Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government has established a Rationalisation Committee to evaluate proposals for salary increases and rationalisation for all Samagra Shiksha (SSA) non-academic staff in the state. This move comes amid ongoing protests by SSA employees, who are demanding an 80% salary hike. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the formation of the 20-member committee, which is led by Commissioner & Secretary Vijay Kumar Mantri, during a meeting with representatives of the All Meghalaya SSA Non-Teaching Staffs Association (AMSSANTSA) at his office. Currently, over 1,200 SSA non-teaching staff are staging an indefinite sit-in protest at Malki ground. They have rejected the government's offer of a 25% salary increase, insisting on an 80% raise, plus an additional 2% based on seniorit...

The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has issued a stark warning of a "drastic step" if illegal settlers in Lum Survey are not evicted by August 19. This ultimatum follows a recent meeting with East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner and the CEO of Shillong Cantonment Board regarding an earlier eviction drive conducted by the HYC on May 23. HYC President Roy Kupar Synrem criticized the lack of action by the authorities, questioning why the defence estate officer had neither signed a lease agreement with the settlers nor recognized them as tenants on the 0.248-acre plot. He demanded to know why the eviction action was stalled under the Public Premises Eviction Act, noting that only a few business owners had sought legal reprieve while many illegal settlers remained unaffected. Synrem expr...

The troops of the 193 Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Meghalaya intercepted and seized 19 wooden boats belonging to Bangladeshi smugglers in the Jadukata River near Ghumaghat on July 29. The smugglers were attempting to cross into Indian territory to collect stone boulders and sand, the BSF said in a press release. The operation underscores the dedication and vigilance of the BSF in securing the border and preventing illegal activities. Sharing the successful operation on X, BSF Meghalaya stated, "On 29 July 2024, the vigilant troops of 193 Batallion BSF Meghalaya successfully seized 19 Bangladeshi wooden boats in Jadukata River near Gumaghat while the BD smugglers were attempting to cross into Indian territory for stealing stone boulders and sand." The swift and effici...

C H Vijayashankar, the newly appointed Governor of Meghalaya, will be sworn in today, July 30, at Raj Bhavan, Shillong. The oath of office will be administered by Chief Justice S. Vaidyanathan of the Meghalaya High Court during a ceremony scheduled for 4:30 pm. The ceremony will be attended by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, cabinet ministers, and senior government officials. Vijayashankar's appointment is part of a recent gubernatorial reshuffle announced by President Droupadi Murmu on July 27, which saw new governors appointed for nine states across India. A seasoned politician from Karnataka, Vijayashankar brings extensive legislative experience to his new role. His political career spans multiple decades and includes terms in both state and national legislatures. First elected to the...

Tourism stakeholders in Meghalaya have condemned recent incidents of tourist harassment by local NGOs and pressure groups in popular destinations such as Sohra and Dawki. The industry reports a 30% loss in bookings and a potential 50% cancellation of tours due to these actions. On July 26, members of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Federation (HNYF) stopped vehicles registered in Assam at the Umtyngar junction, approximately 20 km from Shillong, demanding that tourists turn back. Industry representatives urged these groups to stop intimidating tourists, stating that such actions damage the state’s reputation and economy. They highlighted recent lawlessness, including violence against workers, and noted a US travel advisory as a factor necessitating urgent action to restore normalcy. ...

Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams will commence his five-city India tour in Shillong on December 10, 2024, as part of his 'So Happy It Hurts World Tour.' The tour, presented and produced by SG Live in collaboration with EVA Live, will feature stops in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, concluding in Hyderabad on December 16, 2024. Fans can look forward to live performances of Adams' iconic hits such as "Summer Of '69," "Everything I Do I Do It For You," "Please Forgive Me," "Run To You," and "18 Till I Die." The tour will also highlight his Grammy-nominated 2022 album, So Happy It Hurts. Expressing his enthusiasm, Adams said, "I'm incredibly excited to be coming back to India! There's a unique connection I feel with the Indian audience. Your passion for music is truly inspiring, and...

The Ministry of Communication, Department of Posts, Government of India, has officially approved Khasi and Garo languages for postal recruitment examinations. This landmark decision reflects a significant step toward recognizing and incorporating local languages into national recruitment processes. The approval, detailed in an Office Memorandum (OM) issued on July 10, 2024, follows a proposal by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. On May 23, 2023, Sangma advocated for the inclusion of Khasi and Garo as language options for Gramin Dak Sevak and other postal positions in Meghalaya. His proposal was directed to Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw. Under the new policy, candidates in Meghalaya can now choose between Hindi, E...

Meghalaya's Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal advocated for the reinstatement of Central financial assistance for small hydro power projects during the North East Region Power Ministers’ Conference held in Guwahati. Chaired by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the conference served as a pivotal platform for addressing crucial energy sector issues and fostering collaborative solutions. Minister Mondal emphasized the critical need for continued support from the Power Ministry, particularly highlighting the halted funding stream for small hydro power projects. He also urged for expedited approval of the detailed project report (DPR) of Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) Phase-II. Addressing gaps in funding b...

The National Law University Meghalaya (NLU Meghalaya) celebrated its first foundation day on 8th July 2024 at the APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium, Mayurbhanj Complex, Nongthymmai, Shillong. Union Minister for Law and Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest via video conferencing. In his address, Shri Meghwal extended warm congratulations to NLU Meghalaya and highlighted the significance of legal reforms in India. He emphasized the crucial role of institutions like NLU Meghalaya in shaping the future of legal education and enhancing access to justice across the nation.Law Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, speaking on "Empowering Legal Education and Access to Justice: The Role of NLU Meghalaya," underscored the day's importance as a transformative moment for le...

IIM Shillong recently hosted its much-anticipated International Week 2024, themed "Ideas Across Borders," showcasing a dynamic blend of global innovation and local cultural richness. The event drew a diverse cohort, including international students from prestigious B-schools, CEOs, startup founders, IAS officers, and academics, converging to explore new avenues of collaboration and learning. Among the standout features of the week-long programme were immersive cultural experiences, where participants delved into Meghalaya's vibrant heritage through visits to Tyrshi Falls and participation in the lively Behdienkhlam Festival. Adding a flavorful twist, students indulged in local delicacies and engaged in a fruit wine-tasting session at Dial Muktieh Ramew Café, enhancing their under...