Shillong, February 24 : A meeting of the State Cabinet was held today, during which several key proposals were discussed and approved.
The state cabinet has approved the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong (IIPHS) Bill 2026, paving the way for the institution to be granted state university status. Announcing this after the meeting chaired by chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said, “This will be a kind of important institution for the whole North East, it can really build the public health cadre not just for the state but for the whole North East.”
The IIPHS, the only public health institute in the region, will be able to award degrees to public health scholars with university status. The minister highlighted the institute’s contributions to research, training and data-driven healthcare interventions, citing its work on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training, vaccine hesitancy and behavioural healthcare. “It’s more of a research University…we can really guide the healthcare functionally, we can take public health actions,” he said.
Shylla said the university will function on a self-sustaining basis and support the state government in building a workforce to respond to healthcare situations like COVID-19. The move was also prompted by the need for research-focused institutions, especially after the passing of former MP Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon. “We need people who do research..in epidemiology and other diseases,” Shylla added.
The Cabinet also approved the amendment and extension of the lease agreement for Orange Roots Restaurant at Rait Nongkhlieh, Sohra, for a period of 30 years. The decision includes restructuring of lease rental payments under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Approval was granted for issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the furnishing, operation and maintenance of the Eco Resort Nongkhlaw, including expansion of infrastructure.
The Cabinet further approved the Meghalaya State Policy for promotion of Anganwadi Workers to Supervisors. The details on the policy’s implementation and benefits however were not disclosed.
