Meghalaya CM reply to the short duration discussion tabled by Shri Ardent MLA

Shillong, August 25: Meghalaya Chief Minister reply to the Short Duration Discussion under Rule 50 on the 10-Point Charter of Demands of the Voice of the People Party Tabled by Shri Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, MLA, 22-Nongkrem.

Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise to reply to the Short Duration Discussion tabled by the Hon’ble Member  from Nongkrem, Shri Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, supported by the Hon’ble Members Shri  Brightstarwell Marbaniang and Shri Heavingstone Kharpran, on the ten-point charter of the  Voice of the People Party.

The issues raised in the charter merit a careful examination of both the facts and the actions taken by the Government. I would therefore like to place before this august House the factual  position on each matter and the steps undertaken by the Government. The record will show  that every action has been taken within the framework of the Constitution, the laws of the  land, and the directions of the competent authorities, while keeping the welfare of the people of Meghalaya at the forefront.

1. Scrap the Lum Pongdeng Project

“We demand the immediate scrapping of the Lum Pongdeng Project. No project should be

imposed without the consent of the people. Our land is not for experimentation, exploitation

or backdoor privatisation.”

1. Sir, Lum Pongdeng Island, spread across approximately 36 acres, has been totally

excluded from the development ambit of the Umiam 5-Star Hotel Project.

2. The State Government has consistently engaged with the stakeholders and remained

sensitive to public concerns. Following representations made by the Synjuk Ki Rangbah

Shnong of Ri-Bhoi and discussions held with the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister on 20th

April 2026, it was decided to exclude the Island from the project. The Island has

accordingly been withdrawn from the Concession Agreement, and the requisite

modifications are being undertaken to give effect to this decision.

3. Sir, it would also be appropriate to place before this august House the relevant facts

and developments concerning the project. The State Government accords the highest

priority to environmental protection, and all projects are designed and implemented in strict compliance with prescribed environmental safeguards, statutory

requirements and sustainability standards.

4. Even prior to the issuance of the tender for the Umiam project, the Empowered Group

of Ministers, under my chairmanship, had decided in its meeting held on 8th July 2025

that no permanent structures would be allowed on Lum Pongdeng Island. Only

temporary, non-intrusive and environmentally sustainable facilities, designed using

lightweight, modular and sustainable materials and capable of being dismantled or

relocated, were to be permitted.

5. This decision was subsequently incorporated into the tender issued by the Tourism

Department on 23rd October 2025 and was made an integral part of the Concession

Agreement executed on 25th February 2026, between the Directorate of Tourism and

Umiam Hotels Pvt. Ltd. The agreement expressly prohibited any permanent

construction on Lum Pongdeng Island and provided that all the new development

would be confined to the site occupied by the existing Orchid Lake Resort.

6. While existing forest regulations of both the State and the Government of India permit

construction on the Lum Pongdeng island, the State Government went beyond

regulatory requirements to ensure environmental protection, including a clear

commitment to prohibiting any permanent construction on the island.

7. The Consent to Establish (CTE) issued by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board

(MSPCB) contains an explicit condition that no permanent structures shall be allowed

on Lum Pongdeng Island. The CTE further provides that any violation of this condition

shall render the approval liable for immediate revocation.

8. It is also pertinent to note that the CTE is only a preliminary approval and does not, by

itself, permit construction. Any project activity can proceed only after the Detailed

Project Report (DPR) is examined and approved by the Tourism Department, strictly in

accordance with the provisions of the Concession Agreement.

9. Additionally, let me address the issue of ‘privatisation’ unequivocally. Under every

tourism PPP project in this State, ownership of the land remains with the Government

of Meghalaya. The land is leased only for implementation of projects that create

employment for our youth.

10. The Umiam project, and every other Tourism Project implemented by the State

Government, have followed due process and upheld the highest standards of

transparency. Private partners were selected only after meeting stringent technical,

sustainability, and eligibility criteria.

11. Similar Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models have been successfully adopted in

several nationally and internationally recognised sustainable tourism destinations,

including Bhutan, where such frameworks have facilitated responsible tourism

development while ensuring environmental stewardship, retention of public

ownership and job opportunities for locals.

1. Stop Harassment of Teachers — Withdraw Anti-Teacher Policies

“We demand the Government cease requiring long-serving teachers to clear the MTET at the

twilight of their careers. Thousands of teachers are affected by retrospective application of

TET norms. We also demand the immediate withdrawal of the Meghalaya Private Colleges

Act.”

1. Sir, The Teacher Eligibility Test is not a State policy. It is Central law. It flows from the

Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and it has been made

binding by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in its judgment of 1st September,2025.

2. The Supreme Court has directed that every in-service teacher of Classes 1 to 8 with

more than five years of service left must clear the TET by 31 August 2028. Teachers with

less than five years left need not clear it to continue. This judgement binds this

Government and this House alike and every action that we take should be within the

framework of the Constitution of India. However, the Government continues to adopt

various measures for the well-being of the teachers.

1. I personally took up the matter to raise the concerns of the teachers with the

Hon’ble Union Minister of Education.

1. The State Government itself filed a review petition before the Supreme Court

against the retrospective effect of the judgment; and the largest teachers’ body,

the Meghalaya SSA Schools Association, has independently done the same.

1. In view of the welfare of teachers, especially those who are senior and

experienced, the State Government is providing for MTET and to be conducted

frequently so that a teacher’s service is not jeopardized.

1. The Education Department has also prepared a category-wise database of serving

elementary teachers, recording details of qualification, years of service left, and

whether promotion is sought, among others.

1. This exercise is essentially taken to ensure that the Supreme Court’s directions

should not be applied mechanically to every teacher without first determining the

category into which the individual teacher falls. Thus, every effort is being taken to

safeguard the interests of teachers while ensuring compliance with the Supreme

Court’s ruling.

3. Sir, another apprehension that has been raised is with regard to the Meghalaya Private

Colleges (Promotion and Regulation) Act, 2025. I wish to assure this august House that

the Act nowhere takes away the service, security or standing of the teaching and non

teaching staff of private colleges. On the contrary, it strengthens their position. The

maintenance of the Aided College Fund, the regular audit of accounts, and

Government grant-in-aid having a clear legal framework under the Act are meant to

safeguard the funds out of which college teachers are paid. The Act seeks to ensure

that these funds are properly accounted for and utilised only for the purposes for

which they are meant.

4. Also, I would like to highlight that the Act expressly provides for the welfare of college

employees. The Government has been empowered to frame rules for benefits

granted to the employees of aided colleges, thus protecting them from arbitrary

decisions. The requirement that colleges furnish the names and qualifications of their in

teaching and non-teaching staff further creates a proper and updated record of those

service. Any entitlements that are to be given shall be based on these proper

records. Any concern of teachers regarding service conditions can be fully considered

and accommodated at the rule-making stage. Five Sub-Committees comprising

Principals and representatives of private colleges from different parts of the State

were constituted to examine specific areas, including:

1. establishment and permissions;
2. aid, finance and fee regulation;
3. accounts and returns;
4. infrastructure and use of premises;
5. inspection and compliance.

Thus, this ensures that the voices of teachers are heard and considered.

De-politicise Recruitment (MPSC & DSC)

“We demand complete de-politicisation of recruitment bodies like DSC and MPSC — remove

all politically affiliated members; guarantee transparent, merit-based recruitment; end

nepotism, corruption and bribery.”

1. Sir, it must first be placed on record that the independence of the MPSC from political

interference is not a matter left to executive discretion, but it is a Constitutional

guarantee. The Chairman and Members of the Commission are appointed by the

Governor under Article 316 of the Constitution of India. Under Rules 4 and 5 of the

MPSC Regulations, 1972, the Commission consists of a Chairman and four Members

holding office for a term of six years or until attaining the age of 62 years, whichever is

earlier. Crucially, the Chairman or any Member can be removed from office only in the

manner provided under clauses (1) and (3) of Article 317 of the Constitution, and the

conditions of service of a Member cannot be varied to their disadvantage after

appointment.

2. Further, the MPSC falls within the jurisdiction of the Meghalaya Lokayukta,

constituted under the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, 2014. Any allegation of bribery or

favouritism is subject to independent statutory scrutiny, entirely outside the control of

the Government of the day.

3. Now let me place on record the reforms that this Government has undertaken. In

November 2024, we constituted a dedicated MPSC Reforms Committee, chaired by

Professor David Syiemlieh, himself a former Chairman of the Union Public Service

Commission. It consulted the public, and we implemented its report. Today, any

candidate or citizen can be rest assured that:

1. The syllabus, the candidate-to-vacancy ratio and the selection process are pre

declared in the advertisement itself. Discretion is removed before the process

begins;

1. Applications are scrutinized through automated Recruitment Processing

software;

1. OMR-based examinations are tamper-resistant and auditable, with answer keys

published after every exam, with seven full days to challenge them;

1. The marks of every qualified candidate across the screening test, interview and

the total are published on the MPSC website, with individual marks viewable at

every stage through the portal megrecruitment.nic.in/rpamarks;

1. A Public Facilitation Centre has been established to handle candidate inquiries and

provide necessary information. Additionally, the Grievances Cell of the MPSC is

available for receiving representations or grievances from candidates through an

online portal rpa.meghalaya.gov.in/mpscgrievance.

4. Sir, I shall now address the concerns relating to the District Selection Committees

(DSCs). These Committees handle recruitment to district-level posts under the offices

and establishments of districts and sub-divisions that do not fall within the purview

of the MPSC or the Departmental Selection Committees. They were created to

conduct recruitment to local posts close to the communities served, while maintaining

fairness, transparency and administrative efficiency.

5. The present composition of the DSC – a Chairperson, a non-official Vice-Chairman, two

non-official Members and a Member-Secretary – is not an ad hoc arrangement. It has

remained unchanged since 1982 and has been consciously reviewed and retained by

successive Governments over more than four decades. This continuity reflects a

deliberate administrative judgment that balances official oversight with community

participation.

6. A fundamental objective of the DSC framework is to build local oversight into

recruitment. The inclusion of non-official members brings the perspective of the

communities served by the district administration and keeps decision-making inclusive.

7. At present, the Chairman and Member-Secretary are already senior officers of the

district administration. If the Vice-Chairman and other Members were also made

official appointments, the Committee would become entirely bureaucratic, with no

independent community-facing presence. Such a structure may appear streamlined,

but it could weaken public confidence in the fairness of district recruitment.

8. Alongside this representative composition, the Government has already put several

safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the process. These include:

1. Videography at examination venues and an enhanced number of invigilators to

deter and detect unfair means during written examinations

1. Merit lists based solely on aggregate marks in the written examination and

interview, wherever applicable;

1. Written examination marks kept in sealed covers, opened only at final evaluation

after the interviews; and

1. Publication of written examination results on the Notice Board in order of Serial

or Roll Number immediately after declaration.

These measures have strengthened the credibility of DSC recruitment across districts.

9. Sir, while the core principles have remained sound, experience shows that different

districts have at times followed varying practices in vacancy scrutiny, examination

schemes, question-paper setting, evaluation, answer-key finalisation, interviews and

declaration of results.

10. Because these practices evolved through multiple Office Memoranda, executive

instructions and circulars, there is at present no single consolidated procedural

framework. This has caused avoidable inconsistencies, delays and litigation risk. The

Government has therefore decided to introduce a comprehensive Standard Operating

Procedure (SOP) that harmonizes all existing instructions into a single, sequential and

legally coherent framework applicable across all districts.

1. The SOP establishes a uniform, transparent and legally robust recruitment

framework aimed at merit-based selection, equal opportunity, adherence to

Government rules, administrative efficiency, accountability and a verifiable audit

trail.

1. It defines the composition, powers and responsibilities of the DSC and segregates

functions to prevent conflict of interest. Major decisions on examination schemes,

answer keys, results and selection lists must be taken collectively, with proper

documentation and approval.

1. All persons associated with recruitment must give confidentiality undertakings

and conflict-of-interest declarations. Any breach may invite disciplinary or legal

action.

1. Recruitment shall begin only against a complete, approved intimation of vacancies

from the concerned departments after approval of the Reservation Roster. The

prescribed sequence—vacancy notification, advertisement, examinations,

qualifying tests, written examination and interview (where applicable), and

declaration of results—must be strictly followed, and the process shall be

ordinarily completed within six months, from advertisement to final selection.

1. Knowledge of the local language is a mandatory eligibility criterion, tested

through a separate Local Language Proficiency Paper on a qualifying basis. A candidate

must secure at least 30 out of 100 marks. Failure results in disqualification without evaluation

of the other papers.

1. The advertisement must clearly disclose vacancies, eligibility, examination

scheme, syllabus, qualifying marks, local language requirement, application

dates, indicative timelines and grievance mechanisms. Applications should

ordinarily be received through a secure online system with appropriate data

safeguards.

1. The SOP guards against malpractice through multiple question-paper sets or

randomised computer-based papers, independent moderation, identity

verification and attendance recording. Evaluation shall be sequential, beginning

with the Local Language Proficiency Paper.

1. Provisional answer keys are to be published within seven days of the examination,

followed by an online objection window. Objections are examined by independent

subject experts, and a final answer key is approved by the DSC for evaluation.

12. Where applicable, interview marks shall not exceed 12.5% of the total marks for

final merit. It also reiterates the discontinuation of interviews for Group D Posts.

Results should ordinarily be declared within 30 days of completing each stage, and

merit lists prepared in accordance with the prescribed rules and Reservation

Roster.

1. The SOP requires publication of cut-off marks, merit lists and final selection lists. A

dedicated Grievance Cell shall dispose of grievances ordinarily within 15 working

days, and recruitment records are to be preserved securely for at least five years

or until related litigation concludes, whichever is later.

11. Sir, the Government’s objective is not merely to conduct recruitment, but to ensure

that recruitment is transparent, merit-based, locally responsive and publicly credible.

The existing DSC composition has been retained over decades because it balances

administrative oversight with community participation. At the same time, the

Government recognizes the need for continuous improvement and is introducing this

comprehensive SOP to further strengthen fairness, consistency and accountability in

district-level recruitment across the State.

1. Stop Job Extensions to Retired Employees

“We demand an end to the practice of extending service for retired employees, which blocks

opportunities for unemployed youth.”

1. Sir, this premise that extending service of retired employees blocks opportunities for

the youth is not true. Re-employment of retired officers is rare, for short periods, and

in a handful of cases. It does not block youth employment.

2. The appointments which the Hon’ble Members point to, are to statutory bodies like

the State Information Commission, the Farmers’ Commission, the State Food

Commission, the Public Services Delivery Commission and the Real Estate Regulatory

Authority. These are not service extensions, but appointments that the law prescribes

to be of significant domain expertise and duration of experience.

1. Section 22 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 mandates

that the Chairperson and members shall be appointed from amongst persons

having adequate knowledge of and professional experience of at-least fifteen to

twenty years in urban development, housing, real estate development,

infrastructure, economics, technical expertise from relevant fields like planning,

law, commerce, accountancy, industry, management, social service, public affairs

or administration.

1. Sections 15 of the Right to Information Act 2005 prescribes that the State Chief

information Commissioner respectively shall be appointed from amongst persons

of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science

and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or

administration and governance.

1. Similarly, Section 16 of the National Food Security Act 2013 prescribes that the

Chairperson and members of the State Food Commission shall be appointed from

amongst persons who are or have been member of the All India Services or any

other civil service of the Union or State or holding a civil post under the Union or

State having knowledge and experience in matters relating to food security,

policy making and administration in the field of agriculture, civil supplies, nutrition,

health or any allied field.

3. I will now place on record the details of employment opportunities provided to the

youth over the last three years :

1. Over 9,000 vacancies have been advertised;
2. 1,011 appointments were made through MPSC;
3. 2,413 police vacancies have been filled through Central Recruitment Board;
4. 769 doctors have been appointed through the Meghalaya Medical Services

Recruitment board

1. 1,686 appointments were made through DSCs
2. Employment creation has not been confined only to Government and public sector recruitment. Alongside direct public employment, the State Government also runs several livelihood and entrepreneurship programmes which have created income generating opportunities for the youth and citizens of Meghalaya.
3. Since 2019, the State Government has created over 3.6 lakh livelihood opportunities, across sectors, demonstrating that the Government’s employment strategy extends beyond sanctioned posts to enterprise creation and self-employment-based livelihoods. In the last three years, about 50,000 wage and self-employment opportunities have been created for the youth of the State.
4. Protecting Public Land — Stop Backdoor Sale

“We demand an immediate halt to leasing or selling public land to corporates; strict adherence to land laws and community rights; no bypassing of the Autonomous District Councils.”

1. Sir, the statement that public land is being sold to corporates is incorrect. Every acre of land acquired by the Government for public projects has been acquired in full conformity with the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971.
2. The Government’s process of procuring land for development projects is transparent and is on record. An Expression of Interest is called from all willing landowners, who quote their own price, after receiving No-Objection from the Headman.
3. The Deputy Commissioner then holds a public hearing and an inquiry to confirm that the land is free of encumbrance, certifies that the price is reasonable, and only then is the proposal considered.
4. The final decision on purchasing any land is made collectively by the Cabinet. This is exactly how the lands for the Shillong Airport expansion and the New Shillong Township were acquired.
5. The Government is following all due processes and is procuring land only for projects that unlock vast opportunities for the youth of the State.
6. Secure Meghalaya – Stop Illegal Influx

“We demand urgent action to stop illegal influx, protect indigenous people and their land, and strengthen border security.”

1. Sir, for over fifty years the border issue was left at status quo. In March 2022, this Government signed an MoU with the Government of Assam and resolved six of the twelve areas of difference:-
2. Tarabari – West Khasi Hills
3. Gizang – West Khasi Hills
4. Hahim – West Khasi Hills
5. Boklapara – Ri-Bhoi
6. Khanapara–Pillangkata – Ri-Bhoi
7. Ratacherra – East Jaintia Hills
8. Along the Indo-Bangladesh and inter-State borders, 18 Anti-Infiltration Check Posts and Check Gates, a Railway Facilitation Centre, and a Land Customs Station have been established. District Special Squads have also been stationed at the headquarters of all 12 districts to conduct extensive anti-infiltration drives.
9. Border management is a security function undertaken in close coordination between the State Police and the Border Security Force. The Border Security Force, being stationed near the international border, serves as the first line of defence, while the State Police, deployed at nearby Police Stations, Outposts and Check Posts, provides the second line of defence. Surveillance is maintained through regular joint patrolling and naka checking along the international border. Electronic surveillance equipment, including high-density lights, has also been installed at strategic locations to deter illegal intrusions.
10. To strengthen the detection of illegal infiltration and regularly monitor anti infiltration measures, the Government has constituted 12 District Task Forces for the detection of Bangladeshi nationals. These Task Forces undertake regular checking and special drives. Surprise checks are also conducted once every month by joint teams comprising a Magistrate, personnel of the District Police Force, and staff of the Infiltration Branch.
11. A State-level Committee, headed by the Principal Secretary or Secretary, Home (Political) Department, has been constituted to identify foreigners residing illegally in the State. The Committee is mandated to identify foreigners who have overstayed since 1 January 2011 and submit monthly reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs. In addition, a Lead Intelligence Agency mechanism, with the Border Security Force as the nodal authority, conducts regular coordination meetings with the Meghalaya Police, Central Paramilitary Forces and Central Intelligence Agencies.
12. Nokmas, Headmen and Village Defence Parties in border villages have been actively engaged in strengthening border security. Regular awareness programmes on crossborder crime and national security are conducted at the Police Station and Outpost levels. Senior officers of the border districts also visit border villages regularly to understand the difficulties faced by residents and, on several occasions, have stayed overnight in these villages to build confidence among the local communities
13. Along the inter-State border, regular alerts have been issued to districts sharing boundaries with Assam, directing them to put in place appropriate preventive measures against illegal entry, particularly in view of the recent eviction drive in Assam. Effective checking is being carried out along National Highways and internal roads with the support of Village Headmen and Village Defence Parties. Apart from infiltration from Bangladesh, the State also faces the entry of persons of doubtful citizenship from Assam, Tripura and West Bengal who claim to be residents of those States. Such people are sent back directly from the place of detection.
14. To safeguard the demographic structure and the interests of the indigenous inhabitants of the State, the Government enacted the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016. District Task Forces have been constituted in all 12 districts under the Act, and an online application was launched in September 2022 in collaboration with NIC Meghalaya. To date, 966 localities, 561 sub-localities, 1,653 landlords and 5,042 tenants have been registered. This represents an increase from the figures placed before the House in February 2026, when 817 localities, 427 sublocalities, 1,110 landlords and 3,297 tenants had been registered. The Government has also implemented the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act, 2020, which requires migrant labourers intending to work in the State to register with the Labour Department.
15. The State Border Headquarters continues to issue regular alerts to the border districts, while local communities have been mobilized to promptly report instances of illegal entry to the authorities.

VII. Stop Coke & Cement Plants

“We demand the Government immediately halt new coke and cement plants and shut down all illegal plants that have harmed the environment and public health.”

1. Sir, the process of detection and demolition of illegal units is an on-going activity being conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board in conformity with all existing environmental laws. We are detecting coke plants operating without clearance and have demolished them.
2. During Phase 1 in July 2023, 44 plants were demolished, including:

o 39 units in West Khasi Hills

o 5 units in East Jaintia Hills

3. During Phase 2 in 2025, 28 demolitions were executed, including:

o 17 units in West Khasi Hills

o 11 units in East Jaintia Hills

4. Eleven cement plants across East Jaintia Hills have been inspected. Their pollution control devices are linked to online monitoring. The setting up of Cement plants is strictly regulated through rigorous Environmental clearance under Environment Protection Act and through public hearings, etc.
5. The establishment and operation of coke and cement industries are not permitted without obtaining the requisite statutory permissions, including Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Board, wherever applicable, along with other approvals required under prevailing environmental laws.
6. In view of the above, the Government remains committed to ensuring that all industrial activities are carried out in compliance with environmental laws and statutory requirements. Regular inspections, continuous monitoring and strict enforcement actions against violations will continue to protect environmental quality and public health in the State.

VIII. Detect and Deport Illegal Immigrants

“We demand a time-bound and transparent process to detect and deport all illegal immigrants residing in the State.”

1. Sir, The State Government has already put in place systems to tackle concerns regarding illegal immigration. Under the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016, verification is under way and 817 localities and 427 sub-localities in East Khasi Hills stand registered to date.
2. The Anti-Infiltration Directorate is the nodal agency in the State for the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants, and the procedure is followed as per the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
3. From 2021 till date, 736 foreign nationals staying illegally in the State have been detected and prosecuted, and 262 have been deported after completing their sentences and obtaining travel permits from their respective missions. These figures reflect the firm commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the State’s security and demographic integrity.
4. In view of the measures already in place, the Government remains committed to ensuring that detection, verification and deportation of illegal immigrants are carried out in accordance with the law and established procedures. Continuous monitoring, inter-agency coordination and regular enforcement actions will continue to strengthen border management and maintain public order in the State.
5. Lift the Ban on Coal Mining

“We demand the Government remove restrictions on coal mining and simplify legal approvals, so that small landowners and communities — not only large corporations — can mine legally.”

1. The ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal in 2014 on unregulated coal mining had a significant impact on Meghalaya’s coal-dependent communities, affecting the livelihoods of thousands of traditional miners and their families. At the same time, it brought into focus the need to address concerns relating to unsafe mining practices, environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
2. The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in its judgement in Civil Appeal No. 10720 of 2019, directed that all coal mining activities in Meghalaya must be undertaken strictly in accordance with the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the Mines Act, 1952, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for carrying out coal mining operations.
3. As per the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, in Meghalaya, which is governed by the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, private and community landowners possess both surface and sub-soil rights. It recognized that tribal landowners own not only the land but also the minerals beneath it. Accordingly, such landowners may lease out their land to eligible persons for the purpose of coal mining, subject to the applicable laws, rules and regulatory requirements.
4. In compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and to facilitate the transition to safe, legal, and scientific mining, the Government of Meghalaya notified a Standard Operating Procedure on 5th March 2021. The SOP established a clear framework for the grant of Prospecting Licences and Mining Leases for coal, thereby enabling a gradual shift from unregulated mining practices to a regulated and sustainable mining regime.
5. As on date, previous approvals for Prospecting Licenses for 30 blocks and for mining lease of 12 blocks have been granted by the Ministry of Coal. Furthermore, coal production has commenced in 3 coal blocks.
6. One of the key challenges in expanding scientific coal mining in Meghalaya is the regulatory requirement of a minimum 100-hectare area for the grant of mining leases. This requirement poses significant difficulties for small miners, many of whom do not possess landholdings of the prescribed size. In addition, the approval processes involving Central Government authorities can be time-consuming and complex.
7. The State Government has acknowledged these challenges and has taken up the matter with the Government of India and continues to pursue measures to facilitate greater participation of small miners in lawful and scientific mining activities.
8. In response, the Ministry of Coal constituted a committee comprising representatives of the Ministry of Coal, Central Mine Planning & Design Institute, Directorate General of Mines Safety, Shillong Region and the Government of Meghalaya to examine these matters.
9. A meeting of the Committee was held on 31st July 2026 and several concerns were deliberated. The State Government had proposed the following:
10. Delegation of powers under Section 26 of the MMDR Act, 1957 – specifically power to grant prior approval under Section 5(1) and mining plan approval under Section 5(2) to the State Government;
11. Reduction of the minimum concession area;
12. Setting up a Project Monitoring Unit to monitor mining activity in the State;
13. Examination of an alternative, safety-oriented mining technique suggested by a local coal association.

The meeting concluded with directions to the Departments concerned to examine the proposals submitted before the Committee. The next meeting of the Committee is tentatively scheduled to be held soon.

10. Consultations have also been held with coal miners’ associations and other stakeholders to understand their concerns and facilitate a practical solution within the existing legal framework.
11. The challenges faced by small miners are being actively addressed through due legal and regulatory processes. The Government is making continuous efforts to restore their livelihoods by facilitating the lawful resumption of coal mining, while ensuring strict adherence to safety standards and statutory requirements.
12. Lift the Ban on Stone and Sand Mining — Frame People-Centric, Environment-Friendly Laws

“We demand that the Government remove the blanket ban on stone and sand mining and enact practical laws that protect the environment while safeguarding the livelihood of the people. Natural resources should be managed responsibly without depriving indigenous communities of their traditional means of livelihood.”

1. Sir, there is no blanket ban on stone mining or sand quarrying in Meghalaya. Lawful quarrying is fully permitted – subject to a valid mining lease or quarry permit, Environmental Clearance, and compliance with the forest, pollution-control and transport requirements that the law demands of everyone.
2. Stone and sand are minor minerals under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Under Section 15 of that Act, this State Government has framed the Meghalaya Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 2016 to govern leases, quarry permits, royalty and transport. Sand mining is further governed by the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016 and the Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines, 2020. This is a regulatory framework and not a prohibition.
3. Unfortunately, there is no provision for small scale or traditional mining under MMMCR, 2016 or under the MMDR Act, 1957. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India has made environmental clearance compulsory for mining of minor minerals in lease areas of any size.
4. The State Government reviewed the provisions of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016, through a Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister. Based on the recommendations of the Committee, a proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change seeking exemption for traditional stone boulder mining from the requirement of obtaining prior Environmental Clearance. The exemption was sought in view of the mandatory requirement of prior Environmental Clearance for the extraction of minor minerals, irrespective of the size of the mining lease area. The Ministry, however, did not accept the proposal, citing the directions arising from a judgment of the Hon’ble High Court of Patna.
5. The Government is navigating a delicate balance between protecting the livelihoods of small miners and ensuring compliance with the legal and regulatory framework. The concerns of the mining community are fully appreciated, and continuous efforts are being undertaken to facilitate lawful mining activities while safeguarding the interests of small miners.
6. I would to place on record that this Government has prioritized the interests and wellbeing of the small miners. It is this Government which in 2019 fought for the rights of the tribal landowners, both private and community, and got a; landmark judgement that the landowners possess both surface and subsoil rights. This Government will continue taking up all issues with Central Government, the Courts and all others to find a sustainable solution to the concerns of all the small miners. I would also like to place on record before this august house that this Government is implementing several environmental programmes including the country’s largest Payment for Ecosystem Services Programme, several highly acclaimed spring shed and water conservation efforts. We are working to achieve a fine balance between environmental protection and securing the livelihood for our communities. I seek the support of this august House in this hugely urgent and immensely critical endeavor.
7. Sir, I would like to conclude my reply to this short duration discussion by reemphasizing this Government’s commitment to address each and every grievance of the various sections of the Society and working towards finding solutions to very complex problems. We have demonstrated this commitment at every step in the last eight years and will continue to do so. I once again thank the Hon’ble Member, Shri Ardent Miller, Basaiawmoit of the 22-NONGKREM constituency, for tabling this short duration discussion.