By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 5: The State Cabinet on Thursday approved a series of policy, legislative, and administrative measures, including amendments to the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy, clearance of new service rules for sportspersons, and the approval of several Bills and statutory matters to be tabled before the Assembly.
Briefing the media, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the Cabinet approved minor amendments to the Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Policy, introduced around six to seven months ago. The changes are intended to further benefit sportspersons and address practical issues that emerged following the policy’s implementation.
He stated that the Cabinet also approved the draft Meghalaya Outstanding Sportsperson Direct Appointment Service Rules, enabling the formal implementation of the policy. Under the approved framework, a special cadre will be created for outstanding sportspersons, ensuring that their appointments do not affect the service conditions, seniority, or promotion prospects of existing government employees.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the policy applies only to recognised sporting events, not all championships. Six specific categories of tournaments have been identified, including the Olympics, National Games, and South Asian Games. Eligible sportspersons will be placed in defined categories based on the level of achievement and the medal secured. Posts created under this special cadre will be personal to the individual and will cease to exist upon the retirement of the appointed sportsperson.
The Cabinet also clarified procedures relating to the 2% reservation for sportspersons under the State’s reservation policy. The Chief Minister noted that, in the absence of a clear certification mechanism earlier, confusion had persisted over eligibility. The Cabinet approved a defined process whereby eligible sportspersons will be certified by the Sports Department through the Directorate, based on an online application system. A standardised certificate will be issued to applicants, enabling them to apply under the 2% sports quota.
On fiscal matters, the Chief Minister said the Cabinet approved an amendment to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act in line with the 15th Finance Commission recommendations, which allow states a fiscal deficit of up to 3.5%. He explained that the amendment is required annually to enable states to avail the additional 0.5% fiscal space, and the proposed amendment will be placed before the Assembly for approval.
The Cabinet also approved the Governor’s Address, scheduled to be delivered on 16 February, after examining and clearing the contents of the speech.
The Chief Minister further stated that an Ordinance passed during an earlier Cabinet meeting will now be placed before the Assembly for regularisation ahead of the Budget Session.
Appointments to vacant posts under Rule 5 of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women, including the positions of Vice-Chairperson and four Members, were also approved. The Chief Minister said the names would be shared separately.
Among other decisions, the Cabinet approved the Meghalaya Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Central Government and adopted by the State. Amendments to the Meghalaya Legal Metrology Enforcement Rules, relating to applicable charges and regulatory provisions, were also cleared in line with national norms.
