Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on March 27, joined virtually the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and the National Jal Jeevan Mission, reaffirming the state's commitment to delivering safe drinking water to every household. The MoU formalises closer coordination between state agencies and the Central mission directorate, with the aim of ensuring funds are deployed efficiently and targets met within the stipulated timeline. Sangma noted that Meghalaya had already made significant progress, with "over 83% rural households already connected" to piped water supply. "We will continue working closely with the Government of India to ensure timely support and successful completion of this mission," the Chief Minister said, adding that the collabo...

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, today, inaugurated the third edition of Culinary Cascade 2026 at Ward’s Lake. The two-day festival, themed “Crafted for All 5 Senses,” is being held on March 27–28, 2026, and is organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, in partnership with Meghalayan Age Ltd., MyMeG, and the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program. In his address, the Chief Minister congratulated the Tourism Department for organizing the festival. He said, “Over the past three years, this festival has evolved beautifully, creating multiple opportunities for our chefs, various stakeholders, and most importantly, the youth of our wonderful state.”  He highlighted the richness of Meghalaya’s cultural and natural assets, adding, “Our...

Private coaching centres across Meghalaya will now have to mandatorily register with the Education department, following the state government's rollout of a new regulatory framework aimed at tightening oversight of the sector. The requirement comes under the Meghalaya Registration of Private Coaching Centre Rules, 2026, recently notified to bring both physical and online coaching institutes within a defined system of governance. An official communication from the Office of the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner stated that the rules are intended to formalise a sector that has expanded rapidly in recent years. As part of the framework, coaching centres are required to follow prescribed student safety norms and set up proper grievance redressal systems. The government has indicated tha...

In a significant legal development, the High Court of Meghalaya has stepped in to protect the interests of liquor retailers, ruling that the state government acted improperly by slashing their profit margins. The court found that the reduction lacked a fair basis and violated constitutional guarantees of equality. A division bench comprising Justice HS Thangkhiew and Justice B Bhattacharjee has struck down the state government's decision to reduce the profit margin of liquor retailers from 20% to 15%. The ruling comes in response to a writ petition filed by the East Khasi Hills Wine Dealers Welfare Association, which challenged the financial impact of the newly introduced Integrated Excise Management System, or IEMS. The IEMS was designed as a digital track-and-trace mechanism using QR...

Meghalaya will host the latest edition of Culinary Cascade on March 27 and 28 at Ward’s Lake in Shillong, bringing together food, culture and local enterprise in a two-day public event. Organised by the state’s tourism department in collaboration with Meghalayan Age Limited, the festival is positioned as a platform to promote indigenous cuisine while supporting farmers, food entrepreneurs and small businesses. The event coincides with SEETI Meghalaya, a six-day cultural programme beginning March 26. As part of the joint programming, visitors will be offered curated dining experiences under the “SEETI Table” initiative. Culinary Cascade has, over recent editions, emerged as a key tourism event aimed at strengthening the state’s food economy and expanding market access for local producer...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma attended the Closing Ceremony of College Week 2026 and the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Synod College Shillong. In his address, he highlighted the college's legacy, which has positively impacted numerous lives and instilled strong Christian values in its students. He emphasized the importance of these values in shaping responsible citizens who contribute to society. The Chief Minister acknowledged notable alumni, including the late J. D. Rymbai, whose successes exemplify the college's influence beyond academics. Sangma reflected on his long-lasting personal connection with the college, having participated in its Golden Jubilee celebrations and expressed the significance of education as a crucial investment for societal improvement. He und...

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM) and the Government of Meghalaya to implement water supply schemes, facilitated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, India. This agreement, signed in the presence of Union Minister C. R. Patil and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, emphasizes the necessity of effective service delivery and sustained operation of water supply systems in villages, with the state primarily responsible for execution and outcomes. During the ceremony, Minister Patil underscored the importance of ensuring that drinking water reaches all communities to realize the Prime Minister's vision for a developed India, prioritizing the efficient implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission. He also encouraged collaboration with other initiati...

In a landmark moment for live entertainment in the Northeast, world-renowned comedian Russell Peters is set to perform in Shillong on Friday evening, marking the first time an international stand-up comedy act of this scale has come to the region. The show, scheduled at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture, has already been sold out, reflecting strong interest among local audiences. Organisers said the response has been overwhelming, with tickets selling out quickly days before the event. Peters, who is currently on his India tour, arrived in the city earlier in the day and spent time exploring local spots before preparing for his 6:00 PM performance. Attendees have been advised to reach the venue early to avoid last-minute rush and to enjoy food and beverage st...

Shillong is hosting Northeast India's first major international stand-up comedy event tonight, March 27, with global star Russell Peters performing to a sold-out crowd at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture. Peters arrived in the city earlier today and has been taking in the local sights before his 6:00 PM show. Fans should arrive by 5:00 PM to enjoy the venue's stalls and beverages amid high demand. The comedian, on his India tour, chose Shillong as his sole Northeast stop. Famous for observational humour and tales drawn from diverse cultures, he has drawn packed houses in arenas across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. This gig cements Shillong's status as a live entertainment hotspot. Over the last decade, the city has earned...

Meghalaya has sought a substantial increase in LPG supply from the Centre after facing reduced deliveries, particularly of commercial cylinders, affecting hotels and restaurants, a state minister said on Thursday. Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Methodius Dkhar said the state government has written to the Centre requesting a 50-60 per cent increase in LPG allocation, citing rising demand due to a surge in tourism and increased dependence on the fuel. "We have written to the Union minister to enhance the quota allocated to the state. In the last two days, we have received a slightly better supply of commercial cylinders, but it is still not at the level we used to get earlier," Dkhar told the media. To address the situation, the government has taken steps to preven...