SHILLONG: In a significant Cabinet meeting chaired today in the state capital, the Meghalaya government approved several key proposals spanning various departments.
Meghalaya Cabinet Approves Key Amendments to Forest Transit Rules
Speaking to the press, the spokesperson for the MDA government and Cabinet Minister Wailadmiki Shylla informed that the state has approved amendments to the ‘Transit Rule’ under Sections 40 and 41 of the Meghalaya Forest Regulation 1973.
This regulation was originally adapted from the Assam Regulation 7 of 1891 and has now been updated to align with the current requirements of the state government.
Service Rules Cleared for Meghalaya Drug Testing Laboratory Staff
Furthermore, the Cabinet has approved the Service Rules for the employees of the Meghalaya Drug Testing Laboratory to streamline and enhance the operational efficiency of the department.
‘Chocolate Mahseer’ Declared State Fish of Meghalaya
In a notable cultural and environmental announcement, Minister Weiladmiki Shylla declared the ‘Chocolate Mahseer’ (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) as the ‘State Fish,’ representing the pride of Meghalaya.
Government Regularizes Pre-2007 Adhoc Employees
In a move providing relief to many employees, the government has decided to regularize the third batch of adhoc employees who were appointed prior to December 31, 2007.
Land Banks Approved in Garo Hills for Future Development
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the acquisition of land in Rongalgre, located in the East Garo Hills district, as well as in the North Garo Hills district, to establish ‘Land Banks’ intended for future developmental projects.
Extension Granted to Senior Officials in Meghalaya Administration
Regarding administrative appointments, the Cabinet has approved the extension of the service terms for several high-ranking officials. These include Ram Mohan Mishra (IAS retired), the Executive Chairman of the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion Board; Hector Marwein (IAS retired), the former Additional Chief Secretary and current Chairman of the Meghalaya Sustainable Development Council; and Kynphambor Wahlang, the Superintendent Engineer at the Directorate of Urban Affairs.
Other significant decisions included amendments to the Meghalaya Building By-laws 2021 specifically for ‘special project categories.’
The government also approved changes to Rule 375 of the Assam Excise Rule 1945, which concerns the levy of special duty on ‘bottle of origin’ liquor, alongside amendments to Rule 41 A of the Meghalaya Distillery Rule.
Finally, the government granted approval for the escalation of costs related to the construction and improvement of sports infrastructure across the state and cleared the revised estimates for the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase I.
