Shillong, October 15: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, addressing the media at the Cabinet Room on Wednesday, announced several important decisions taken by the Meghalaya Cabinet aimed at strengthening governance, improving employee welfare, and ensuring transparency in state policy.
Among the major decisions, the Chief Minister informed that the government has approved the regularization of ad hoc employees appointed against sanctioned posts, including staff nurses and other essential service personnel. The move, he said, reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring job security and fair service conditions for employees who have served for several years under ad hoc arrangements.
“The Cabinet has approved measures to regularize ad hoc staff serving against sanctioned posts. This includes various categories of employees, such as nurses and teachers, who have been contributing to essential public services. The regularization will follow due process and eligibility norms set by the government,” the Chief Minister stated.
He added that the government had earlier regularized thousands of ad hoc employees and that the latest decision is part of a continuing effort to address the concerns of long-serving staff. “We recognize their dedication and want to ensure stability in the system while maintaining administrative discipline,” he noted.
Another key decision discussed was the release of ₹79.5 crore to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). Of this, ₹11 crore covers pending dues, while ₹68.5 crore represents an advance against the Council’s future share of royalty. “A total of ₹79.5 crore has been sanctioned and released to the escrow account. This account is meant solely for salary disbursement and will be strictly monitored to ensure proper utilization,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the release will enable GHADC to clear the 12-month salary backlog of its employees.
The Cabinet also deliberated on recent notifications issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) regarding mining of atomic minerals, including uranium. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the Government of Meghalaya maintains a categorical opposition to uranium mining in the state.
“We will seek clarification from the Centre on the recent Office Memorandum that suggests exemption of public hearings for atomic mineral mining projects. Our stand remains firm — Meghalaya will not allow uranium mining. The interests of our people, our environment, and our traditional institutions will always come first,” he said.
He further emphasized that any mining-related activity in Meghalaya falls under the purview of land ownership structures governed by the Sixth Schedule, which requires the consent of clans, traditional institutions, and district councils. “Without the consent of landowners and local bodies, no such activity can take place,” he added.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Sangma reiterated the government’s vision of balancing development with social and environmental responsibility. “We are ensuring that every policy and reform benefits our citizens while safeguarding Meghalaya’s unique identity and resources,” he said.
