Shillong, January 15 : The Meghalaya Cabinet held a meeting today, approving several key decisions impacting various sectors of the state.
- State Anthem Amendment: The Meghalaya Cabinet has decided to amend the state anthem following suggestions from the Jaintia Hills region. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the amendment will incorporate a few lines in the Pnar language. The improved state anthem is scheduled to be unveiled at the Meghalaya Games, which will be held in Jowai this year.
- Art and Heritage Award Guidelines: The Cabinet approved guidelines for the creation of an Art and Heritage Award, recognizing excellence in performing arts, folk music, dance, drama, theatre, and craftsmanship. A selection committee headed by the Chief Secretary and members of the Arts & Culture Department will choose the awardees.
- Meghalaya School Service Rules 2025: The Cabinet approved the Meghalaya School Service Rules 2025, amending previous rules that limited promotion opportunities for LP School teachers and Assistant Teachers. The new rules aim to provide better career advancement prospects for government LP school teachers.
- Forensic Science Analysis Fee Rules: The Cabinet approved the framing of “State Rules to Regulate the Payment of Analysis Fee for Examination of various cases/exhibits/articles in the Directorate of Forensic Sciences.” These rules will establish a fee structure for services provided to different agencies, including:
- Class A: Agencies under the Government of Meghalaya.
- Class B: Agencies in Meghalaya not under GoM administration.
- Class C: Agencies outside Meghalaya’s jurisdiction.
- Class D: Private agencies.
- Meghalaya Town & Country Planning Scheme: The Cabinet approved the implementation of the Meghalaya Town & Country Planning Scheme for the New Shillong Township (290 sq. km). This scheme seeks to improve coordination among stakeholders involved in town and countryside planning to address unplanned growth.
- Meghalaya State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act Amendment: The Cabinet has approved amendments to the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act, 2024, aimed at streamlining investment processes while addressing concerns raised by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the public.
The amendments specifically address concerns regarding land procurement and allotment under the Meghalaya Investment Promotion Authority. A new provision has been included in the Act to ensure compliance with the Meghalaya Land Transfer Regulation Act, 1971, clarifying procedures and avoiding potential confusion.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated that the amendments will also ensure that incentives under the Act’s policies are prioritized for industries that create employment opportunities for local residents (individuals domiciled in Meghalaya).
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a name change for the Authority, from the Invest Meghalaya Authority (IMA) to the Meghalaya Investment Promotion Authority (MIPA). - Meghalaya Day Awards 2025: The Cabinet has approved the list of recipients for the Meghalaya Day Awards 2025. The awards recognize outstanding contributions in various fields.
The awardees are: - U Tirot Sing Award for Arts & Literature: Sembertush A. Sangma
- Pa Togan N. Sangma Award for Social Services: Rev. Wailie Copper Khongwir
- U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports & Games: Kmoin Wahlang.
These individuals will be honored for their significant achievements and service to the state. - Republic Day 2025 Speech Approved: The Cabinet approved the Republic Day 2025 speech.
