TURA, January 9 : Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday attended the Distribution of Appointment Letters programme for newly recruited police personnel at the 2nd MLP Battalion, Goeragre, organised by the Meghalaya Police.
The Chief Minister was accorded a Guard of Honour on arrival, followed by a felicitation ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma congratulated the 76 newly appointed Sub-Inspectors, calling the occasion a significant milestone in their lives and careers. He noted that more than 21,000 candidates had applied, underlining the competitive nature of the recruitment process.
Urging the recruits to uphold public trust, the Chief Minister asked them to live up to the expectations of the government, their families and the people. “Out of more than 21,000 applicants, God has chosen 76 of you to serve Meghalaya,” he said.
Describing Sub-Inspectors as the eyes and ears of the police and the government, Sangma said they form a vital link between the public and decision-makers. He advised them not to underestimate their role and stressed the need for efficient, effective and people-centric policing.
He also reminded the recruits to remain humane while exercising authority and cautioned against letting power influence their conduct. He urged them to take their upcoming training seriously, calling it the foundation of their professional journey.
The Chief Minister commended the DGP and Recruitment Board for conducting the process in a fair and transparent manner despite challenges. “This is not just about a job; it is about serving the people of Meghalaya and the nation,” he added.
Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, IPS, in her welcome address, congratulated the new officers and their families. She said the recruitment process began with the issuance of the advertisement in March 2024, and thanked the Chief Minister for support, also acknowledging guidance from the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police), the Chief Secretary and senior officials.
She said the induction of 76 Sub-Inspectors strengthens the force of over 17,000 personnel, adding, “You are not just joining a fraternity; you are joining a family.”
Providing details, the DGP said over 21,000 applicants competed for the 76 vacancies, and the recruits will shortly report to the North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA), with basic training beginning on January 30.
The batch includes 49 male and 27 female Sub-Inspectors, with women forming over 35% of the intake. She said one-third of the officers will be posted in East Khasi Hills, while the rest will be deployed across 12 other units and districts.
She also noted that the batch includes 23 postgraduates and several recruits from technical backgrounds, which would help the police utilise diverse skills.
Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS, credited the successful recruitment process to the Chief Minister’s vision and the team’s efforts. He reminded recruits that authority must be exercised with restraint and responsibility.
“The value of power is when you restrain it and use it minimally,” he said, stressing empathy, integrity and ethical decision-making. He also urged recruits to remain physically and mentally fit and to take training seriously.
Appointment letters were then distributed to the newly recruited officers, formally inducting them into the Meghalaya Police. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Rituraj Ravi, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police.
