Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has expressed serious concern over the state’s sharp rainfall deficit, revealing that the region recorded more than 80 per cent below-normal rainfall in June. He warned that the situation could severely impact agriculture, water availability and rural livelihoods across the state. Addressing a workshop on “Developing State Response for El Niño Preparedness: Strengthening Food and Water Security,” the Chief Minister described the prolonged rainfall shortfall as an “existential crisis” and stressed the need for urgent, coordinated action to address emerging climate challenges. The workshop brought together senior officials, deputy commissioners, agricultural experts and other stakeholders to develop strategies for strengthening preparedness ag...

The Behdieñkhlam festival will take place in Jowai from July 6 to 9. This was announced by Seinraij Jowai president Hercules Toi while addressing the media at the Seiñraij Dorbar Hall in Jowai in Thursday. Speaking at the conference, Dolloi Puramon Kynjing reflected on the success of last year's Behdieñkhlam and extended his congratulations to all participants of the Chaad Niam Behdieñkhlam. He urged the community to continue their support to ensure the smooth execution of this significant celebration by the Niamtre community. He noted that roads, streets, markets, and parking areas will be closed during the festival and expressed hope for divine blessings upon the community throughout the four-day, three-night event. He also encouraged attendees to minimize vehicle use at ...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday inaugurated the Centre for Capacity Building and Empowerment of the Presbyterian Church of India, Phase I and Phase II of the project in Shillong. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister underscored the deeper purpose behind the initiative, calling it not just an infrastructure milestone but a platform to transform lives and empower youth. Speaking about his guiding philosophy of “Born to Serve,” he stated that both governance and spiritual institutions share a common mission, to serve people with dedication, humility, and commitment. On concerns surrounding the FCRA Amendment Bill, he spoke of challenges as expressed by churches and faith-based organisations that could affect humanitarian works. “While our paths may di...

The Supreme Court refused to interfere with the order of the High Court as Sonam Raghuvanshi has already been released on bail, but the final hearing will be held on Thursday (July 9). Meghalaya Advocate General Amit Kumar said the final hearing will be held on Thursday, though the SC did not want to interfere with the order of the High Court in upholding the bail, at this juncture. However, the Supreme Court expressed reservations regarding the High Court's observations on typographical error on arrest memo as one of thereasons to grant bail.

The Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) has sought urgent police action against an “alarming rise” in drug peddling and drug abuse in Harijan Colony at Them Iew Mawlong, Shillong. The HCP also suggested a few measures to tackle the menace, including approval to set up a youth volunteer wing to curb narcotics trade in the area. The HPC, in a letter to police authorities, said drug peddlers were openly selling narcotics in the locality despite complaints in the past. The menace has caused “severe social and health hazards” with more and more youth falling prey to drugs. “It is strongly apprehended that these peddlers are deliberately targeting and encouraging the youth of our community with ulterior motives to morally degrade our society and ensure that we cannot stand as respecta...

Meghalaya recorded 32.76 crore digital transactions during the 2025-26 financial year, while the number of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts in the state touched nearly 10 lakh, officials said on Thursday, highlighting steady progress in financial inclusion and digital banking. Speaking at a panel discussion, RBI Shillong General Manager Olden Nongpluh said initiatives such as the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) have widened access to banking services, improved transparency and accelerated the adoption of digital payments. Nongpluh said 98 per cent of bank account holders in Meghalaya now use at least one digital mode of transaction. He added that efforts are continuing to achieve universal an...

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the newly constructed Boarding Building at Pine Mount School in the presence of Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, fulfilling a promise he had made to students nearly three years ago. Pine Mount School is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most prestigious girls’ boarding schools in Shillong, and the upgrade marks a significant milestone in the institution’s infrastructure. The inauguration brought back memories of the Chief Minister’s visit to the school in October 2022, when students had raised concerns about poor hostel conditions, including leaking roofs, damaged floors, and unsafe living spaces. Following that visit, the Chief Minister had directed immediate intervention and assured students that the boarding facilities wo...

The ongoing power struggle within the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has taken a dramatic legal turn. The Meghalaya High Court has passed an interim order suspending the Special General Meeting (SGM) that was scheduled for July 3. The urgent ruling follows an application filed by MCA President James PK Sangma, who has been locked in a protracted battle for control of the association against Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni. The underlying conflict heavily intensified after the Meghalaya State Commission for Women found that Kharkamni had failed to act on a sexual harassment complaint filed by members of the Under-23 women’s cricket team. Citing this severe administrative failure, Sangma suspended Kharkamni. However, the Secretary faction, backed by members of the Apex Council...

Principal Secretary of Labour, Employment and Skill Development, Government of Meghalaya, Frederick R. Kharkongor, on Tuesday called for stronger collaboration between industry and educational institutions to transform technical and vocational education in Meghalaya under the PM-SETU initiative.Addressing an Industry Outreach and Awareness Programme on Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs, or PM-SETU, Kharkongor said skilled people, and not just infrastructure and technology, are the foundation of a strong economy.He cited Meghalaya's living root bridges as an example of indigenous engineering skills and stressed the need to build on such strengths to create new opportunities for the state's youth.Kharkongor said the programme was not merely about...