Meghalaya - The Purbottar

26 Sep

Nongpoh MLA Absent But Documents Filed, Says Assembly Adviser on UDP-BJP Merger

Preeti SinghMeghalaya

Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma is currently examining the documents submitted by the eight United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Assembly Adviser Andrew Simons said on Friday. According to Simons, all necessary documents related to the merger have been submitted to the Speaker for scrutiny. He said UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh and legislature party leader Sanbor Shullai have formally informed the Speaker about the merger with the BJP through a written communication. “We are treating this as a merger with the BJP. All required documents have been submitted and will now be…

16 Sep

“Only Saw It on Social Media”: Sangma Denies Knowledge of UDP Defection Reports

Preeti SinghMeghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has dismissed speculation surrounding a reported move by legislators of the United Democratic Party (UDP) to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying he has not received any reliable information on the matter. Speaking to reporters on September 16, Sangma said he had only come across such reports through social media reels, messages and online posts. According to him, no credible source had provided any concrete information suggesting that UDP legislators were planning to switch allegiance. The clarification comes amid reports that eight UDP MLAs could join the BJP and seek additional ministerial positions…

15 Sep

“It’s About the Patient, Not the Ambulance”: CM Conrad Sangma Says New MMUs Will Be Game Changer for Last-Mile Healthcare

Preeti SinghMeghalaya

In a significant step towards strengthening accessible and preventive healthcare at the last mile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated three Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) in Shillong on Tuesday. Supported by Altius under its CSR initiative and implemented by Apollo Foundation – Total Health, the MMUs will serve communities across Mawpat, Pynursla and Baghmara, covering an estimated 93 villages and a combined population of over 2,00,000 people, based on baseline catchment mapping carried out by Apollo Foundation – Total Health. Mawpat and Pynursla are Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Blocks in East Khasi Hills district, while Baghmara in South…

31 Aug

Police Probe Gang’s Assam-Meghalaya Links

Sonakshi SarkarMeghalaya

Four suspected members of an armed gang were killed during an early-morning police operation near Songsak in East Garo Hills district of Meghalaya on Sunday, August 30, according to reports. The operation was carried out at around 4 am following inputs received by the police about the presence and activities of the suspected gang in the area. Police are reportedly examining the group’s alleged links to several criminal cases across the Assam-Meghalaya region. Investigators are also looking into a possible connection between the gang and the recent murder of a businessman at Damra Bazaar in Assam’s Goalpara district. Police are…

22 Aug

After Violence In Shillong, Assam Cab Operators Suspend Meghalaya Vehicle Blockade At Jorabat

Preeti SinghAssam, Meghalaya

Assam cab operators on Saturday suspended the blockade against Meghalaya vehicles following assurances on safety after a ministerial-level meeting between the two states.The decision was announced following a meeting between Assam Border Protection Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy CM S Dhar."We have decided to suspend the blockade for the time being. The Meghalaya government has formed a Special Investigation Team to enquire into the violence of August 19. We will wait for its findings," a cab operator said at the blockade site at Jorabat, after a meeting with Bora."Our minister has said that Meghalaya will compensate for the damage…

15 Aug

“Create Responsible Leaders, Not Just Managers”: IIM Shillong Director On Independence Day

Preeti SinghMeghalaya

Indian Institute of Management Shillong celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and a strong message on responsible leadership, inclusive growth and nation-building.The celebrations began with the hoisting of the National Tricolour by IIM Shillong Director Prof. (Dr.) Arun Mohan Sherry. The 100-foot-high national flag symbolised the institution’s aspirations and its commitment to contributing to India’s development. Members of the IIM Shillong fraternity joined in singing the National Anthem, reaffirming their shared sense of pride and unity.Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sherry urged young management professionals to emerge as responsible leaders who combine professional excellence with empathy, integrity and a…

02 Aug

Aakash Expands In Northeast: New Shillong Centre + 100% Fee Waiver For Families Of Martyred Assam Rifles Personnel

Preeti SinghMeghalaya

Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), one of India’s leading test preparation and educational services organisations, has opened its first centre in Meghalaya and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Assam Rifles to strengthen educational support for its personnel and their families. The new Aakash Institute centre in Shillong marks the organisation’s first physical presence in Meghalaya and becomes its 10th centre in the Northeast. Located at Holding No. 383, Don Bosco Square, Upland Road, opposite St Margaret’s H.S. School in Nongkynrih, Laitumkhrah, the 7,000-square-foot centre has six classrooms with a combined capacity of more than 300 students. The centre…

15 Jun

‘Roads Will Change Lives’: Gadkari Unveils ₹3,214 Cr NH Projects; CM Says Meghalaya 3rd Fastest-Growing Economy

Preeti SinghMeghalaya

In a major boost to Meghalaya's infrastructure landscape and regional connectivity, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon'ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, today laid the foundation stones for four new highway projects and upgradation of two existing National Highways worth a cumulative investment of ₹3,214 crore at a programme held at Polo Grounds, Shillong.These projects will be a big step in improving regional connectivity, upgradation of transport networks, facilitating trade and commerce and expediting socio-economic development across Meghalaya and the Northeast. The initiatives are likely to improve mobility, reduce travel time, enhance logistics efficiency and open new…

06 Jun

Meghalaya Completes 90% of Bangladesh Border Fencing Work

Sonakshi SarkarMeghalaya

Meghalaya has made significant progress in strengthening security along its international boundary with Bangladesh, with nearly 90 per cent of the border fencing work already completed, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said. The northeastern state shares a 443-km-long border with Bangladesh, of which around 400 km has already been fenced. According to the Chief Minister, only about 40 to 45 km of fencing work remains to be completed. Sangma said the pending stretches are no longer facing major construction-related hurdles. Instead, the remaining delays are largely linked to local issues, including concerns over land ownership, village access routes and objections…

08 May

Meghalaya Govt Says Monitoring Illegal Coal Mining Difficult Due to Numerous Mines

riya EditorMeghalaya

The Meghalaya government has acknowledged that the massive scale of coal mining operations in the state, particularly in East Jaintia Hills, has made effective monitoring and enforcement against illegal mining extremely challenging. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the 37th Interim Report of the Justice (Retd.) B.P. Katakey Committee had pointed out continued illegal coal extraction and transportation despite court restrictions. However, he maintained that the government remains committed to implementing all court directives. “The report itself mentions that East Jaintia Hills alone has around 22,000 mines. This makes continuous monitoring extremely difficult with the existing manpower and administrative setup,”…