Meghalaya

James Donald Khar Kongor, a Class 9 student from East Khasi Hills, has earned the prestigious jury award at the Northeast Science Fair & Innovation Festival 2026. A student of Mwanga District Christian Multipurpose HS School, James was recognized for his "Smart LPG Safety and Hazard Prevention System," a project aimed at reducing domestic fire accidents. The innovation uses advanced sensors to monitor air quality in real-time. When a leak is detected, the system simultaneously triggers a buzzer, activates an exhaust fan to disperse gas, and—most critically—uses an automatic solenoid valve to shut off the gas supply. The device also features IoT-based alerts, sending immediate notifications to users. Mentored by the Shillong Science Centre, James, who comes from a modest backgrou...

The Meghalaya Cabinet will decide on the date of holding of Haro Hills Autonomous Distrixt Council (GHADC) polls on February 16 An official source said that is scheduled for 4 pm today. The cabinet may fix the date of polls on April 9, the source added. The district council department has used the list of voters of the Election Commission of India, as the non-tribals are allowed to vote in GHADC. There are a total of 8,61,439 voters in the 29 constituencies of GHADC. The break-up is male voters (4,32,784) and the female voters(4,28,655 There are 1078 polling stations.

The Budget Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly commenced on Monday, with the Governor of Meghalaya, C. H. Vijaya Shankar, delivering his address to the House on the opening day. In a first for the Assembly, the National Anthem, the State Anthem and the National Song were played prior to the commencement of the session, marking a significant and ceremonial start to the proceedings.

A Class 9 student from Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district won the jury award at the North East Science Fair & Innovation Festival for developing a system that detects gas leaks and initiates preventive measures to avert accidents, officials said on Sunday. James Donald Kharkongor, a student of Mawngap District Christian Multipurpose HS School, received the recognition at the regional event organised by the National Science Centre, Guwahati, a unit of the National Council of Science Museums. James, who hails from Laitpynter Synrangkaban village, said his father is a school teacher while his mother works as a housekeeper. The system uses advanced sensors to continuously monitor air quality. When gas levels exceed safe limits, it triggers an alarm and activates an exhaust fan to di...

In an aggressive move to combat illegal coal mining, police in East Jaintia Hills have arrested 14 individuals, among whom are seven directly associated with the devastating explosion on February 5, 2026, at an illegal coal mine in Mynsngat-Thangsko that resulted in the deaths of 31 people. This action is part of a focused 45-day crackdown initiated on January 1, 2026, following instructions from the National Green Tribunal, particularly intensified after the explosion underscored the grave dangers of unregulated rat-hole mining. The apprehended suspects relevant to the fatal incident include Forme Chyrmang, Shamehi War, Process Phawa, Tensing Suchiang, Yoomiki Syih, Ernest Swer, and Rangsing Syiemlieh (also known as Mithun). While Ernest Swer and Rangsing Syiemlieh remain in police custo...

The National Hynniewtrep People Federation (NHPF) has decided to submit a constitutional appeal seeking the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya. The representation will be addressed to Congress President Rahul Gandhi through the Member of Parliament representing the Voice of the People Party. In a press synopsis, the organisation cited the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, as the statutory basis for the ILP, stating that it empowers the government to regulate the entry, stay and movement of non-residents in protected tribal areas. It also referred to constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, as well as Articles 244, 275, 19(5), and 371 of the Constitution of India. It maintained that the ILP is a regulatory mechanism that does not affect lawf...

The spotlight remained firmly on the Centre’s fiscal roadmap as senior BJP leaders addressed the media in Meghalaya’s capital, describing the Union Budget 2026 as “transformational” and growth-driven for the North-East. Devesh Kumar, MLC from Bihar and Convenor of the Budget Publicity Campaign for the North-East, along with Shazia Ilmi, National Spokesperson of the BJP, held a press conference at 2 pm at the BJP State Office on Bivar Road in Shillong. During the briefing, the leaders highlighted key features of the Union Budget 2026, including a strong push for infrastructure expansion in the North-East and enhanced capital expenditure on roads, railways and digital connectivity. They emphasised fresh incentives for start-ups and MSMEs, stating that the measures would encourage entrepr...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurated the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Samanda, Rikwarenggre in East Garo Hills district, marking the commencement of the institution’s academic session.The programme was attended by Marcuise N. Marak, Minister of Housing, PHE Department and Soil and Water Conservation Department, and other dignitaries.The programme began with registration of participants, including EMRS students, parents and local leaders. The Chief Minister and the dignitaries were ceremonially escorted by the Wangala troupe, followed by the unveiling of the commemorative plaque.In his address, the Chief Minister described the inauguration as a memorable and gratifying occasion that marked another important addition to the state’s education infrastr...

The Office of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in West Khasi Hills District organized a rally at Pariong village on Friday, accompanied by an awareness program at Pariong Presbyterian Higher Secondary School. This initiative aimed to raise public awareness against child marriage and to educate the community about legal protections and support mechanisms available for children. The event saw active participation from teachers and numerous school students, who rallied with placards and slogans opposing child marriage. Following the rally, a brief awareness session was conducted at the school, featuring legal experts such as L. Nongrem and D.D. Diengdoh from the ALADC, along with P. Marwein from the Office of the DCPO. They addressed attendees on the detrimental effects of child ...

The Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi on Friday advised its citizens to exercise caution before accepting overseas employment, days after nine Nepali nationals were killed in a coal mine explosion in Meghalaya. A total of 31 people lost their lives in the February 5 blast at an allegedly illegal rat-hole coal mine in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district. Several of the victims were migrant workers, including nine from Nepal, while seven other Nepali nationals were injured and are currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital. Expressing its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the embassy said it prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. It added that the mission is in constant coordination with India’s Ministry of Extern...