Shillong, Nov 14: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Friday approved several key proposals, including the acquisition of additional land for the New Shillong Township project, re-appointment of the Meghalaya State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (MSCDRC) president, and amendments to Group-D recruitment rules.
35 Acres Acquired for Administrative–Knowledge City Corridor; New Central Jail to Come Up at Tynring
The Cabinet cleared the acquisition of 35 acres of land at Tynring under the New Shillong Township to create a strategic corridor connecting the upcoming Administrative City and Knowledge City. The tract will also house the new central jail, which will replace the ageing facility in Shillong.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Cabinet Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the negotiated land price—ranging from ₹250 per sq ft to ₹2,691 per sq m—is well below the notified rate of ₹2,900 per sq m set by the Deputy Commissioner.
He informed that acquisition procedures are already in progress. “Once we take possession of the land, the construction of the new jail will begin,” he said.
The acquisition forms part of the wider New Shillong Township development blueprint aimed at decongesting the capital city and promoting planned urban growth.
Justice Shivaji Pande Re-appointed MSCDRC President
The Cabinet also approved the re-appointment of Justice Shivaji Pande as President of the Meghalaya State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission. Justice Pande’s present term ends on December 6, 2025.
Shylla said the re-appointment complies with existing rules, which permit a further four-year term provided the age limit of 67 is not crossed. Along with this, the Cabinet endorsed the names of four members for the commission:
Major Unsambyntalang Nongsiej
Rupa Paul Chaudhuri
Nelisa F. Kharshiing
Bijoy A. Sangma
The Cabinet also approved service rules for the MSCDRC, enabling it to establish its own recruitment board for staff appointments.
Amendment Clarifies 50% Quota for Regular Casual Workers in Group-D Posts
In another major decision, the Cabinet approved an amendment to Rule 6(d) of the Meghalaya Ministerial District Establishment Service Rules, 2017, resolving long-standing ambiguities regarding recruitment to Group-D posts.
Shylla said the 1996 Office Memorandum (OM) mandated 50% reservation for regular casual workers, while a 2017 OM suggested that all posts should be filled through direct recruitment—leading to confusion.
“We are making it clear today that we are going with the 1996 OM,” he said. The amendment officially reinstates the 50% quota for regular casual workers going forward.
These decisions, the minister noted, aim to streamline administrative processes and strengthen institutional efficiency across state departments.
