Meghalaya

The Ministry of Education dispatched a two-member inquiry committee to look into alleged administrative shortcomings at North Eastern Hill University in Meghalaya, and the commission has finished its review. Students, staff, and instructors are waiting for the report, which is expected to be submitted by Friday, November 29, as long as there are still unresolved concerns at the university. During their visit, the powerful committee—which included former Vice-chancellor of Assam University Professor Dilip Chandra Nath and former University Grants Commission Chairman Professor D P Singh—heard complaints from staff, faculty, and students for hours. The investigation's conclusion will be a turning point in the university's ongoing unrest since it will establish the course for returning...

During a special program honoring the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, legal experts raised awareness of women's rights and protections. A focused community engagement on important legal protections for women was held at Khatarshnong Laitkroh C&RD Block by the District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority. P Riahtam, a Shillong-based Legal Aid Counsel, explained maintenance provisions under Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita while analyzing the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Her talk shed light on the legal options available to women who want financial assistance and safety. A Khongsit, Station Inspector from Sohra Police Station, added to Ria...

Meghalaya's political scenario is poised for a potential transformation following the National People's Party (NPP) candidate Dr. Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma’s decisive win in the Gambegre bye-election, cabinet minister Rakkam A. Sangma hinted on Saturday. Speaking to the media, Rakkam Sangma remarked, “Maybe the political dimensions may change in the state now,” highlighting the possibility of a reshaped political dynamic in the wake of the bye-election results. The victory further cements the NPP’s dominance in the state, following the defection of three Congress legislators to the NPP ahead of the polls. Sangma expressed doubts about the Congress party's ability to recover, noting, “Winning the Lok Sabha election in Tura is like a miracle for Congress. But what about Shillong? If they ...

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, praised the National Democratic Alliance's impressive showing in the most recent northeastern by-elections, calling the wins in Assam and Meghalaya important political milestones. On November 24, Sarma told reporters, "We have maintained our winning marathon, or winning sprint," highlighting the BJP's steady electoral gains in Assam. He cited these findings as important predictors for the state assembly elections in 2026. The victory's timeliness was emphasized by the chief minister, who stated, "This result has given a big boost on the eve of the Assembly election. "In the backdrop of the Lok Sabha election, where we were almost routed in Meghalaya, I believe this is a good comeback," Sarma said, describing this as very significant...

The National People’s Party (NPP) has emerged as the front-runner in the Gambegre by-election following the completion of the first round of vote counting. Dr. Mehtab Chandee A Sangma, the NPP candidate, is leading with a margin of over 1,000 votes, securing 3,392 votes so far. Trailing closely in second place is Sadhiarani Sangma of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), with 2,291 votes, while Congress candidate Jingjang M Marak follows in third with 2,279 votes. Independent contender Jerry A Sangma holds the fourth position with 264 votes, and Bernard N Marak from the BJP has received 151 votes. Sengkrabirth M Marak is currently at the bottom with just 37 votes, with 19 votes cast for NOTA (None of the Above). The counting process is being carried out across 14 tables and will ...

Women from West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, are being empowered through sustainable mushroom farming to address the region's escalating human-elephant conflict. A biodiversity conservation organization, Aaranyak, in collaboration with the British Asian Trust, recently conducted a capacity-building workshop to promote coexistence between humans and elephants. The training, held at Bordubi LP School in Tikrikla Block, saw the participation of 25 women impacted by the conflict. Expert Aparna Rabha provided practical insights into oyster mushroom cultivation, highlighting its economic benefits and eco-friendly nature. Participants explored various mushroom species and learned cultivation techniques to boost their livelihoods. The initiative, supported by the Darwin Initiative, aims to mitigate ...

During a historic health campaign to change hitherto resistant populations in Garo Hills, a small community of 203 people attained 72% health screening coverage. The Village Health Council meeting and free health screening, which took place at the Indik Nokat Baptist Church premises under Rerapara Block, united several government agencies in a concerted attempt to enhance access to healthcare in rural areas. For prenatal treatment and hospital admissions to be effective, family support is essential," she stated. To keep the momentum going, Armand Momin, the development officer for Rerapara Block, advocated for frequent VHC meetings. The health team held awareness campaigns about leprosy, TB, malaria control, and the advantages of vaccination. Education experts emphasized that educa...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in New Shillong Township on November 20, heralding a new era of technologically driven urban governance. Located in Umsawli, the state-of-the-art ICCC will function as the digital backbone for managing Shillong’s urban infrastructure, integrating disaster management, real-time surveillance, and data analytics to optimize city operations.The facility is equipped with advanced capabilities, including video analytics, intelligent traffic systems, and waste management monitoring.   A network of 96 surveillance points across Shillong will bolster security and efficiency in critical sectors such as traffic flow, water distribution, and solid waste management.“The ICCC represents our co...

On November 20, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma made a major technical advancement for urban governance by unveiling the Integrated Command and Control Center in New Shillong Township. The cutting-edge facility, located in Umsawli, will integrate real-time data analysis, disaster management, and surveillance to function as a holistic digital nerve center for city operations. The center will provide quick data analysis for well-informed decision-making and is designed to simplify information gathering and real-time monitoring. It seeks to give the government the ability to foresee crises, coordinate response activities, and improve urban operations in a variety of sectors. Advanced video analytics, intelligent traffic control, waste monitoring systems, and thorough city su...