Shillong, Oct 29: The Meghalaya Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, on Wednesday approved a series of key policy decisions concerning education, administration, labour, and election preparedness, according to Cabinet Minister and Government Spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Shylla said the first major decision was the introduction and implementation of an outcome-based budgeting system for more effective utilisation of State funds.
He informed that the Cabinet also approved the regularisation of Special Educators and related professionals, as directed by the Supreme Court of India (File No. EDN.170/2023). Currently, there are 283 such posts, many of which are on a contractual basis.
To improve efficiency in the education sector, the Cabinet also endorsed the rationalisation of Government and SSA schools across the state.
Another significant approval was the Meghalaya Village Defence Organisation Rules, 2025, which clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of Village Defence Parties (VDPs) at every administrative level. Shylla announced that the out-of-pocket allowance for VDPs has been increased from ₹300 to ₹3,000 per month to boost village-level vigilance against crime, drugs, and border-related challenges.
He added that VDPs will be supported through modernisation measures such as uniforms, walkie-talkies, and ID cards, though no weapons will be issued.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to Schedule 11 of the Meghalaya Legal Metrology Enforcement Rules, 2011, and cleared the publication of draft rules under the new Labour Codes, namely:
Draft Meghalaya Code on Wages Rules, 2024
Draft Meghalaya Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Rules, 2024
Draft Meghalaya Code on Industrial Relations Rules, 2024
Draft Meghalaya Code on Social Security Rules, 2024
Additionally, the government approved the schedule for preparation of electoral rolls for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, expected to be held next year.
Shylla clarified that while the exact election date has not yet been finalised, the preparatory process must begin as per procedural requirements. He emphasised that the eligibility of voters will be determined strictly according to the 1951 AD Rules.
On the issue of SSA teachers’ demands, the Minister informed that the government has agreed in principle to a new pay structure and rationalisation process, with the financial implications currently being worked out by the department.
