SHILLONG: In a major legislative push, the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Cabinet has approved a series of strategic administrative and policy measures aimed at modernizing urban management, enhancing state energy reliability, and streamlining border governance.
Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Cabinet Minister and government spokesperson Marcuise N. Marak detailed decisions spanning urban authority reforms, power sector funding, research regulations, tax amendments, and ceremonial logistics.
A central highlight of the Cabinet’s decisions is the institutional upgrade for state capital expansion.
The cabinet approved an amendment to the Agency Rules of 2020 for the New Shillong Township Development Agency, originally framed in 2012. With this amendment, the agency transitions into a statutory body—now named the New Shillong Development Authority (NSDA)—providing essential statutory backing for long-term urban planning and infrastructure oversight in the expanding township.
To strengthen the state’s power generation and distribution, the cabinet sanctioned significant technical and financial measures.
Notably, the service extension of Mr. B.M. War, retired Chief Engineer (Civil) of MeECL, as Chief Technical Advisor (Generation) in the Power Department was approved.
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Additionally, the cabinet cleared a financial outlay of ₹22.37 crore for land acquisition and right-of-way permissions to construct a 6.5-kilometer, 132 kV transmission line connecting the 220/132 kV sub-station to the proposed 132/33 kV Mawkhani sub-station.
Administrative standardization was another focus, particularly for border development and fiscal regulation. The cabinet approved the Border Areas Development Department Research Wing Service Rules 2026, setting formal guidelines for the wing’s structure, recruitment, promotions, and appointments to ensure efficiency and uniformity in executing integrated development projects along border areas.
Simultaneously, the cabinet approved an ordinance to amend the Meghalaya Goods and Services Tax Act, aligning state tax statutes with central GST Council resolutions.
Finally, as part of preparations for Independence Day on August 15, 2026, the cabinet reviewed and assigned responsibilities for ministers and designated VIPs to unfurl the national flag and receive official salutes at various district headquarters, with coordinating officers set to finalize specific assignments based on availability and logistics.
(4FrontMedia news)
