Meghalaya

Development projects in Meghalaya under central schemes are moving ahead, but not at the same pace everywhere. A latest monthly report of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) shows a mixed picture, with some projects completed while many others are yet to begin. According to the report, the state currently has 83 ongoing projects. Out of these, 41 are under the North Eastern Council (NEC), which forms the largest share. Another 30 projects fall under the NESIDS (OTRI) scheme, while a few others are linked to road development and PM-DevINE programmes. These projects cover important areas like education, water supply, livelihood support and basic infrastructure. The report shows that work is not evenly spread across the state. East Khasi Hills district alone has...

The Meghalaya High Court has set aside a POCSO case registered in West Khasi Hills, taking into account the social background of the relationship and the present condition of the woman and her children. The case goes back to 2021, when an FIR was filed at Mawshynrut Police Station under Sections 5 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The case was registered after a teenage pregnancy was reported. At that time, the girl was around 16 years old, while the man was about 25 to 26 years old. Later, both the man and the woman approached the High Court together, seeking to quash the case. They informed the court that they are now living together as a family and have two children. A report placed before the court by the High Court Legal Services Committee...

The Voice of the People Party (VPP) chairman Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Saturday blazoned the party's decision to launch a massive public agitation against the National People's Party (NPP)- led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, on April 22 at Motphran. The kick is against apathy, bias, and casualness for the indigenous community. by the government. We've several issues to place before the people. These include the style and functioning of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission and District Selection panels in the reclamation process, the problems faced by preceptors, environmental enterprises, and the government's adamant stage on tourism systems on Lumpongdeng Island, among others," Basaiawmoit said in a videotape statem

One man named Elias Kurbah drowned while taking bath in Umtrew river along with his two friends at Umran Dairy in Ri-Bhoi district on Sunday. His friends tried to rescue the person from Mawprem, Shillong, but were unsuccessful. The incident occurred around 8:30 AM. Police, along with the State Response Team (SRT) from Shillong and personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services in Nongpoh, rushed to the spot and later retrieved the body. The body was shifted to Nongpoh Civil Hospital morgue. It was subsequently handed over to the family after they declined a post-mortem examination.

The State Health Review Meeting 2026 which was held recently brought together senior health officials and district teams to assess progress and identify critical gaps in Meghalaya’s healthcare delivery system. The meeting served as a key platform to review the implementation of major health programmes across the state, with a focus not just on achievements but also on challenges that continue to affect service delivery on the ground. Senior officials present included Director of Health Services (MI) Dr. J.S. Momin, Director of Health Services (MCH&FW) Dr. N.E. Kharsahnoh, and Director of Health Services (Medical Education & Research) Dr. Lumrilyne Mylliemumlong. District health officials, programme consultants, and field staff also participated, sharing updates and feedback...

The Meghalaya government has announced a set of road renamings across the state, with immediate effect, according to a notification issued by the General Administration Department (B). Under the changes, “Blessed Mother Teresa” road will now be known as “Saint Teresa Road”, while “Rev Nichol’s Roy Road” has been corrected and renamed “Rev. J.J.M Nichols Roy Road”. The PWD road stretch from Thorika Rabha to Nibari has been renamed “Utpal Rabha Road”. Authorities have also renamed “Pasyih Garampani Road (P.G Road)” as “Phramer–Shangpung–Saphai Road”. Another route, running from Wahthapbru locality towards Jaiaw Pdeng via Mission Compound, will now be called “Dr. Friday Lyngdoh Road”. Officials said the notification has been circulated to all concerned departments and stakeholders for...

Pressures continue to escalate in Meghalaya as demurrers against the controversial tourism design near Umiam Lake consolidate, with the agitation led by the Green- Tech Foundation (GTF) entering its eleventh day. The kick at Malki Ground has taken a serious turn, with GTF clerk general Ritre Lyngdoh continuing an indefinite hunger strike after the organisation’s president H. Bansiewdor Nonglang was hospitalised due to deteriorating health following several days of fasting. Despite medical enterprises and signs of weakening vitals, Lyngdoh has pledged to continue the kick, stating that public support has strengthened his resoluteness. The agitation centres on the state government’s decision to lease Lumpongdeng Island for 60 times to develop a luxury resort and gym, a move explosive...

A tense standoff has emerged in Meghalaya over the proposed privatisation of Lumpongdeng Island, as the Green-Tech Foundation (GTF) intensified its protest with a dramatic ultimatum to the state government. GTF chairman H Bansiewdor Nonglang, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 10 days, was shifted from Civil Hospital to Woodland Hospital after his health deteriorated significantly. Despite medical concerns, he continues to refuse food. In his absence, GTF secretary general Ritre Lyngdoh has taken over the hunger strike. Addressing the media at Malki Ground, Lyngdoh warned that if the government does not immediately revoke the 60-year lease granted for a luxury resort on Lumpongdeng Island, the protest could result in fatalities. “We intend to send a very strong message...

University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) is set to host the Northeast NSS Festival 2026 from April 21 to 25, 2026, on its campus. Centred on the theme “Empowered Youth for Viksit Bharat,” the five-day festival will bring together National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers from across the Northeastern states, fostering unity, leadership, and community engagement. The festival aims to provide a dynamic platform for youth to engage in nation-building activities while promoting the spirit of “Not Me, But You,” NSS's guiding principle. The inaugural session of the Northeast NSS Festival will be graced by distinguished dignitaries, including the Meghalaya minister Sosthenes Sohtun and MLA Mayralborn Syiem. The occasion will also be attended by senior officials from the Nationa...

Voice of the People Party (VPP) has called for a public meeting at Motphran on April 22 as part of a broader agitation against the Meghalaya government's alleged “anti-indigenous” policies. The public meeting marks a significant escalation in the standoff over the proposed luxury resort at Umiam. During the agitation, the party plans to also place the long-standing grievances regarding irregularities in the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and District Selection Committees (DSC), alongside the rights of teachers and border residents. VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, while announcing the agitation following an emergent party meeting on Saturday, accused the NPP-led administration of being “insensitive and dismissive” of the interests of the Khasi-Jaintia community,...