Shillong, Jan 15: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Wednesday made several key decisions. The Cabinet approved the names of recipients for the Meghalaya Day Awards. Informing reporters after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed that the U Tirot Sing Award for Art and Literature this year will be conferred to Cymbertus A Sangma, from Rongkhon Tura. The Pa Togan N Sangma Award for Social Service has been conferred to Rev WC Khongwir and the U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports and Games has been conferred to Kmoin Wahlang.

The Cabinet on Wednesday also approved the inclusion of the Jaintia language by amending the Meghalaya State Anthem. The Chief Minister informed that this decision was taken based on suggestions by various representatives from Jaintia Hills, especially the Deputy Chief Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar, and other Cabinet Ministers. Sangma informed that the Meghalaya State Anthem will be unveiled during the opening ceremony of the Meghalaya Games which will be held in Wahiajer, West Jaintia Hills district on January 20.

The Cabinet also approved the Meghalaya School Service Rules, 2025. The Chief Minister informed that this basically has been done because in the past Service Rules, there was very little scope for promotion for Lower Primary (LP) School teachers and assistant teachers. “They would be stuck in certain positions for many years and there was limited scope for promotion which also created a bit of conflict between different sections in the Education department,” Sangma said.

The Chief Minister said that the Meghalaya School Service Rules, 2025 was approved after consultation with different sections and the Cabinet amended it. Sangma said that this will pave the way for a better scope of promotion when it comes to government LP School teachers. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also informed that the Cabinet approved the implementation of the Town and Country Planning Scheme.

Sangma said that this scheme brings all stakeholders including the local traditional institutions, Rangbah Shnongs, Nokmas, Raids, Elakas, Autonomous District Councils, the public, and different departments on board. According to him with urbanization taking place there is a need to ensure there is coordination between the different stakeholders.