Wednesday, April 2

Meghalaya

Meghalaya inaugurates first state-owned university amid educational reforms
Meghalaya

Meghalaya inaugurates first state-owned university amid educational reforms

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 sixth Meghalaya Games’ official mascot and theme song are revealed
Meghalaya

The sixth Meghalaya Games’ official mascot and theme song are revealed

The District Library Auditorium in Mynthong, Jowai, Meghalaya hosted a curtain-raiser event to reveal the official mascot and theme song for the 6th Meghalaya Games. Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri unveiled the theme song, "Niom Beit Naphang," and the mascot, "U Kiang," which honor the state's rich cultural legacy, unity, and sportsmanship. While the mascot, "U Kiang," represents the bravery and tenacity of a liberation warrior and reflects the tenacity and strength of Meghalaya's people, the theme song, "Niom Beit Naphang," embodies the spirit of cooperation and sportsmanship. John Kharshiing, the working president of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA), and Wailadmiki Shylla, the local MLA and chairman of the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA), were among the pro...
By 2027, postgraduate courses will be offered at Meghalaya Medical Colleges
Meghalaya

By 2027, postgraduate courses will be offered at Meghalaya Medical Colleges

Meghalaya Health Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh reaffirmed the government's commitment to filling the state's healthcare deficiencies by promising that the Tura Medical College project will not be delayed by more than 12 months. In addition, she declared that Meghalaya's medical education system would advance significantly by 2027 when postgraduate (PG) courses are introduced in medical colleges. In an interview with the media, the health minister underlined the government's dedication to improving the state's healthcare system and medical education. Regarding the schedule, Dr. Lyngdoh was upbeat, saying, "We are on track with the Shillong Medical College. As ministers, the retreat has improved our understanding and made us more conscious of the difficulties, especially in light of the ...
Notification for Meghalaya ADC election on Jan 17
Meghalaya

Notification for Meghalaya ADC election on Jan 17

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 CM Conrad Sangma aids Assam tourists injured in accident
Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma aids Assam tourists injured in accident

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.
Meghalaya raises minimum wages for workers
Meghalaya

Meghalaya raises minimum wages for workers

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.
Meghalaya Minister’s ‘christian state’ remark draws backlash from indigenous groups
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Minister’s ‘christian state’ remark draws backlash from indigenous groups

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...
Meghalaya gets Rs 1327.13 crores from Centre as tax devolution
Meghalaya

Meghalaya gets Rs 1327.13 crores from Centre as tax devolution

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.
The Meghalaya Cabinet approves the Rs 100 crore “CM Assure” initiative to support farmers
Meghalaya

The Meghalaya Cabinet approves the Rs 100 crore “CM Assure” initiative to support farmers

The "CM Assure" program, a market intervention effort to support farmers experiencing drops in prices for non-perishable crops, was approved by the Meghalaya Cabinet on Friday. The program is intended to help farmers during market downturns by offering them set procurement prices for their non-perishable agricultural products. In order to sustain revenues and avoid distress sales, the effort focuses on crops with longer shelf lives, like areca nut, ginger, and turmeric. The Meghalaya State Agriculture Marketing Board will supervise execution, and a state-level committee will keep an eye on market prices to decide whether to activate the program. To guarantee prompt assistance, payments to farmers will be delivered directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Important products like ...
 Meghalaya govt holds cabinet retreat in Sohra to understand grassroot governance
Meghalaya

 Meghalaya govt holds cabinet retreat in Sohra to understand grassroot governance

In an effort to bring governance closer to the people, the state cabinet moved its base to Sohra for a retreat on Friday. The purpose of the meeting, which is chaired by CM Conrad K. Sangma, is to give different government agencies a stage on which to present their projects and programs. In order to accomplish desired goals and objectives, it also looks for gaps and encourages teamwork. On the first day, the meeting saw the participation of Deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone Ymbon, and Power Minister AT Mondal. However, Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong was notably absent from this maiden attempt, alo...