Raphael Warjri

The Meghalaya Cabinet has given the green light to a series of significant policy decisions aimed at enhancing public services and addressing environmental and healthcare needs across the state.

In an effort to expand educational access, particularly in underserved regions, the Cabinet endorsed a proposal to upgrade six government secondary schools to higher secondary level, alongside the introduction of new academic streams in 11 existing higher secondary institutions. This move is intended to help close the gap in Class XI seat availability, with the current shortfall estimated at 12,000, as most of the 51,067 existing seats are concentrated in urban areas and the Khasi-Jaintia Hills. The upgrades are expected to create an additional 9,000 seats.

In a push toward environmental sustainability, the Cabinet also approved the Meghalaya Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2025. This initiative is designed to reduce vehicular pollution by phasing out aging and unfit vehicles. Initially, around 5,000 government vehicles older than 15 years and approximately 8,000 privately owned vehicles over 35 years old will be taken off the roads.

Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned the Meghalaya AYUSH Medical Service Rules, 2025. With traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Yoga, and Naturopathy playing a crucial role in rural healthcare, the new regulations aim to formalize service structures, outlining criteria for appointments, service conditions, and professional progression within the sector.

Furthermore, an amendment to the Meghalaya Civil Defence & Home Guards Service Rules, 1989 was approved to create a dedicated post for the Director of Civil Defence. This role, currently overseen by the Commandant General of Home Guards, will now be separated to streamline administrative functions.