Shillong

The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), one of the premier institutions in the North- Eastern region of India, celebrated its 52 University Day on 26 May 2025 with great fervour and renewed optimism for the future. The Chief Guest of the event was Dr. W. R. Kharlukhi, Member of the Rajya Sabha and a proud alumnus of NEHU. The celebrations began with the release of the NEHU anthem titled "Rise Up and Build" by the Chief Guest. Composed by Dr. Uttam Sharma, with lyrics penned by Prof. Shobhan N. Lamare, the anthem beautifully encapsulates the spirit and vision of the University. In his address, Prof. Lamare elaborated on the inspiration behind the anthem, emphasizing the significance of the University's motto "Rise Up and Build" and the symbolism of the rising sun-representing light, trut...

Shillong’s historic Iewduh market will undergo a beautification and infrastructure overhaul at a cost of Rs 31 crore, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Monday while announcing a comprehensive plan for the same. Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, senior government officials and representatives of the Hima Mylliem, the chief minister conducted an inspection of the market. He acknowledged the pressing need for improvement in its infrastructure, drainage system, and accessibility. “Thank God for the rains. We actually got to see the real difficulties of the people here,” Sangma said during his visit to the market amid a heavy downpour. The foundation stone for the Iewduh development project was laid in March 2024. The government ha...

The state government on Friday announced that no student from Meghalaya would have to travel beyond Guwahati for the CUET (UG) exam. Commissioner and Secretary of Education, Vijay Mantri informed that all candidates have been accommodated at centres in Shillong, Tura, or Guwahati for the exams starting from May 19. The change of centre has been communicated to candidates by the National Testing Agency (NTA) through email, message, or both. The state government has been in constant coordination with the NTA to increase the number of examination centres for the computer-based test. Three new centres have been onboarded in Shillong, including St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong College, and Shillong ITI. These additional centres have allowed for the reallocation of students wh...

Meghalaya may be the official host of the 39th National Games in 2027, but not all disciplines will be hosted by the state. Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri on Friday stated that the central government has asked Meghalaya to ensure that all other Northeastern states are allowed to host at least one discipline. Warjri denied that the arrangement is due to unavailability of infrastructure in the state, stating that Meghalaya is well-equipped with the necessary infrastructure to host the Games. Construction work is currently under way for infrastructure like indoor and football stadiums, with most required for the Games already completed, he said. The Sports Authority of India (NEHU) may be asked to host some events, depending on the need, he said, while adding that different committees ha...

The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has clarified that its Act does not allow any college or institution to be affiliated to two universities at the same time. This clarification comes after Education Minister Rakkam Sangma informed that 22 colleges have expressed their intent to affiliate with Captain Williamson Sangma State University. NEHU Controller of Examination, Sumarbin Umdor, stated that the Act stipulates that any college or institution admitted to the privileges of the University (NEHU) shall cease to be associated with or be admitted to the privileges of any other university. Umdor also warned that any move by affiliated colleges seeking withdrawal of affiliation from NEHU will have a negative bearing on the conduct of examinations for students enrolled in these col...

Speed limits are now officially specified for various categories of vehicles by the Ri-Bhoi Police, especially in view of the frequent accident, including many fatal ones, along the busy Guwahati-Shillong Road. According to a notification by the Ri-Bhoi Police, the maximum speed limit for Private Service Vehicles is 80 kmph, while the limit on curves is 40 kmph. In junctions and at pedestrian crossings, the limit is reduced to 20 kmph. For Heavy Goods Vehicles, the maximum speed limit is 60 kmph. This is further reduced to 30 kmph on curves and 20 kmph in junctions and pedestrian crossings. Motorcycles are permitted a maximum speed of 80 kmph, with limits of 40 kmph on curves and 20 kmph at junctions and pedestrian crossings. The Ri-Bhoi Police has also approached the National Highw...

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Friday announced that it will not allow NEIGRIHMS Director Prof Nalin Mehta to enter the institute’s premises until he takes concrete steps to address the union’s long-pending demands. KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah expressed surprise that Prof Mehta had travelled to Delhi instead of resolving key concerns raised by the student body—particularly regarding the recruitment process at NEIGRIHMS. “This clearly shows that Prof Mehta is not serious about resolving the issues plaguing the institute,” Thabah said, adding, “We stand firm in our decision: the director will not be allowed entry into NEIGRIHMS until our demands are met.” He criticized Prof Mehta’s decision to leave for Delhi, calling it a sign of disregard for the students’ concerns. He...

IIM Shillong bid farewell to Prof D P Goyal, who served as the director of the institution since March 2019. Prof Nalini Prava Tripathy has now been appointed as the new director (in-charge), reports Manosh Das. "Prof Goyal's tenure has been marked by exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and significant contributions to the institute's growth and reputation," an IIM statement said. The farewell programme was attended by Shishir Kumar Bajoria, chairperson of the board of governors, DP Wahlang, chief secretary of the govt of Meghalaya, and other distinguished guests. Bajoria praised Goyal for his leadership and efforts in strengthening the academic standing of the institute. Chief secretary Wahlang, who is also a member of the board, recalled being taught by Prof Goyal during hi...

A meeting between the state government and Harijan Panchayat Committee to resolve the relocation issue remained inconclusive on Tuesday. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong stated that the government is still awaiting communication from the Government of India through the Defence Ministry on the state government’s plea for a plot of land to relocate the residents. The state government had initially planned to relocate 342 families from Them Iew Mawlong to the Shillong Municipal Board premises on Bivar Road. However, the HPC demanded an allocation of 200 square meters of land to each family anywhere within the European Ward, which does not fall under the ambit of the Sixth Schedule. In the interim, the state government acquired 12,444.13 square meters of land at Harijan Colony aga...

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on Monday conferred the Padma Shri to academician David Reid Syiemlieh from Meghalaya in the field of Literature and Education during the ceremony. Prof. Syiemlieh is a scholar of history and culture of the North East and a former Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission. Born on January 22, 1953, in Assam’s Mutrapore, he graduated with honours in History in 1974 from St. Edmund’s College, Shillong. This was followed by an MPhil in 1980 and a PhD in 1985 from the North-Eastern Hill University. He taught in St. Edmund’s College (1977-1979) and NEHU (1979-2012), where he held several responsible positions, including Dean of Students’ Welfare, Head, Department of History, and Controller of Examinations, apart from officiating as Registrar and...