The Meghalaya Cabinet has recently approved amendments to the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsman Direct Appointment Policy, which aims to provide enhanced support to sportspersons. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced that these minor changes were decided approximately six to seven months ago and are part of a broader initiative to benefit athletes. The Cabinet has also approved the draft of the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsmen Direct Appointment Service Rules, which create a dedicated cadre for medal-winning sportspersons from prestigious tournaments, including the Olympics, National Games, and South Asian Games. Notably, only six recognized tournaments are included in this framework, and the cadre will be tailored to individual sportspersons and their specific positions. This arrangement will cease upon the athlete’s retirement, preserving the career progression and promotions of other departmental staff without interference.
Furthermore, the Cabinet clarified the process for the 2 percent reservation allocated for sportspersons. Under the new regulations, the sports department will implement an online application system to certify eligible sportspersons. This certification will enable them to apply under the reservation category, thus addressing previous ambiguities in the application process and formalizing eligibility criteria for those seeking benefits under this provision.