SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, on Wednesday approved a series of key decisions covering employee welfare, taxation reforms, administrative restructuring, and infrastructure naming across the State.
Among the major decisions, the Cabinet approved a one-time condonation to resolve long-standing issues concerning the service conditions of regularised ad hoc employees, particularly relating to seniority and promotions. The move aims to address confusion in pension calculations for employees appointed prior to 2007, ensuring that eligible retirees receive salary and pension benefits based on their promoted posts, provided promotions were made in accordance with prescribed rules.
In a significant step for the education sector, the Cabinet also approved the implementation of the Meghalaya Non-Government School and College Employees Centralised Provident Fund Scheme, 2026. The scheme seeks to streamline and securely manage provident fund contributions of employees in non-government institutions, offering them structured financial benefits.
The Cabinet further approved a reduction in the VAT rate on methane gas used as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) from 14.5 per cent to 5 per cent, aligning Meghalaya with other states. The move is aimed at creating a competitive business environment and attracting investment in the clean energy sector.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved several key administrative frameworks, including the Meghalaya State Allied Health Council Rules, 2026, the Meghalaya Science and Technology Cell Service Rules, the Meghalaya Integrated Economics and Statistics Service Rules, 2026, and the Meghalaya Subordinate Integrated Economics and Statistical Service Rules, 2026.
In terms of infrastructure and public identity, the Cabinet also approved the naming and renaming of several roads and localities across the State. These include renaming “Blessed Mother Teresa Road” to “Saint Teresa Road,” updating “Rev Nichols Roy Road” to “Rev J.J.M Nichols Roy Road,” and naming key stretches such as the PWD road from Thorika Rabha to Nibari as “Utpal Rabha Road.” Other changes include renaming Pasyih Garampani Road to “Phramer-Shangpung-Saphai Road” and naming a road in Jaiaw area as “Dr. Friday Lyngdoh Road.”
