosystem for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state. This initiative, led by the Department of Community & Rural Development (C&RD) in partnership with the Centre for Research in Schemes & Policies (CRISP), has the potential to revolutionize rural financial inclusion and build economic resilience in Meghalaya. Addressing the media in the aftermath of this decision, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “Since 2018, the financial ecosystem surrounding Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Meghalaya has seen a remarkable transformation. The capital available through the SHG network h...

The Meghalaya government has rolled out sweeping financial reforms aimed at strengthening rural financial inclusion, including the establishment of the Kong Pla Tangka Cooperative Society. Announced by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on January 30, the cooperative society will act as an apex institution to empower women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs), offering enhanced financial services and access to capital. Since 2018, the SHG network has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding from just 4,000 groups to 51,674 groups. Membership has surged from 40,000 to over 520,000, managing a total capital flow of Rs 1,000 crore in the state’s rural economy. "The SHG network has been a key driver in empowering women and boosting the rural economy," said Sangma. The cabinet also approved increasing t...

The College of Community Science hosted the valedictory ceremony of the National Symposium on "Threads of Heritage: Exploring Traditional Textiles and Natural Fibres" at the College of Post-Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Umiam on January 29. This event marked the successful conclusion of an insightful academic gathering dedicated to preserving and promoting India's textile heritage. Dr. S. N. Puri, Former Vice-Chancellor, CAU (Imphal), graced the valedictory session as the Chief Guest. Distinguished Guests of Honour included Dr. Indira Sarengtham, Dr. L. M. Garnayak, Dr. Y. G. Prasad, and Dr. D. B. Shakyawar. Dr. Dwipendra Thakuria, Dean of CPGSAS, Umiam, welcomed the attendees and expressed gratitude to lead speakers, artisans, and contributors. Keynote address...

The Union Cabinet is set to give approval to the construction of a 160-km high-speed corridor connecting Shillong with Silchar to be set up on a greenfield alignment at a cost of Rs 25,000 crore, making it one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the Northeast. The announcement is likely to be made shortly. Once completed, the high-speed corridor would reduce the travel time between the two towns to around four hours and will also help ease travel between Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura. The four-lane project was conceived in 2017 as part of the central government’s Bharatmala programme. It is anticipated that the new route will accelerate the region’s economic growth. According to sources, it will be the ideal remedy for the present problems that travellers have on their way ...

The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) in Shillong, Meghalaya, organized two informative awareness programmes on the harmful effects of substance abuse under the banner of the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' on January 29. The initiative aimed to educate participants on the growing issue of substance abuse and its associated health hazards, and was held in Pathew and Markasa villages, located in Eastern West Khasi Hills. The first programme took place at Parïong PHC in Pathew Village, where villagers, led by headman A Marngar, gathered early in the morning. Dr. L.S.L. Kharkongor, in charge of the PHC, shared his concerns about the escalating drug abuse in the region, emphasizing its far-reaching consequences. “Drug abuse is not just an individual problem; it affects families, communities, ...

With their backs pressed firmly against the wall, defending champions Mumbai will be in desperate pursuit of a victory with bonus points when the they take on Meghalaya in the final Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match here from Thursday. Mumbai's title defence took a heavy blow last week when an unfancied but better-prepared Jammu and Kashmir stuck to their principle of "keeping it simple" and defeated the Ajinkya Rahane-led side by five wickets here at the BKC Ground. The return of India captain Rohit Sharma, batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal and the presence of mainstays like Shreyas Iyer and Rahane did not have much impact on the proceedings as J&K kept chipping away with consistent pressure on the hosts.

BJP MLA from South Shillong Constituency Sanbor Shullai on Wednesday met Union Minister of State for DoNER, Dr Sukanta Mazumdar, to press for direct funding of District Councils and also requested that financial assistance be provided to them. Shullai also had in-depth discussions about the various pending projects in the state and also requested for the early and timely release of scholarships. The BJP MLA also added that the Union Minister of State will visit Meghalaya once district council elections have concluded and the union minister will meet the leaders of the district councils to address any concerns and legitimate demands.