Meghalaya

The Reservation Policy Expert Committee has declined to recommend the inclusion of Muslim communities under the “Other Backward Communities” (OBC) category, despite a formal proposal from the Religious Minority Committee seeking such a move. According to the Expert Committee findings, the Religious Minority Committee had urged that Muslim communities be recognised as OBCs on the grounds of socio-economic backwardness in Meghalaya and be accommodated within the existing 15 per cent allocation for the General Category. However, the Expert Committee cited constitutional safeguards in rejecting the proposal. It referred to Article 15, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth and Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law. The p...

An expert committee on reservation policy for tribals in Meghalaya has called for the introduction of the creamy layer principle to ensure that its benefits reach the most disadvantaged sections within the reserved categories of people across the state. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma formally tabled the report which also called for strict implementation of the reservation roster system, besides recommending that the state retain the existing 1972 policy. "The committee has recommended that the state government examine the introduction of the creamy layer principle, where constitutionally applicable, to ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most disadvantaged sections within reserved categories," a gist of the voluminous report stated. According to a gist of the report, the ...

Charles Pyngrope, the Opposition TMC chief and MLA from Nongthymmai, expressed serious concerns about substance abuse among youths in Meghalaya, asserting that it could significantly hinder the state's economic growth. During a debate on the Governor’s Address, he characterized the drug crisis in both urban and rural settings as a grave threat to the demographic dividend that the state could potentially harness. Pyngrope emphasized the need for establishing well-equipped de-addiction centres throughout all districts and subdivisions to facilitate accessible rehabilitation for affected youths. He raised critical questions regarding whether Meghalaya's increasing GDP is genuinely reflecting improvements in the quality of life for its residents. Pyngrope referenced a study by the Megh...

The Expert Committee on Reservation Policy recommended maintaining the 1972 Reservation Policy in its report to the Meghalaya Assembly. After extensive consultations, the committee emphasized constitutional fidelity and the views of stakeholders rather than yielding to populism. Most stakeholders, including tribal bodies and civil society groups, supported continuing the existing framework without significant changes. The committee stressed that reservations for government jobs should not solely depend on population numbers of tribes or communities but must consider social and educational backwardness, historical injustices, and under-representation. The report firmly stated that reservations cannot be based on religion, as the Constitution restricts affirmative action to socio-eco...

Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma today banned recording of videos on cellphones inside the House and posting these on social media by MLAs, citing that such activities breach the parliamentary decorum.The ruling came after opposition Voice of the People's Party chief Ardent Basaiawmoit on Tuesday uploaded a video clip showing him attending the Budget Session. Later, the legislator deleted the post."A member has taken a video of himself while participating in the proceedings inside the House. It was circulated on social media. This is a breach of parliamentary practices and decorum," the Speaker said.He also said it was "not in keeping with the spirit of the rules to be observed by members provided by Rule 275 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business"."I hereby inform th...

Meghalaya presented its growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in governance, climate action, and rural development at the India AI Impact Conference held at Bharat Mandapam. The state used the national platform to show how technology is being used in practical ways to improve public services and support sustainable growth. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the participation as an important moment for the state. He said it was a proud occasion to see Meghalaya actively contributing to one of the largest gatherings focused on artificial intelligence. According to him, the event gave the state an opportunity to demonstrate how AI can be used not only for technological development but also for solving everyday governance challenges. The Meghalaya Pavilion at the conference broug...

Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma adjourned the House for ten minutes on Wednesday after heated exchanges between ruling and opposition benches over the government’s decision to seek a protected/restricted area status for Meghalaya under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Pandemonium erupted as members clashed on the issue while the inner-line permit (ILP) demand awaits approval. “When the Chair is on its feet, please sit down,” the Speaker told members. When they refused, he announced: “I will adjourn the House for 10 minutes.” Opposition VPP legislator Ardent M Basaiawmoit accused the government of insincerity on ILP. “Why does the state want ILP? Because influx comes not only from foreigners but from outsiders… I would like a sincere reply whether the government is playing ...

The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly witnessed a heated exchange on the issue of Inner Line Permit (ILP), as Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma locked horns with Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma and VPP MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit. Replying to a question raised by Sohiong MLA Synsharkupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah, the Chief Minister informed the House that the state government is in talks with the Government of India to bring Meghalaya under the purview of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, while continuing to pursue the demand for ILP. The debate intensified when Dr Mukul questioned whether the government intended to abandon its pursuit of ILP to which the CM said it is easy talk on OLP without understanding the complexities associated with ILP As the Chief Minister responded, interruptions le...

The Garo National Council (GNC) has released the first list of seven candidates for the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), slated to be held on April 10. The candidates include Augustine R Marak – Silkigre, Nikman Ch Marak – Rongrikimgre, Jakrak A Sangma – Amongpara, Deson Marak – Dengnakpara, Geobar B Marak – Asanang, Sengba D Sangma – Rongrong and Chibasai Lampard R Marak – Williamnagar. “The party is still opening its door for aspirant candidates to fill up in all remaining constituencies,” GNC vice president Henyshing A Sangma said in a statement issued on Friday.

Meghalaya has detected 658 illegal Bangladeshi nationals since 2021 and deported 194 after completion of their sentences, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told the Assembly on Tuesday while outlining the state's stepped-up anti-infiltration measures. He was replying to a call-attention notice moved by Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator Heaving Stone Kharpran. Tynsong said the government has put in place a "comprehensive and multi-layered anti-infiltration mechanism" to tackle illegal migration across vulnerable stretches of the inter-state and Indo-Bangladesh border. Tynsong, who holds the Home (Police) portfolio, placed the figures on record and detailed the state’s enforcement strategy. He said the action was taken between 2021 and February 3, 2026, under relevant legal...