Shillong, July 10 : The Meghalaya Cabinet, in its meeting today, approved a series of significant initiatives aimed at boosting the state’s creative economy, modernizing its criminal justice system, and enhancing transparency in government recruitment. Key approvals include the Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy 2025, new rules for the implementation of the central criminal laws, and the discontinuation of interviews for Group D government posts.
Film Tourism Policy to Transform Meghalaya into Filmmaking Hub
Recognizing Meghalaya’s pristine landscapes and cultural richness as a potential magnet for filmmakers, the Cabinet approved the Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy, 2025. This policy is designed to tap into the state’s potential as a premier filmmaking destination in the Northeast, both regionally and internationally. The approval comes after extensive consultation, incorporating over 200 feedback points received on the initial draft policy from various stakeholders.
To facilitate this vision, a dedicated Film Facilitation Cell has been established. This cell will comprise representatives from the Tourism, Arts & Culture, Information and Public Relations (DIPR), and other relevant departments, tasked with coordinating efforts and actively promoting Meghalaya.
To incentivize production, the policy offers substantial subsidies across various categories:
- National & International Films: Up to ₹1 Crore or 25% of the production cost for films (in national or international languages) that actively promote Meghalaya tourism, provided 75% of the shooting is done within the state.
- Local Films: A subsidy of ₹50 Lakhs will be available for films made in Khasi, Pnar, and Garo languages, accessible once every two years per filmmaker.
- TV & OTT Content: Subsidies are also extended to the production of TV serials, web series, and original Over-The-Top (OTT) shows produced in Meghalaya.
- Documentaries & Short Films: Grants will be provided for documentaries and short films shot within the state.
Digital Criminal Law Enforcement and Community Service for Petty Offenses
In a major step towards modernizing its legal framework, the Cabinet approved three new Rules to implement and enforce the recently mandated central criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These laws, whose implementation was consented to by the Hon’ble High Court of Meghalaya, signify a shift towards a more digitally integrated and reformed justice system.
The approved rules include:
- Meghalaya eSakshya Management Rules, 2025: These rules will ensure that all evidence collected in electronic format is securely uploaded to a dedicated mobile application called ‘eSakshya’. This application will safeguard evidence with a 16-digit code, linking it directly to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS). This is expected to ensure evidence is secure and tamper-proof for trial proceedings.
- Meghalaya Electronic Processes, Issuance, Service, and Execution Rules 2025: Framed under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), this reform introduces electronic summons (e-Summons) for individuals required to appear in court, streamlining the process for both the judiciary and the police.
- Meghalaya Guidelines for Community Services 2025: This new guideline empowers courts to sentence individuals convicted of petty offenses to community service. Such services could include assisting in hospital maintenance, organizing books in government libraries, cleaning classrooms in public schools, supporting municipal cleaning efforts, or participating in forest department activities like tree planting and weed removal.
Interviews for Group D Posts Discontinued for Enhanced Transparency
In a move aimed at bolstering transparency and conformity with central government guidelines, the Cabinet also approved the discontinuation of interviews for Group D posts. This decision aligns with the guidelines issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India, ensuring a more merit-based and transparent recruitment process for entry-level government positions.
