Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government is moving forward with ambitious plans to expand Shillong Airport in Umroi, aiming to boost regional connectivity by accommodating larger aircraft. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who oversees the transport department, shared key details after a site visit and discussions with aviation officials. A report from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) highlighted the potential for expansion, focusing on a 900-meter runway extension to the south. This plan would avoid nearby hills and mitigate environmental concerns. However, regulatory hurdles remain. Dhar emphasized the need for exemptions from central government guidelines to keep the project feasible. Without these exemptions, the estimated cost could skyrocket to Rs 8,000 crore, threatening the project...

Three female sericulture farmers from Meghalaya were honoured for their exceptional contributions to the sericulture sector during the Central Silk Board's (CSB) Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in Mysuru, Karnataka. The national-level event, organised by the Ministry of Textiles, marked the 75th anniversary of the CSB and celebrated sericulture farmers from across the country. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the women, praising their achievements and dedication to the state's sericulture industry. "Congratulations to the three distinguished lady sericultural farmers for their outstanding contributions and exceptional performance," he wrote. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh...

Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma has expressed strong support for the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal recently approved by the Union Cabinet. Speaking on the matter, Sangma described the initiative as both "logical and practical" for India’s future electoral processes. The proposal, based on recommendations from a panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, urban bodies, and panchayats, potentially within the next 100 days. Sangma highlighted that conducting multiple elections throughout the year drains significant resources, both in terms of time and finances. He underscored the need to streamline the election process, stating that a unified system could address the challenges posed by fre...

Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma has called for a sustainable and eco-friendly approach in the construction of the new Meghalaya Legislative Assembly building at Mawdiangdiang. During an inspection on Thursday, September 19, Sangma stressed the importance of incorporating green spaces and engaging departments like Forest and Horticulture to ensure the premises are environmentally friendly. "I have asked the relevant departments to ensure that the entire complex is made as green as possible," Sangma stated during the site visit. He also directed the Arts and Culture Department to design interiors that highlight Meghalaya's rich heritage, with plans to depict the state's history and the Assembly's 51-year journey. While expressing satisfaction with the progress, the Speaker ...

Meghalaya recently hosted a significant gathering, the Himalayan Agro Ecology Initiatives: Meghalaya Stakeholders Meeting, at CPGSAS, Umiam. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, experts, researchers, farmer groups, and NGOs, to discuss sustainable agricultural development in the Northeastern region. The meeting commenced with an inaugural function led by Dr. S. V. Ngachan, Senior Consultant, Meghalaya. Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the challenges and strategies for the Himalayan agro-ecosystem. Other notable guests included Dr. Malavika Dadlani, National Consultant, who highlighted the role of agro-ecology in preserving biodiversity and prom...

The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has unveiled its squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, featuring a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers. The team, which recently advanced to the Elite Group after a stellar performance in the Plate Group, is gearing up for its first two matches of the season. Meghalaya will face Services in an away match from October 11 to 14, followed by a home game against Tripura in Shillong from October 18 to 21. The squad comprises 12 domicile players, with three spots reserved for guest professionals, and five players listed as standbys. New inclusions like Arpit Bhatewara and Roshan Warbah join familiar faces such as Kishan Lyngdoh, Dippu Sangma, and Akash Kumar Choudhary, bringing fresh energy to the lineup. The team will be le...

The Meghalaya SSA Schools Association (MSSASA) is set to make a crucial decision on the state government's proposal to enhance salaries for over 12,000 SSA teachers. The decision will be finalized at a general executive council meeting scheduled for September 21. MSSASA President Aristotle C Rymbai announced that the meeting will determine the association's stance on the proposed salary increase. Rymbai also revealed that he met with Swapnil Tembe, the SSA state project director, earlier this week. Tembe indicated that the education department has temporarily postponed the salary enhancement proposal and plans to present the matter to the Cabinet. In a related development, Tembe had previously urged non-teaching staff to end their 15-day sit-in demonstration and resume their duties....

A planned cow protection rally in Shillong, set for October 2, has sparked widespread opposition, with local groups pushing back against what they perceive as cultural imposition. The rally, titled "Gau Dhwaj," aims to declare the cow as the "Mother of the Nation" through a flag-raising ceremony led by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarandah. Organisers describe the event as part of a nationwide campaign to elevate the cow's status and seek constitutional changes for its protection, citing its spiritual importance in Hinduism. However, the initiative has faced strong criticism from local groups, including the Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR). TUR leader Angela Rangad condemned the rally, calling it a "Hindu majoritarian communal attack" on Meghalaya’s secular and pluralistic culture. Rangad highl...

In a two-month drive against the use of tinted glasses, the Meghalaya government has fined 1,788 vehicles, collecting Rs 13.35 lakh in penalties by the first week of September. The crackdown, initiated in July, was conducted in line with Supreme Court directives. Speaking to reporters, East Khasi Hills district police chief Sylvester Nongtnger said the Shillong Traffic Police (STP) has been conducting regular checks to remove black films from vehicles. Of the 1,788 vehicles caught violating the rule, 30 were government vehicles. As per the Supreme Court's ruling, black films with any percentage of Visual Light Transmission (VLT) are prohibited on vehicle windscreens and side glasses. The STP has assured that the campaign will continue, urging vehicle owners to comply with the law. N...