Shillong, July 27: The Meghalaya Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Conrad K. Sangma, on Monday approved a series of major policy decisions aimed at strengthening urban governance, improving power infrastructure, promoting electric mobility, enhancing border area development and aligning the state’s tax framework with national reforms.
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Government Spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak outlined the key decisions taken by the Cabinet.
Among the significant approvals was the upgradation of the New Shillong Township Development Agency (NSTDA) into the New Shillong Development Authority (NSDA). The move, backed by amendments to the existing framework, is expected to provide the township with a stronger statutory authority for planning, regulation and infrastructure development.
The Cabinet also approved the extension of the tenure of B.M. Misra, a retired Chief General Manager of the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), as Chief Technical Advisor (Generation) in the Power Department, enabling him to continue providing technical expertise for the state’s power generation projects.
To strengthen Meghalaya’s electricity transmission network, the Cabinet sanctioned the acquisition of land for the construction of a 6.5-kilometre 132 kV transmission line connecting the 220/132 kV Switching Substation to the proposed 132/33 kV, 50 MVA substation. The approval also includes the required Right of Way (RoW) for the project, which is expected to improve power reliability across the state.
In a major boost to sustainable transportation, the Cabinet approved the Meghalaya Electric Vehicle Policy, 2026. Under the policy, eligible electric vehicle buyers will receive an incentive of ₹25,000, while registration fees for such vehicles will be completely waived. The government expects the initiative to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
The Cabinet further cleared the rules for establishing a Research Wing under the Border Areas Development Department. The new wing will support research, policy formulation and development initiatives in Meghalaya’s border regions.
The Cabinet also approved arrangements for the 79th Independence Day celebrations, nominating Ministers and senior government officials to represent the state government at district headquarters across Meghalaya on August 15, 2026, where they will take the ceremonial salute during official functions.
In addition, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Meghalaya Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act through an ordinance to bring the state’s GST law in line with recommendations of the GST Council. The amendments are mandatory for all states to implement decisions adopted under the national GST framework.
The decisions taken by the Cabinet are expected to strengthen governance, accelerate infrastructure development, promote clean mobility, improve power connectivity, support border area development and ensure compliance with national taxation reforms.
