Shillong, August 07: The cabinet met today chair by the Chief Minister Mr. Conrad K Sangma in the meeting there are 21 items were discussed after discussion approval was given in the meeting.
The Chief Minister inhis address to the media state that the cabinet has approved a new policy to regulate rental of bikes and vehicles to tourists, this to ensure tourists’ safety and proper sector regulation, all individuals renting out private vehicles and bikes must now register with the Transport Department.
The Cabinet has given its approved the amendment to the Delegation of Financial Power Rules, 2006, to bring a major administrative reform: Financial powers have now been delegated to the Joint Secretary of the District Council Affairs (DCA) Department.
Since DCA has no HOD, the Joint Secretary will now function with powers equivalent to a department head. Previously, District Councils had to individually pursue their share of revenue from three separate departments i.e Transport, Mining, and Forest, making the process lengthy and cumbersome.
The DCA will now act as the single nodal department for disbursing these revenue shares. This streamlines the process, making it faster, more transparent, and efficient. This decision marks a significant step in reforming how District Council Affairs are managed, and will greatly improve administrative ease and revenue flow.
The cabinet also approved discontinue optional subjects in the Meghalaya Civil Services (MCS) competitive exams. Previously, candidates could choose from 23 optional subjects, but this led to an uneven playing field and administrative challenges.
Instead, a new mandatory subject on Meghalaya, covering its history, culture, and economy will be introduced to better prepare future civil servants. This change is aimed at fairness, promoting operational efficiency, relevance, and aligning with emerging national standards for Meghalaya Civil Service officers.
Approved the amendment to the Meghalaya Building By-Laws 2025 to simplify the building permission process and boost the Ease of Doing Business in the state.Online Building Permission System will be effective from 11th August, 2025 and all applications for building permits can be submitted online.
For Low-Risk Buildings- residential, commercial, and industrial buildings up to, 2500–3000 sq. ft. built-up area with G+1 structure Max height: 7 metres no technical approval needed from MUDA and can use empaneled architects orengineers. Submit self-attested designs online. Start construction immediately after submission
For Larger Buildings (G+2, up to 7500 sq. ft.), Empaneled 3rd-party verification agencies, licensed architects and engineering firms registered with the Govt. will assist in submitting verified designs and getting faster approvals.
The Cabinet has approved Amendment to the Excise Rules for insertion of Rule 1949 A, introducing a license for Fermented Country Liquor (FCL).This new rule is only applicable for fermented local drinks made traditionally by our people across the state like bitchi, apong, judima, and others and does not cover distilled liquor, which is a whole different category.
Until now, there was no legal framework to regulate or support our traditional fermented beverages. With this amendment, we are recognizing and promoting local fermented brews by giving individuals, entrepreneurs, societies and firms a chance to get a proper license to produce and sell.
This will boost local businesses and tourism by encouraging safe, quality-controlled production. This is a step forward in preserving tradition, empowering local entrepreneurs, and responsibly tapping into our rich heritage.
Simplify bonded warehouse categories. Previously, 3 categories were marked based on annual turnover, Category A: ₹20 Cr+, Category B: ₹10 Cr – ₹20 Cr, Category C: Up to ₹10 Cr. The Categories are now reduced to 2, Category A: Turnover of more than ₹20 Cr per annum, Category B: Turnover below ₹20 Cr per annum.
The Cabinet has approved expansion of the homemade wine policy, earlier, only fruit-based homemade wines were allowed. Now, new ingredients will be introduced like Rhizome Ginger, Bulb rootstock, Floral source, Honey can now be used to produce homemade wine under the updated wine policy.
Approved a 30-year lease extension for Polo Orchid and Jiva Resort in Sohra. Recently, the State Government had approved the lease period for private players for 60 years for feasibility of the project. In similar terms, the lease for both the above properties has been extended for another 30 years.
Both resorts will now, Pay 4% of their gross revenue, Pay an additional ₹5 lakh annual lease rent. This move aligns them with new lease norms given to other private players for long-term viability.
The Cabinet has given approved the Partial Modification on the Government Notification No. LE&SD.62/2024/84, dated 16.01.2025. This entails the approval for women to work night shifts, aligning with policies followed at the national and state levels. This decision addresses a longstanding issue and prioritizes the safety and consent of female employees.
Strict measures, including CCTV surveillance and secure transportation, will be implemented to ensure a safe working environment. Women will have the choice to opt-in voluntarily, with no obligation to work night shifts if they are uncomfortable.
Approved the proposed acquisition of land for setting up of Slalom Course at Umtham River, Ri Bhoi District. 14.6 acres of land will be acquired from the MIDFC along the Umtham River to develop the country’s only dedicated slalom course.
This area, a hotspot for slalom, canoeing, and kayaking, helped Meghalaya win 5 medals at the last National Games. With a ₹21 crore investment, this facility will boost water sports and put Meghalaya on the national map.
The cabinet approved the appointment of Lt. Col. Aibanjop Sooting (Retd.) for the post of Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Tura. Approved the financial powers to the Director of Prosecution as Head of Department. Approved amendment to the Meghalaya Subordinate Treasury Accounts Service Rules 1985.
Approved amendment to the Meghalaya Urban Affairs Service Rule 2024, Approved amendment to the Meghalaya Nursing Homes (Licensing and Registration) Rules, 2015., Approved amendment to the Meghalaya Judicial Service Rules 2006.
Approved amendment to the Meghalaya Higher Judicial Service Rules 2015 . Approved amendment to the Meghalaya Police Teleommunication Service Rules 2010. Approved amendment to the Meghalaya Directory Establishment Ministerial Service Rules 2010
