Meghalaya

The literacy rate in Meghalaya has gone up to 94% and now the state is slightly short of full literacy status. The state needs another 38,000 population to be literate so that the rate reaches 95%, which is considered full literacy, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said on Thursday. The minister said a drive will be launched from April 24 to impart functional literacy and numeracy to the remaining population. “Different wings of the government will try to pursue this so that we can achieve the cent per cent literacy rate,” Rymbui said, expressing confidence in the state’s ability to reach its goal.

Meghalaya is likely to witness above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall during the April to June period this year, according to the India Meteorological Department. As per the seasonal outlook issued by the weather office, both maximum and minimum temperatures across the state are expected to remain above normal. However, the India Meteorological Department clarified that heat wave conditions are unlikely during this period. The forecast also indicates that rainfall across many parts of the Northeast, including Meghalaya, is likely to be below normal. Officials noted that the warmer-than-usual conditions during both daytime and nighttime could lead to increased thermal discomfort, particularly during dry spells. The expected shortfall in rainfall may also impact water availa...

Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has announced that the State has achieved over 94 percent literacy and needs around 38,000 more literate individuals to reach 95 percent, which would qualify it as a fully literate state.Currently, Mizoram is the only state with this status, having a literacy rate of 98.20 percent.The government will launch a statewide campaign from April 24 to boost functional literacy and numeracy (FLN)—basic reading, writing, and math skills.Additionally, a new teacher pay framework will be implemented from May 1, pending verification.Discussions were also held on part-time college teachers' salaries and school rationalisation.The government plans to strengthen 186 schools and ensure facilities like girls’ toilets and sanitary pad vending machines, in line wi...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has provided a glimmer of hope for the state’s struggling hospitality sector, indicating that the acute shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is expected to ease in the coming days. Addressing the ongoing energy crisis triggered by global supply shocks, the chief minister noted that while the situation remains fluid, recent federal policy shifts are designed to alleviate the pressure on businesses. The current shortage stems largely from the geopolitical fallout of the Iran war, which has severely disrupted international fuel supplies. In response to these global constraints, the central government initially prioritized domestic LPG users to ensure households remained unaffected. However, this move came at a significant cost to the commercial se...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed deep sorrow over the passing of American travel writer and researcher Patrick A Rogers, who died of cardiac arrest while visiting a remote village in the East Khasi Hills district. Sangma highlighted Rogers' profound connection to Meghalaya, noting his commitment to exploring and documenting the region's 'living root bridges.' The Chief Minister praised Rogers for his dedication to raising global awareness about these unique structures and for his sincerity, humility, and love for the land and its people. He extended heartfelt condolences to Rogers' family and friends, wishing for his soul to rest in peace.

The Government of Meghalaya is intensifying its preparations for hosting the 39th National Games in 2027, with focus on comprehensive team preparation activities throughout the State. In alignment with the Chief Minister's objective of establishing Meghalaya as a leading sporting hub, the State is committing significant investments toward sports infrastructure, athlete development, and youth engagement. As part of its preparatory strategy, Rs 40 crore has been allocated in Phase I to 27 State Sports Associations, aimed at enhancing team readiness and athlete development across various sports disciplines. This initiative operates under a trust-based model, granting associations operational autonomy that acknowledges their expertise and understanding of sport-specific needs. Consequently, t...

The State Election Commission of Meghalaya is preparing for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, pending the release of the official schedule. This initiative follows increased demands for a comprehensive revision, particularly in the violence-affected Garo Hills. Concurrently, preparations are underway for the Shillong Parliamentary by-election due to the death of MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon on February 19. Chief Election Officer B.D.R. Tiwari confirmed readiness to conduct the by-poll after the Election Commission of India finalizes the schedule. The first-level commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) is complete, and electoral rolls are regularly updated for the state's 2,303 polling stations, catering to 14,64,742 voters. The by-election must occur within six ...

In a significant sign of returning stability, the district administration of West Garo Hills in Meghalaya has officially lifted the night curfew across the region. The decision follows a comprehensive review of the prevailing law and order situation, with officials observing that normalcy has successfully been restored to the district. The curfew had been in place since March 19, originally imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. These measures were initially deemed necessary by the administration to address rising concerns over regional law and order and to safeguard the public. After nearly two weeks of monitoring, authorities are now confident that the immediate threat to public peace has subsided. While the movement restrictions have been remo...

The Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE), Tura, has announced that the results of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Examination 2026 will be declared on Tuesday at 11 am. In a statement issued on Thursday, MBOSE Director of Accreditation and Controller of Examinations, T.R. Laloo, advised students and parents to regularly check the official websites for updates and to download their results promptly once released. The board informed that students will be able to access and download the complete result booklets from the official MBOSE website. It also clarified that there will be no physical display of results at its offices in Tura or Shillong. Apart from the official website, the results will also be made available through various online portals.

The district administration in East Khasi Hills has imposed a strict ban on dumping of waste and construction debris along a key highway stretch leading into Shillong, following concerns raised by a national road agency over safety and maintenance issues.The order was issued by District Magistrate RM Kurbah, prohibiting the disposal of soil, debris, and garbage along a 16-kilometre stretch of the Old National Highway 40. This road is an important link connecting Shillong with other parts of the country. The move came after the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited raised the issue in a formal complaint earlier this month. The agency reported that unknown individuals had been regularly dumping waste along the roadside between Barapani and KHADC Junction, affe...