By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 1: The state Cabinet on Wednesday approved the service conditions for regularised ad hoc employees regarding seniority and promotion, while also green-lighting a centralised provident fund (PF) scheme for staff of non-government schools and colleges.
Briefing media persons after the meeting here, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma explained that ad hoc appointments made prior to 2007 were previously regularised, and many of these employees were subsequently promoted.
However, administrative confusion had persisted regarding pension benefits for retired staff, specifically whether payments should be based on their original regularised posts or their higher promoted ranks.
“To resolve this, we have approved a one-time condonation to recognise promotions made in accordance with prescribed rules and procedures. This will enable eligible employees to receive salary and pension benefits based on their promoted posts,” the chief minister said.
In another significant decision, the Cabinet approved the implementation of the Meghalaya Non-Government School and College Employees Centralised Provident Fund Scheme, 2026.
The chief minister noted that while a large number of employees in non-government educational institutions have been making mandatory contributions, the state lacked a structured government scheme to effectively manage and implement them.
“With the Cabinet’s approval, the scheme has now been finalised. Once implemented, employees of non-government schools and colleges will be able to avail the benefits of the Provident Fund in a structured and secure manner,” Sangma added.
Other Cabinet decisions
The state Cabinet has also reduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) on methane gas used as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) from 14.5% to 5%.
The decision aims to align Meghalaya’s tax rates with other states to create a competitive environment and attract various agencies to establish a base in the state.
In another decision, the Cabinet approved the naming and renaming of several roads and localities. ‘Blessed Mother Teresa Road’ has been renamed ‘Saint Teresa Road’, while ‘Rev Nichol’s Roy Road’ will now be known as ‘Rev JJM Nichols Roy Road’.
The PWD road from Thorika Rabha to Nibari has been renamed ‘Utpal Rabha Road’ and the ‘Pasyih Garampani Road (PG Road)’ has been changed to ‘Phramer-Shangpung-Saphai Road’.
Additionally, the Cabinet officially named the road stretch from Wahthapbru towards Jaiaw Pdeng, passing through Mission Compound, as ‘Dr. Friday Lyngdoh Road’.
