Meghalaya News - Latest News and Live Updates from Meghalaya

14 Sep

Meghalaya SSA schools association to review salary proposal

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

The Meghalaya SSA Schools Association (MSSASA) is set to make a crucial decision on the state government's proposal to enhance salaries for over 12,000 SSA teachers. The decision will be finalized at a general executive council meeting scheduled for September 21. MSSASA President Aristotle C Rymbai announced that the meeting will determine the association's stance on the proposed salary increase. Rymbai also revealed that he met with Swapnil Tembe, the SSA state project director, earlier this week. Tembe indicated that the education department has temporarily postponed the salary enhancement proposal and plans to present the matter to the Cabinet. In…

13 Sep

“Gau Dhwaj” rally draws criticism in Shillong

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

A planned cow protection rally in Shillong, set for October 2, has sparked widespread opposition, with local groups pushing back against what they perceive as cultural imposition. The rally, titled "Gau Dhwaj," aims to declare the cow as the "Mother of the Nation" through a flag-raising ceremony led by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarandah. Organisers describe the event as part of a nationwide campaign to elevate the cow's status and seek constitutional changes for its protection, citing its spiritual importance in Hinduism. However, the initiative has faced strong criticism from local groups, including the Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR). TUR leader Angela Rangad…

11 Sep

Meghalaya’s Chief Minister announces digital lottery for transparency

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya, Political

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma launched EasyLottery.in, India's first fully digital lottery platform, marking a significant shift in the lottery industry with a focus on transparency and efficiency. The platform, which offers a top prize of ₹50 crore, promises a seamless and secure experience, from purchasing tickets to prize distribution. At the launch, Sangma highlighted the economic potential of the initiative, particularly its ability to generate revenue through GST collection for Meghalaya. "This initiative is expected to bring substantial financial benefits to the state," he said. Sangma also emphasized responsible gaming, noting safeguards to help winners avoid addiction. Additionally,…

10 Sep

Myngken secures spot in final with 7-0 win

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School (HSS), Meghalaya, secured a dominant 7-0 win over Govt. Secondary School, Arunachal Pradesh, on Monday to book their place in the final of the 63rd Subroto Cup Junior Boys International Football Tournament. A stunning hat-trick by Banganson led Myngken’s charge at Ambedkar Stadium, where they will face T.G. English School (TGES) from Bishnupur, Manipur, in the summit clash on Wednesday. TGES edged past Sri Lanka Schools Football Association with a narrow 1-0 victory in the other semifinal. Myngken took control early, with Banganson breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute after a brilliant solo run.…

09 Sep

Meghalaya Education Minister highlights need for literacy boost

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

Meghalaya is working towards achieving a 100% literacy rate, Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma stated, while acknowledging that the state still has significant progress to make. Despite being slightly above the national average, Sangma admitted that Meghalaya’s literacy rate is not where it should be. He highlighted Jaintia Hills as the district with the lowest literacy rate, but assured that the government is committed to improving educational outcomes in the region. A review meeting is planned to assess the situation and address the challenges. Sangma attributed the state's lag in literacy, compared to higher-performing states like Mizoram, to factors such…

07 Sep

Shillong traffic police collects Rs 13.35 lakh in tinted glasses crackdown

Sonakshi Sarkar0 CommentsMeghalaya

In a two-month drive against the use of tinted glasses, the Meghalaya government has fined 1,788 vehicles, collecting Rs 13.35 lakh in penalties by the first week of September. The crackdown, initiated in July, was conducted in line with Supreme Court directives. Speaking to reporters, East Khasi Hills district police chief Sylvester Nongtnger said the Shillong Traffic Police (STP) has been conducting regular checks to remove black films from vehicles. Of the 1,788 vehicles caught violating the rule, 30 were government vehicles. As per the Supreme Court's ruling, black films with any percentage of Visual Light Transmission (VLT) are prohibited…

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…