Meghalaya

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER), reviewed key development initiatives of the ministry in Meghalaya during a two-day visit to the state. Jaju, who is on a two-day visit to the state, held a meeting with the Chief Secretary, Meghalaya and other senior government officials on Saturday to review a host of infrastructure and tourism projects. In the meeting, he discussed ways to strengthen Centre-State coordination. The Secretary reviewed a portfolio of 16 projects sanctioned between FY 2022-23 and FY 2025-26, with a total sanctioned amount of Rs 1,411.58 crore, exceeding the normative allocation of Rs 1,262 crore, officials at the Northeastern Council (NEC) said. After the meeting, he expressed satisfaction over the pace of development.

Traditional heads of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) have called for greater legal powers and authority to safeguard the region’s environment and strengthen customary governance systems. The demand emerged from a first-of-its-kind seminar on Daloiship and Environmental Conservation, held at Thomas Jones Synod College on April 10  where Dalois and Sirdars from across the Jaintia Hills convened on a single platform to deliberate on ecological challenges and traditional stewardship. Organised in collaboration with Leiden University, JHADC, Earthtree Enviro Ltd, and academic institutions, the seminar saw participation from 14 of the 18 Dalois, along with both Sirdars, reflecting a broad-based consensus among traditional leadership. A key outcome of the discussion...

The Northeast is set to witness a historic sporting milestone as the Meghalaya Motorsports Society (MMS) officially announced that the prestigious MRF MO-GRIP Supercross FMSCI National Championship will debut in the region on April 11, 2026. The high-octane event will be held at Madan Kurkalang in the Ri-Bhoi district, marking a significant leap for motorsports in Meghalaya. Addressing a press conference at the Shillong Press Club, Shyam Kothari, the promoter of the championship and head of Godspeed Racing, expressed his excitement about bringing the event to the state. With over 22 years of experience and 500 events organized nationwide, Kothari noted that hosting a national-level championship in the Northeast has been a long-held ambition. He credited the collaboration with local org...

In a significant push towards improving urban connectivity, a newly constructed link road in Rilbong was formally inaugurated today by Sanbor Shullai. The project, undertaken by the Public Works Department (Roads) Meghalaya, includes the construction, widening, metaling, and blacktopping of a crucial stretch connecting key areas of the city. The road links the existing PWD road near Rilbong, passes through the Rilbong Community Hall, and extends up to the Umshyrpi Bridge, ultimately providing smoother access to the four-lane National Highway. Sanctioned under the PWD SPA Scheme 2021–22, the project was completed at a cost of ₹4.35 crore, reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening urban infrastructure. The inauguration ceremony was attended by local leaders including Rangbah ...

Laying of pipes delays distribution of water under the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS)- phase III. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the PHE Minister Marcuise Marak said the project is nearing completion, with water already reaching the treatment plant. "The pumping from phase-III, from the Mawphlang damsite is already completed and it has been successfully tested recently, and water has reached the treatment plant," Marak said "The work is still pending on the distribution side, including laying of pipes", he added. The minister expressed hope that the project would be completed soon. The works in some localities are still pending, but we are hoping to complete it," Marak said. He declined to provide thr updated figures on the revised expenditure incurred for GSWSS-III, ...

The ability to read, write, and understand basic text remains fundamental in today’s world—not only for the youth but also for adults who may have missed out on formal education earlier in life. The Directorate of School Education and Literacy, in collaboration with the State Literacy Mission Authority, Government of Meghalaya, organised the ULLAS Fest 2026 on April 10 at U Soso Tham Auditorium. The event was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma as the Chief Guest, with Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui as Guest of Honour, alongside senior officials including Commissioner and Secretary, Education Department, Vijay Kumar Mantri. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister underscored that it is “never too late” to pursue education. He shared that earlier in the day, he had hosted...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday felicitated the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Examination 2026 toppers from Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.The felicitation programme was also attended by State education minister Lakhmen Rymbui and Commissioner and Secretary, Education, Vijay Kumar Mantri besides parents, teachers and officials from the Education department.Congratulating the toppers on their remarkable achievement, Chief Minister Sangma, said a few years back the pass percentage of SSCL examinations was very low and this disturbed him greatly.“It was very sad to see the low pass percentage but things have started improving and I am positive that in the long run we will be able to bring about significant changes in the education scenario,” he said.He also i...

A podium suddenly collapsed during the 150-year celebration of Gorkha Pathshala on Friday while Cabinet Minister Wailadmiki Shylla was addressing the gathering. The incident occurred amid the ongoing programme marking the school's historic milestone, when strong winds swept through the venue, causing the temporary structure to give way. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and attendees managed to move to safety as the structure came down.The event marked the conclusion of the school's 150th anniversary celebrations, which had drawn a large number of participants.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday clarified that the proposed Taj Resort and Spa in Umiam will be developed at the existing Orchid Umiam property, and not on Lumpongdeng Island. Issuing his second clarification in two days amid growing concerns over the project, Sangma said the main hotel structure and core infrastructure would be constructed at the Orchid site, while Lumpongdeng Island would be used only for limited activities involving temporary structures. In a video statement, the Chief Minister stated that the island would host controlled tourism-related activities, with provisions for temporary installations such as tents and similar facilities, while avoiding permanent construction. He emphasised that the project is part of a broader and "holistic tourism strategy" aimed ...

Retired High Court judge B.R. Kataky carried out a detailed inspection of coal mining areas in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills and Garo Hills on April 8, focusing on steps taken to check illegal mining and transportation.The visit covered several key locations in the state’s mining belt. In West Khasi Hills, Kataky visited Hatiabari, where he reviewed ground-level mining activities and assessed whether rules are being followed. He also interacted with officials and suggested measures to improve monitoring systems and close gaps in enforcement. In North Garo Hills, the retired judge inspected Smart Coal Gates at Sarangma and checked transport points to see how coal movement is being tracked. He also visited Mendipathar Railway Station, which is an important coal loading point, and examined...