Meghalaya News - Latest News and Live Updates from Meghalaya

02 Sep

Meghalaya’s debt increases by 20.31% in latest report

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Meghalaya has emerged as the state with the fourth highest Outstanding Liabilities to Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ratio in India, according to the latest audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. Among the Northeastern and Himalayan states, Meghalaya ranks third, signaling a growing debt burden. The CAG report highlights the mounting financial liabilities on the state's Consolidated Fund, which include market loans, borrowings from financial institutions, and advances from the Government of India (GoI). Public debt for the year 2022-23 stood at a staggering ₹14,637.12 crore, comprising ₹11,285.50 crore…

31 Aug

Meghalaya receives 36 coal mining applications

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Meghalaya is making significant strides in its pursuit of scientific coal mining, with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announcing key developments in the sector. In a statement made during the Assembly session, Sangma revealed that the state has received 36 applications for scientific coal mining. Of these, four have been approved for mining leases, while thirteen are poised to advance further, having secured provisional licenses to prospect. Sangma highlighted the rigorous process involved in advancing these applications, emphasizing the state's commitment to meeting environmental and legal standards. Out of the total applications, sixteen are still awaiting approval for prospecting licenses, and…

30 Aug

Mukul Sangma calls for MRSSA’s swift implementation

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

In a recent Assembly session on August 29, Mukul Sangma, the newly-appointed Leader of the Opposition in Meghalaya, called for the expedited implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) of 2016. Sangma underscored the urgency of addressing amendments related to facilitation centres, which had previously faced objections from the Meghalaya High Court. Sangma highlighted that while the MRSSA has passed judicial scrutiny, it requires fine-tuning to ensure effective implementation. He stressed the importance of demonstrating commitment to civil society by moving forward with the Act. The MRSSA, aimed at empowering local traditional bodies and addressing concerns over…

28 Aug

Meghalaya assembly rejects Reservation Bill in voice vote

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

On August 27, the Meghalaya Assembly decisively rejected the Meghalaya Reservation for Non-Creamy Layer of Scheduled Tribes (in State Reservation Policy) Bill, 2024, in a voice vote. The bill, proposed by Adelbert Nongrum, an opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator from North Shillong, failed to secure the necessary support. Following the vote, Assembly Deputy Speaker Timothy D. Shira announced, “The No’s have it, the motion is not carried and leave to introduce the Bill is not granted.” Nongrum had argued that the bill aimed to provide reservation for the non-creamy layer of Scheduled Tribes within the state, aligning…

27 Aug

HPC seeks extension for relocation plan response

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) has requested an extension from the Meghalaya government to respond to the relocation plan for 342 families from Them Iew Mawlong. The original 15-day deadline, set by the government, was deemed insufficient by the committee for thorough consultations. In a statement issued on August 26, HPC Secretary Gurjit Singh explained that the committee needs additional time to engage with key Sikh community leaders and organizations. "We plan to consult with the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee in Amritsar, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, and other senior leaders for…

26 Aug

There will be no more tickets available for the Shillong Durand Cup semi-final

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Authorities have issued a stern warning against ticket resale for the Durand Cup semi-final scheduled for August 26 at JN Stadium in Shillong. The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs emphasized the importance of reporting any resale activities to the Meghalaya Police in a press release on August 25, addressing public concerns over ticket sales and crowd management. The highly anticipated clash between Shillong Lajong FC and North East United FC has led to an unprecedented demand for tickets, with all 15,000 seats at the stadium now sold out. To ensure ticket authenticity, all official tickets feature holograms, and only…

24 Aug

Union Minister promotes inclusive development in Meghalaya

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, highlighted Meghalaya’s distinctive landscapes and rich cultural heritage during a press conference on Friday. Addressing reporters on his third day in the state, Dr. Choudhary underscored the central government's commitment to ensuring that Meghalaya's growth is both inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Dr. Choudhary, who had recently returned from South West Khasi Hills, emphasized the importance of balancing development with conservation. “Meghalaya holds a special place in our country due to its unique landscapes and vibrant community. We are dedicated to promoting sustainable growth that aligns with the state’s environmental…

22 Aug

Residents urged to be cautious as Umiam Dam levels rise

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The Ri Bhoi District administration has issued a warning to residents as water levels at the Umiam Dam near capacity, raising concerns about potential releases. As of August 13, the water level stood at 3,209.68 feet, prompting officials to advise caution, especially with the forecast of further heavy rainfall. In an official statement, the Deputy Commissioner urged people living downstream of the Umiam Dam to exercise extra vigilance. "Residents are advised to stay clear of rivers and streams to prevent accidents," the press release stated. The administration also highlighted the risks beyond rising water levels. In the event of flooding,…

21 Aug

Former JHADC chief Andrew Shullai quits AITC

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Andrew Shullai, the former Chief Executive Member of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and current Member of the District Council (MDC) for Jowai Central Constituency, has resigned from the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). Shullai announced his resignation on August 19, submitting his formal letter to Meghalaya AITC President Charles Pyngrope. In his letter, Shullai expressed his gratitude to the party but did not elaborate on the reasons for his departure. “I hereby tender my resignation from the membership of the AITC with immediate effect. I thank you for providing me the opportunity to be part of the…

20 Aug

Meghalaya CM focuses on development, not cabinet changes

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has dismissed rumors of an imminent cabinet reshuffle following the recent political shifts in the state. The speculation arose after three Congress MLAs joined the ruling National People's Party (NPP) on August 19. Sangma addressed the rumors, clarifying that there are no immediate plans for a cabinet reshuffle and affirming that the government will continue its current operations. The NPP’s strength in the Assembly has increased from 28 to 31 seats due to the merger, giving the party an absolute majority. Despite suggestions that the defecting MLAs were promised cabinet positions, Sangma emphasized that…