Saturday, September 5

Meghalaya

Meghalaya to finalise on vehicle scrappage policy in this year: Dhar
Meghalaya

Meghalaya to finalise on vehicle scrappage policy in this year: Dhar

Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar on Tuesday said Meghalaya is in theprocess of finalising its Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2025, with implementation expected within this year.Dhar said the policy framework is being worked out and details on the number of vehicles to be scrappedwill be made public once the process is complete. “We are in the process of doing it, it will take time. When the process is finalised and in place theneverything will be known to you, how many vehicles, this year vehicles will be scrapped, so this year weare in the process of finalising,” Dhar said. He added that the department needs more time to put the system in place, but expects rollout before theyear ends.“It will take a little bit of time, and according to me by this year we shoul...
Mohendro Rapsang joins BJP, says decision driven by Meghalaya’s growth and development
Meghalaya

Mohendro Rapsang joins BJP, says decision driven by Meghalaya’s growth and development

Former legislator Mohendro Rapsang has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that his decision is motivated by a desire to contribute to the growth and development of Meghalaya as well as the nation. Speaking to reporters after joining the party, Rapsang said his political journey has entered a new chapter following his defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections. He explained that while he had been content with his previous political engagements, he now sees the BJP as a platform through which he can continue serving the people. "After the 2023 election, where I lost my seat, I reflected on my future in politics. Today, I am joining the BJP for the growth of the state and the nation. That is my aim," Rapsang said. Addressing questions about whether joining the BJ...
Meghalaya Chief Meghalaya charts roadmap to boost PGI rank
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Meghalaya charts roadmap to boost PGI rank

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said improving the state's Performance Grading Index (PGI) remains a key priority, as the government intensified efforts to address shortcomings identified in the latest national assessment that ranked Meghalaya last among all states. Sharing details of a review meeting, Sangma said it was the second such exercise aimed at tracking progress and finalising measures to strengthen the state's performance. “Improving Meghalaya’s Performance Grading Index (PGI) remains a key priority. Today, we held our second review meeting to assess progress and finalise key action points aimed at strengthening our performance,” the Chief Minister said. According to Sangma, the discussions focused on closing gaps in school infrastructure and basi...
Meghalaya steps up El Nino preparedness; focuses on water security, farming
Meghalaya

Meghalaya steps up El Nino preparedness; focuses on water security, farming

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today directed government departments to intensify preparedness and roll out coordinated action plans to mitigate the possible impact of an anticipated El Nino event.Chairing a meeting of the Meghalaya Climate Council at the State Guest House in Taraghar, Sangma said the state must plan proactively to limit the fallout of extreme weather conditions linked to El Nino-related climatic variations."The state must prepare in advance rather than respond after adverse conditions emerge," he said."As climate uncertainties linked to El Niño continue to evolve, we are taking proactive steps to prepare Meghalaya for possible impacts on water resources, agriculture, forests, public health, and disaster management," the Chief Minister said."While we cannot pred...
Former West Shillong MLA Mohendro Rapsang Joins BJP
Meghalaya

Former West Shillong MLA Mohendro Rapsang Joins BJP

Former West Shillong MLA Mohendro Rapsang on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with a large number of his supporters at the BJP state office marking another significant political shift ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.Rapsang was formally inducted into the BJP by Meghalaya BJP president Rikman G. Momin in the presence of Cabinet Minister and BJP MLA Sanbor Shullai and other party leaders.Talking to mediapersons, the Meghalaya BJP president expressed confidence about strengthening its position in West Shillong and indicated that more political leaders could join the BJP in the coming days as the party continues its expansion efforts across the state.Momin however clarified that Rapsang's entry into the party does not come with any assurance of a ticket, maintaining ...
Meghalaya Aims to Become Northeast Creative Hub with New Cultural Projects
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Aims to Become Northeast Creative Hub with New Cultural Projects

Meghalaya is set to significantly strengthen its creative economy with plans to establish a Film City and Film Institute in Shillong, along with a Music Institute in Tura, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced on Sunday. The announcement was made during the inaugural Hello Meghalaya Music Awards in Shillong on World Music Day, where artists, musicians and content creators gathered to celebrate the state’s growing cultural landscape. The Chief Minister said the proposed institutions aim to build a strong ecosystem for filmmaking, music production and digital content creation by providing infrastructure, training and long-term support for emerging talent. He emphasized that investments in the creative economy are vital for employment generation and for enabling young people to purs...
Sunrise Pure Celebrates Meghalaya’s Musical Heritage with ‘Ka Rympei Ki Sur’
Meghalaya

Sunrise Pure Celebrates Meghalaya’s Musical Heritage with ‘Ka Rympei Ki Sur’

ITC Ltd.'s Sunrise Pure, one of the most trusted spice brands in East and Northeast India, marked World Music Day with a spectacular cultural celebration 'Ka Rympei Ki Sur' held at Police Bazaar, Shillong. The event brought together local music, community spirit, and a landmark brand milestone, making it an evening to remember for the people of Meghalaya. The name 'Ka Rympei Ki Sur' draws from the Khasi word Rympei - the hearth, which is traditionally the warm center of a Khasi home where families gather to cook, share stories and find comfort. The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Commissioner & Secretary, Arts & Culture; D.B.S. Mukhim, Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety; B. Rani, Director, Agriculture & Horticult...
NHIDCL Begins Restoration After Landslide Cuts Off Shillong–Dawki Road
Meghalaya

NHIDCL Begins Restoration After Landslide Cuts Off Shillong–Dawki Road

A major landslide has disrupted connectivity on the Shillong–Dawki Road in Meghalaya, prompting the East Khasi Hills district administration to order the immediate closure of the stretch beyond Laitlyngkot village. The affected section at Chainage 25+200 has been completely cut off due to the landslide, rendering the road impassable. According to an official notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, the district administration received reports confirming that vehicular movement beyond Laitlyngkot village is no longer possible. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has informed authorities that restoration and repair work is expected to take several days to complete, given the severity of the damage. In view of public sa...
Preserve Historic Shillong Circuit House, Urges PIL Petitioner Malabika BisharadSeeks Fresh Inspection Before Any Decision on Demolition; Says Heritage Building Still Carries Legacy of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy
Meghalaya

Preserve Historic Shillong Circuit House, Urges PIL Petitioner Malabika BisharadSeeks Fresh Inspection Before Any Decision on Demolition; Says Heritage Building Still Carries Legacy of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy

Smt. Malabika Bisharad, the petitioner in PIL No. 13 of 2025 before the Hon’ble High Court of Meghalaya, has appealed to the Meghalaya Government to preserve the historic Laban Circuit House, also known as “Ray Villah”, and not take any decision to demolish the structure. Following the final order passed by the Hon’ble High Court of Meghalaya, Bisharad expressed her gratitude to the State Government for deciding to install a statue and memorial plaque in honour of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy at the Circuit House premises. However, she urged the government to protect the main concrete building, which she described as a symbol of history, culture and literature since the 1920s. In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, Bisharad referred to the statement regard...
CM Conrad Attends Hello Meghalaya Music Awards, Announces Film City & Institute for Shillong
Meghalaya

CM Conrad Attends Hello Meghalaya Music Awards, Announces Film City & Institute for Shillong

As a part of the global celebration of World Music Day, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma on Saturday attended the first Hello Meghalaya Music Awards at SRTG Ground, Polo in Shillong.Delivering his address, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, reflected on his own journey from a struggling musician expressing purpose in his journey that has motivated him to help young artists.He said that music and film making have evolved in the state and outlined the innovative initiatives of the government to support and sustain these sectors emphasising the government’s focus on the youth of the state in music, film making, sports and other areas to provide opportunities to the young people to follow their dreams. He reiterated on the government’s approach which is not limited to specific programs or scheme...