Shillong, November 26 : Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday briefed the media following a special four-hour cabinet meeting held at Ward’s Lake — the same venue earlier used for the Japanese Arena during the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Literary Festival. The unique setting, he said, was chosen to allow the cabinet to experience the ongoing festive atmosphere leading up to Christmas.
The cabinet discussed 16 major agenda items, ranging from transport regulations and tourism expansion to teacher training reforms, land settlement, airport expansion, and large-scale infrastructure projects.
1. Cabinet Adopts SOP for Sirens, Beacons & Tinted Glasses in Official Vehicles : The cabinet approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regulating the use of sirens, tinted glasses, name plates, and flashers on official vehicles.
- Tinted glasses allowed only for Z+ and Z-category protectees; special cases to be decided by a committee headed by the Principal Secretary.
- Sirens permitted only for Police vehicles, Emergency services
- Red beacons banned as per national law; flashers only after Transport Department notification.
- Name plates restricted to an approved list to prevent random misuse.
- National flag use to strictly follow the Flag Code of India, 2002.
2. Land Purchase Approved for Exchange in Shillong Airport Expansion : The Cabinet granted in-principle approval for acquiring land to facilitate the exchange of Defence land required for Shillong Airport expansion. Community consultations will be led by the Deputy Chief Minister.
- Tendering is underway; meetings with AAI, Civil Aviation and DGCA scheduled this week.
- Contractor expected to be finalised by end of 2025.
- Expansion of the runway expected to complete by March 2027.
3. Govt Approves Internal Revenue Generation Scheme for Engineering Institutes : The Cabinet cleared an Internal Revenue Generation (IRG) scheme allowing Shillong Engineering College and polytechnic institutions to undertake technical studies and design vetting previously outsourced to IITs. The move aims to empower local institutions, engage faculty and students, and boost revenue.
4. Settlement of Encroached GAD Land in Tura Gets Cabinet Nod : Decades-old encroachment issues in Tura Town will now be resolved through long-term leases based on defined criteria. The settlement model replicates a similar approach taken earlier in Williamnagar. Phase one will cover localities that have already undergone surveys, drone mapping, and public consultations.
5. The Park University Cleared for Establishment in North Garo Hills : The Cabinet approved the establishment of The Park University at Resubelpara under the strengthened Private Universities Act. The proposal was vetted by multiple departments and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.
6. Meghalaya Teacher Training Academy to Be Set Up as Autonomous Society : An autonomous Meghalaya Teacher Training Academy (MTTA) under DERT has been approved to drive teacher education, capacity building, and professional development across levels.
7. Government to Acquire Land for Tourism Infrastructure at Umpardong, Umden : To support the growing footfall in Umden’s Silk Village, the Cabinet approved land procurement for tourism facilities. A sanctioned project of ₹50 crore will also develop the Nongpoh–Umden road.
8. Additional Rural Electrification Cleared Under RDSS : Nearly ₹500 crore has been sanctioned by the Centre for electrifying newly formed villages and households not covered in the 2011 census under the RDSS. The Cabinet formally approved the expansion proposal.
9. Cabinet Approves World Bank Loan for ₹2,450-Crore Logistics Project Meghalaya will proceed with availing funds for the Meghalaya Logistics and Connectivity Improvement Project (MLCIP), the second phase of the World Bank-supported transport initiative.
- Total Cost: $300 million (approx. ₹2,450 crore)
- World Bank Loan: 80%
- GoI Repayment Share: 90% of loan, The project includes major road and logistics infrastructure upgrades.
10. Govt to Acquire Paddy Fields for Expansion of New Shillong Township : Seventeen farmers in Mawkhanu have agreed to sell their land to facilitate township development, marking progress in a long-pending component of the New Shillong expansion plan.
11. Land Purchase for Luxury Tourism Development at Jongsha Approved : Under the PPP model, the government will develop luxury resorts and a five-star hotel at Jongsha. Land procurement followed due process, including an Expression of Interest and committee evaluation.
12. Meghalaya Sports & Youth Affairs Service Rules Approved : The Cabinet approved new service rules aimed at streamlining administration within the Sports and Youth Affairs department.
13. Standardized Rates Set for Utility-Shifting in NHIDCL Road Projects : To bring uniformity and transparency, the government capped supervision and establishment charges for utility-shifting works at 2.5% of total project cost.
14. Amendments to Industrial & Investment Policy Passed : Revised MIIPP 2024 amendments simplify procedures and support micro-enterprises, lowering the micro-enterprise definition from ₹50 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Continuity of benefits for older investors has also been ensured.
15. VAT Amendment Centralizes Revenue Collection : An amendment replacing “Bonded Warehouse” with “Central Bonded Warehouse” under Section 44 of the Meghalaya VAT Act aims to boost revenue through single-point VAT collection.
16. Land Bank Creation in North Garo Hills Approved : Using funds allocated in 2016, the Cabinet approved land acquisition in North Garo Hills for creating a government land bank, following completion of procedural requirements.
