Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized the significance of India-Japan relations, highlighting mutual respect, democratic ideals, and economic collaboration. Speaking at the Sixth India-Japan Intellectual Conclave, he resonated with the theme "Kizuna," symbolizing a lasting bond. Sangma noted Japan's pivotal role as a development partner for Meghalaya, emphasizing collaborations that extend beyond infrastructure to include youth empowerment, illustrated by the placement of 47 nurses in Japan. Following a recent visit, he announced an MoU aimed at training and placing 500 youths this year, eventually scaling up to 5,000 within five years, in partnership with NAVIS HR. The establishment of a Japanese language training center in Shillong further supports this initiative. ...

Listing significant investments made in the state’s education sector by his government, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has cited Rs 1,866-crore investment made for 38 Eklavya Residential Schools and upgradation of 2,045 schools under Mission Education. “We are happy to inform you that a large number of schools has been upgraded… We have an investment of Rs 1,866 crore in 38 Eklavya Residential Schools,” Sangma told the Assembly while replying to budget discussion on Wednesday. Highlighting progress made in the sector, Sangma drew a comparison with other North-Eastern states, saying while state, as per 2011 census, had a population of 29 lakh and Tripura 36 lakh, Meghalaya had 14,500 schools and the latter only 4,900 schools. Sangma pointed out that Meghalaya has 55,160 teachers and ...

The Meghalaya Strawberry Festival 2026 is being held at Wah-Ling-Syiem Meadows in Smit, showcasing the government’s initiatives to enhance agro-tourism and entrepreneurship via strawberry farming. The event facilitates direct market access for farmers and entrepreneurs to engage with buyers. Stalls feature fresh strawberries and processed products like jams, juices, and desserts, allowing visitors a farm-to-table experience. Deputy Commissioner Smt. R.M. Kurbah highlighted the export potential of strawberries and related products, urging farmers to utilize state and central government schemes for high-value crops and their supply chains, including the PRIME initiative. The state distributes three strawberry seed varieties: Winter Dawn, Sweet Sensation, and Festival, and offers support for...

Meghalaya kicks off Strawberry Festival 2026 at Smit village Shillong, February 25, 2026: The Government of Meghalaya is organising the Meghalaya Strawberry Festival 2026 at Wah-Ling-Syiem Meadows, Smit today, emphasising the Government's steps taken to promote agro-tourism and entrepreneurship through strawberry cultivation in the state.The festival created direct market access for farmers and entrepreneurs, as they can involve themselves with the buyers directly. At the festival, stalls displayed fresh strawberries and value-added products such as jams, juices, desserts, wines, and other processed items, and visitors can have a farm-to-table experience of strawberry products. R.M. Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, said in her speech, "Strawberries have export potential. ...

Senior RSS functionary and BJP leader Sunil Deodhar has expressed regret following widespread backlash over remarks he made at the Indigenous Faith Conference held on February 16 in Pynter village, Pynursla Subdivision of Meghalaya.In a letter addressed to BJP state general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna, Deodhar clarified that he holds “immense respect for Lord Jesus Christ” and deep affection for the Christian community. He stated that his comments were made within the specific context of the conference and were not intended to criticize Christianity or hurt religious sentiments.“I sincerely regret if any of my words have been perceived as disrespectful or have caused pain,” he said, reiterating his commitment to communal harmony and inclusivity. He also noted that during his tenure as Nat...

Following backlash in Meghalaya, BJP leader Sunil Deodhar expressed regret for remarks made at the Indigenous Faith Conference on February 16, stating he did not intend to hurt sentiments within the Christian community. In a letter to BJP state general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna, he emphasized his respect for Jesus Christ and clarified that his comments were contextual, not an indictment of Christianity. He highlighted his organization's efforts to support Christian youth and affirmed his concern for indigenous faith followers, arguing that advocacy for these communities shouldn't be misconstrued as anti-religious. The National People's Party condemned Deodhar’s statements as divisive and called for accountability, reflecting on Meghalaya’s tradition of tolerance. Protests by the ...

The North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), celebrated National Science Day 2026 at its NECTAR STEM Lab, Barik Point, Shillong, with great enthusiasm and participation from students, educators, and officials. The programme was graced by Tolino Chishi, IAS, Assistant Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong as the Chief Guest and officials from NECTAR and partner organizations. The programme began with the inauguration of the exhibition, followed by interaction between dignitaries and young innovators. The invited guests addressed the gathering, encouraging students to pursue scientific thinking and highlighting the importance of women’s participation in science and innovation...

On the occasion of eight years of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government in power on March 6, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma will release the CM's Scholarship to over one lakh students."In fact, on March 6 the MDA government will be completing 8 years and it is a proud moment for us for 8 years the people of the state have given us the opportunity to serve them," Sangma said while replying to the budget discussion in the Assembly on Wednesday. "Therefore, to mark that anniversary or 8 years of completion of service to the state and to the people of the state, as part of our programme we will be releasing the CM's Scholarship to over one lakh students on March 6," he said. Sangma stressed the government's efforts to support students, particularly in rural areas, by providing g...

Leader of Opposition in the Meghalaya Assembly, Mukul M. Sangma, emphasized the need for a sensitive and balanced approach regarding the Meghalaya State Reservation Policy during a discussion on the Expert Committee’s report. He highlighted the repeated raising of the issue both within the Assembly and informally over the years, urging lawmakers to carefully interpret constitutional provisions, describing it as a "tightrope walk." Sangma expressed gratitude to the state's founding leaders for their balanced decisions at the state's inception, which protected the interests of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes while allowing for a 15% open merit category. He warned that focusing solely on statistical analysis could perpetuate endless debates, advocating for an understanding of the spirit ...

Opposition Voice of People’s Party (VPP) president Ardent Basaiawmoit has called for a 7% increase in the reservation quota for the Khasi community while maintaining the 40% reservation for the Garo community. He highlighted that the VPP seeks a review of the reservation policy, arguing that it unfairly favors the Garo tribe, especially as the Khasi population, which includes sub-tribes such as Jaintias, Wars, Bhois, and Lyngngams, has surpassed the Garos over the years. Since 1972, both the Garo and Khasi communities have had 40% of state government jobs reserved for them, with an additional 5% for other tribes and 15% for the general category. During a recent discussion in the State Assembly, Basaiawmoit criticized the expert committee's recommendation to retain the current policy witho...