By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 14: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Friday approved the acquisition of additional land at Tynring in the New Shillong Township for the development of a corridor to connect the Administrative City with the Knowledge City.
Government spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla told reporters that as part of this plan, an additional 35 acres of land have been proposed for acquisition to facilitate the relocation of the Central Jail to New Shillong.
“This is an important step as we continue to build and expand New Shillong. The additional land is required to ensure smooth connectivity between the Administrative and the Knowledge City zones, Shylla said.
The Cabinet, meanwhile, also approved the amendment to Rule 6(D) of the Meghalaya Ministerial District Establishment Service Rules, 2017. The amendment will allow 50% of Group D posts to be filled from among the Regular Casual Workers (RCWs).
Shylla said there was confusion in the past due to two Office Memorandums (OMs) issued in 1996, which stated that 50% of Group D posts should be filled from RCWs. However, he added, a subsequent OM issued in 2017 stated that all Group D posts should be filled through direct recruitment.
“Today, the Cabinet has clarified this ambiguity by deciding to follow the 1996 OM. Accordingly, 50% of Group D vacancies will now be filled from the Regular Casual Workers,” he said.
The Cabinet approved the amendment to the Meghalaya Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2006.
In line with the Government of India guidelines, this procedural amendment permits the state to increase its fiscal deficit ceiling from 3% to 3.5% of GSDP, thereby facilitating additional borrowing.
In addition, the Cabinet approved the proposal for the reappointment of the President and a Member of the Meghalaya State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
The term of Justice (retired) Shivaji Pandey as President of the Commission will conclude on 6 December 2025. Under the rules, the President of the State Commission is eligible for reappointment for another term of four years, subject to the age limit of 67 years.
Since Justice Pandey’s current term ends in December 2025, the Cabinet has approved his reappointment as President of the Commission.
The Cabinet approved the recommended names of Major (retired) Ynsambyntalang Nongsiej, Rupa Paul Choudhury, N.F. Kharshiing and Bijoy A Sangma as Members of the Commission.
The Cabinet further approved the Service Rules for the Meghalaya State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, enabling it to have its own recruitment board to recruit its staff.
