Meghalaya

Prayers instead of consecration marked the launch of Meghalaya’s first state university on Monday. An opening prayer was conducted by Rev Wetterfield Marak and benediction was pronounced by Fr Januarius Sangma. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the varsity at Balalgre in South West Garo Hills in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira, Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma and Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal. The university, named after the state’s founding Chief Minister Captain Williamson Sangma, reflects his visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to education as a transformative force.With this milestone, Meghalaya addresses a long-standing aspiration, creating a hub for higher learning and innovati...

In a landmark moment for Meghalaya's education system, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma officially inaugurated the Captain Williamson Sangma State University on January 13, marking the state's first government-owned higher education institution. This historic launch ends a 50-year wait for Meghalaya to establish its own state university. "This university is not just a name; it is a promise. A promise of hope, growth, and limitless possibilities for the people of Meghalaya," said Chief Minister Sangma during the inauguration ceremony. The university, named after Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister, has evolved since its 2011 conception. Originally envisioned as a technical university, it expanded in 2022 to offer both technical and non-technical programs, allowing for broader college affiliati...

The notification for the elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), slated on February 21, will be issued on January 27. A government official media persons on Sunday that the formal notification for calling the constituencies to elect their representatives will be issued on January 27. The filing of nomination papers will start from January 27 and the last date for filing of nomination will be till 3 pm of February 4 to be followed by scrutiny of nomination papers after 3 pm, the official said. The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers has been fixed as February 5.The official said the draft electoral rolls will be published on Monday and hearing of claim and objections will continue till January ...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh demonstrated prompt action and compassion on January 12, when they stopped to assist two Assam tourists injured in an accident at Mawkdok while returning from Sohra. The Chief Minister’s on-duty doctor provided immediate medical attention to the injured individuals at the scene. An ambulance was also arranged to transport the victims to a nearby hospital for further treatment. According to officials, the condition of the injured tourists is stable, and they are expected to recover fully. The quick intervention by the Chief Minister and Health Minister was widely appreciated by locals and tourists alike.

The Meghalaya government on Friday raised the minimum wages of skilled and unskilled workers.The decision was taken at a special cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, in Sohra. The wages of highly-skilled workers were raised from Rs 586 to Rs 645 per day, skilled workers will now get Rs 605 instead of Rs 530, the wages of semi-skilled workers were revised to Rs 565 from Rs 474, while unskilled workers will get Rs 525 instead of Rs 419 per day.

Prominent indigenous organisations in Meghalaya have condemned Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma's recent claim that Meghalaya is a "Christian state," asserting that such remarks undermine India's secular principles. Seng Khasi Kmie, a leading indigenous body, criticized the minister's statement, with its president, O Pyngrope, urging public officials to respect the Constitution. “India is a secular state. Leaders must uphold the sanctity of the Constitution and avoid divisive statements,” Pyngrope said. The controversy arose after Minister Sangma justified plans to include Christian rituals in the inauguration of Captain Williamson Sangma State University, arguing, “If the Parliament can be blessed with Hindu rituals, why not Christian rituals in a Christian state?” Seng Khasi Kmi...

The Union Government has released tax devolution of Rs 1,73,030 crore to State Governments today, as against the devolution of Rs 89,086 crore in December 2024. A higher amount is being devolved this month to enable states to accelerate capital spending and finance their development and welfare-related expenditures. Meghalaya received Rs 1327.13 crore from the above amount under the tax  devolution.