Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma called on the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, in New Delhi today and urged the Government of India to delegate to the State, under Section 26 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the powers to grant previous approval and to approve mining plans for coal. The step, the Chief Minister said, would allow thousands of small tribal coal-holders to obtain lawful mineral concessions and the necessary approvals within the State itself. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of Sutnga Saipung in East Jaintia Hills. Explaining Meghalaya's distinct position, the Chief Minister pointed out that Meghalaya is a Sixth Schedule State where the land, and the minerals beneath it, belong t...

The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has constituted a committee to address growing pollution concerns in Byrnihat’s Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP). The decision was taken during a special meeting convened by Community and Rural Development Minister and Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun with officials, industry representatives and village leaders to discuss measures for improving environmental conditions in the area. The meeting was attended by MSPCB Chairman R Nainamalai, Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Saini, senior officials, scientists, representatives of the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation Limited (MIDC), the Byrnihat Industries Association (BIA) and village leaders under the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong Byrnihat Area. During the discussion, vill...

The Meghalaya government is likely to take a final decision on the proposed relocation of residents of Punjabi Lane, also known as Them Metor, in Shillong by the end of July, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Monday, July 6. Speaking to reporters, Dhar said the government has one more meeting to hold before receiving the final report on the issue and intends to take a decision before the end of the month. He said one of the options under consideration is to seek land from the defence authorities for relocating the residents. The government is awaiting the outcome of its discussions with the Army before making a final decision. Dhar said two to three alternative locations have already been identified, but no response has yet been received from the Army regarding the ...

The 11th Meghalaya State Shooting Championship 2026 concluded after a six-day run at the Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong. The championship brought together shooters from across the state to compete in a wide range of events, reaffirming Meghalaya's growing sporting culture in the shooting discipline. The championship also served as an important milestone in the state's preparations for the 39th National Games 2027, which Meghalaya is slated to host. As one of the key events on the state's sporting calendar this year, the championship provided shooters a competitive platform to sharpen their skills and gain valuable exposure ahead of the National Games. This edition of the championship saw strong participation and represented one of the largest gatherings of shooters in the...

The Jaintia National Council, Khliehriat Circle, led by working President Diamon Bareh today submitted formal complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaiñtia Hills District on the serious failure of the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) in the district. The organization stated that "As per government guidelines, children below six years and pregnant and lactating women are entitled to receive supplementary nutrition for 25 days in a month, including daily hot cooked meals and morning snacks for the 3–6 years age group at Anganwadi centres. In reality, across many villages in the Khliehriat area, food is being distributed only once in one, two or even three months, and there is no regular hot cooked meal or morning snack for our children. This is not an administrative “minor ...

The Dorbar Shnong of Nongrim Hills has defended the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued for a proposed Blinkit outlet, clarifying that the approval was granted collectively by its Executive Committee after extensive deliberations and not by the Rangbah Shnong alone. The clarification came in response to recent remarks by KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh. Headman Bantylli Nari said the NOC was issued in the name of V Kurbah, a resident of Rynjah, who has an agreement with Blinkit, and not directly to the quick-commerce company. He maintained that the Executive Committee weighed the advantages and disadvantages before passing a resolution in favour of the proposal. Addressing concerns that Blinkit's entry could affect around 4,000 retail shops in Shillong, Nari argu...

The 19th Meghalaya State Swimming Championship 2026 concluded successfully, with more than 100 swimmers from across the state competing in a display of talent, determination and sportsmanship. Organised by the Meghalaya Swimming Association (MSA), the championship once again provided a competitive platform for swimmers across various age groups while highlighting the steady growth of aquatic sports in Meghalaya. The championship witnessed closely contested races across multiple categories, with several swimmers delivering impressive performances and achieving personal milestones. The event concluded with a medal distribution ceremony, where winners were honoured with gold, silver and bronze medals in their respective events. Officials also commended the efforts of coaches, volunteer...

Tourist entry to the popular Weisawdong Falls in Meghalaya has been suspended until further notice following prohibitory orders issued by the Sohra Civil Sub-Division administration amid a renewed village dispute. The restrictions were imposed by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mark A. Challam under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and came into effect immediately. The administration said the decision was taken to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents in the area. According to the order, the assembly of five or more people has been prohibited within a 200-metre radius of Weisawdong Falls, including all existing and proposed access routes. The carrying of sticks, machetes, firearms, or any other weapons has also been strictly banned wi...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma called on Union Minister for Home Affairs, Amit Shah, in New Delhi on Sunday. The Chief Minister was accompanied by a delegation of church and community leaders from the State. The delegation comprised senior representatives of the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI), the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), the Catholic Church (Archdiocese of Shillong) and the Garo Baptist Convention. During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Union Home Minister of the concerns of the State regarding certain provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), including the proposed amendments to the law, and their bearing on the functioning of religious, educational, charitable and social welfare institutions in Meghalaya. Thes...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on July 3 laid the foundation stone for a new building at Sohkha Government Higher Secondary School in West Jaiñtia Hills and reiterated the state government's commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure across Meghalaya. During his visit to Sohkha under the Amlarem Block, the chief minister also joined the All Sohkha Development Committee in felicitating meritorious students. He later inaugurated the Children and Adolescent Library and Digital Infrastructure at Sohkha Mission Village. Addressing the gathering, Sangma highlighted the government's efforts to improve the education sector over the past eight years. He said more than 2,000 schools have been upgraded across the state, with significant investments made in school infrastr...