Meghalaya

Meghalaya is struggling to transition to clean energy, with nearly 65% of households relying on traditional fuels such as firewood. Recent statistics indicate that only 29% of households in the state have access to LPG connections, ranking it second-lowest in India, just above Odisha at 26%. In the Northeast, Meghalaya's LPG coverage is also lower than Tripura's 36%. Rural areas are particularly affected due to challenging terrain, which raises the cost and logistics of transporting LPG cylinders, thereby discouraging usage. The state has the lowest per capita LPG consumption in the nation at 9.3 kg, significantly below the national average. Many households with LPG connections struggle to afford regular refills due to high costs relative to their income. Recently, a shortage of commercia...

Secondary schools in rural Meghalaya face potential collapse due to a government grant-in-aid freeze that has lasted for a decade, as reported by the Meghalaya Schools Welfare Development Association (MSWDA). Since 2014, the state government has ceased financial support for newly established “permitted” secondary schools, which has forced teachers to rely on inadequate funding from fees paid by rural parents who frequently struggle to meet basic needs. MSWDA president HM Marbaniang highlighted that while some schools receive “Science Grants,” there is a lack of ad-hoc grants for general subjects, particularly affecting teachers of history, language, and social sciences. This neglect indicates a preference for promoting STEM subjects over maintaining a well-rounded educational staff. ...

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has attributed the violence in Meghalaya's Garo Hills to alleged infiltration, asserting that "infiltrators" marry Garo women to gain control of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). At an election rally in Assam, Shah claimed these outsiders exploit marriage as a means to assert political influence over tribal institutions, framing the unrest as a demographic struggle. The recent fatal incidents in Garo Hills were exacerbated by non-tribal candidates' participation in the GHADC elections, leading to significant clashes, arson, and vandalism during the nomination period. This turmoil resulted in at least two fatalities, including one due to police firing, prompting the state government to impose curfews, suspend mobile internet services, and dep...

In a significant move to strengthen social safeguards and protect the rights of minors, the East Jaintia Hills district administration has officially reconstituted its Committee for Prevention of Child Marriage. The revamped panel aims to create a more robust and unified framework by integrating government officials, community leaders, and civil society representatives into a singular mission to eliminate the practice of child marriage. According to the official notification, the committee will be chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, who also serves as the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer. The District Child Protection Officer has been appointed as the Member Secretary to oversee the panel's operational duties. This administrative restructuring is designed to streamline communication ...

Laban saw heightened security measures on Saturday ahead of the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) National Awakening Day rally, with personnel deployed at key points throughout the area and surrounding localities. Security forces maintained a strong presence from early morning, establishing checkpoints and stepping up patrols to ensure law and order during the event. Many businesses closed their shutters, while a few remained open, resulting in near-normal activity, though not entirely unaffected. Footfall was slightly lower than usual, and some shops operated with caution amid the security arrangements. Vehicular movement was also somewhat reduced, giving parts of the area a quieter-than-usual atmosphere.

Meghalaya is likely to experience a warmer-than-usual summer along with below-normal rainfall this year, according to the latest seasonal outlook issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The forecast covers the April to June period and points to a shift from the usual weather pattern in the state. As per the IMD’s assessment, both maximum and minimum temperatures across Meghalaya are expected to remain above normal during these months. This means residents may feel warmer conditions not only during the day but also at night. However, the weather office has clarified that heatwave conditions are not likely to develop in the state during this period. Despite the absence of extreme heatwave warnings, officials say the combination of higher temperatures and reduced rainfall could ...

The Government of Meghalaya on Saturday inaugurated the new link road behind the N.E.F.A. Secretariat in the Cantonment area of Shillong, in a move aimed at improving connectivity in the locality. The project is expected to benefit residents and commuters by enhancing access within the area. The work is being undertaken by the Public Works Department (Roads) and includes M.B.T. construction over a stretch of 0.185 km. The project has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹3.36 crore, reflecting the state government's focus on strengthening urban infrastructure. The initiative has been taken up by the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also oversees the PWD (Roads & Buildings) por...

Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the state government is weighing a fee revision in government colleges to reduce their dependence on official grants and allow them to fund routine activities from their own revenues. Speaking after a review meeting on Thursday, Rymbui noted that government college fees remain far lower than those in deficit or private institutions, limiting principles' flexibility. "We cannot deny the fact that the fees in government colleges are very less compared to people's colleges or deficit colleges," he said. Under the proposed model, colleges would raise fees modestly-by 10-15 percent-with the additional portion payable once students receive post-matric scholarships. "Suppose a college collects Rs 11,000 or Rs 12,000 now; let us make it Rs 18,000-Rs 19,00...

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...