SHILLONG: In a historic first, the Budget Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly began today with a unique musical tribute, reflecting cultural pride and constitutional values.
The session opened with the National Song Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana, and concluded—marking a first in the Assembly’s history—with the Meghalaya State Anthem. The symbolic gesture set a powerful tone for the proceedings.
Governor C H Vijayashankar, in his address, outlined the government’s vision for a safer, more prosperous, and scientifically driven Meghalaya, highlighting key reforms in security, infrastructure, tourism, and mining.
The Governor announced that the recruitment process for nearly 3,000 police personnel is nearing completion. To enhance operational capabilities, a new Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School has been established in Baghmara.
Under the Police Infrastructure Renovation Fund, major upgrades are underway, with 14 housing and station development projects currently in progress across the state.
On the long-standing Assam-Meghalaya border issue, significant progress has been reported. A total of 137 permanent boundary pillars are being installed, including 54 in the Hahim sector and 83 in the Gizang area.
Along the international boundary with Bangladesh, coordination with the Border Security Force has been intensified through enhanced surveillance and real-time intelligence sharing.
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Meghalaya’s tourism sector continues to show strong growth, recording a 60 per cent increase since 2022 and supporting livelihoods for over 75,000 people by 2025.
Under the homestay promotion scheme, the government has invested ₹123 crore to support 877 applications, generating nearly 6,000 new jobs. The state now ranks among India’s top five festival destinations, with the Chief Minister’s Grassroots Music Programme benefiting more than 6,500 artists and young talents.
In a major policy transition, the government is moving away from hazardous rat-hole mining toward a regulated scientific mining framework.
So far, three scientific coal mines have been approved and have begun operations, while 20 additional proposals are in the final stages of clearance. The initiative aims to balance economic sustainability with environmental and worker safety.
Addressing the Mynsngat-Thangsko mining tragedy that claimed 33 lives, the Governor announced the formation of a Judicial Inquiry Commission.
Authorities have registered 62 FIRs in connection with illegal mining activities. Fourteen individuals have been arrested, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is actively pursuing further investigations to ensure accountability.
The Governor’s address underlined the government’s commitment to governance reforms, public safety, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.
