Shillong, August 26 : The Meghalaya Cabinet on Wednesday approved a series of decisions covering disaster management, government recruitment reforms, migrant worker regulations, land acquisition and flood management.
Among the key decisions, the Cabinet approved a proposal to notify “Thunderstorm and Strong Winds (other than Cyclone)” as a State/Local Disaster.
The government said Meghalaya has witnessed increasing damage from thunderstorms and strong winds that do not technically qualify as cyclones, creating difficulties in formally declaring such events and extending relief.
The notification is expected to provide greater administrative clarity and enable affected communities to receive timely relief and assistance.
The Cabinet also approved the discontinuation of interviews for recruitment to non-technical Group C posts in the Meghalaya government with effect from January 1, 2027.
The decision builds on the earlier move to discontinue interviews for Group D posts and is in line with recommendations of the UPSC and State reform commissions.
Interviews will, however, continue for technical Group C posts wherever applicable. The Personnel Department will separately notify the list of technical and non-technical posts.
In another recruitment-related decision, the Cabinet approved a Standard Operating Procedure for recruitment conducted by District Selection Committees across Meghalaya.
The SOP is aimed at ensuring greater consistency, transparency and adherence to prescribed recruitment procedures in all districts.
The government said officials concerned will undergo training before the procedures are subsequently extended to other recruitment bodies.
The Cabinet further approved amendments to the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Rules, 2020.
The amendments incorporate observations made by the Governor and seek to provide greater clarity regarding implementation of the rules.
The revised provisions define the roles and powers of officials, procedures for inspection, actions that may be taken and the applicable fines, imprisonment and other legal measures.
Training will also be provided to officials to strengthen enforcement and ensure uniform implementation at the grassroots level.
The Cabinet also approved the purchase of around 15 acres of land at Mawten in South West Khasi Hills for the creation of a district land bank.
The site, located about six kilometres from Mawkyrwat district headquarters, will be purchased at a cost of ₹2.19 crore.
The government said the proposal was finalised after expressions of interest, site inspections and recommendations from the district administration.
Funds for the land bank had already been allocated when South West Khasi Hills district was created and had remained available with the district administration.
The land bank is expected to support the planned development of administrative infrastructure and government facilities in the district.
The Cabinet also approved the Meghalaya Flood Plain Zoning Rules, 2026.
The framework has been formulated in line with directions from the Government of India to regulate development and activities in flood-prone areas.
The government said approval of the rules will enable effective implementation of the relevant Act and strengthen flood management, risk reduction and safer development across Meghalaya.
