The Cabinet today approved the implementation of the Town and Country Planning Scheme for coordination between stakeholders to regulate the development of land.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said there has been an unplanned growth of the new countryside and town areas as different stakeholders were working individually as per their own desire and plans.
Citing that there was no coordination to work on the master plan for Shillong area, of 290 sq. km, which includes Mawkhanu, Diengpasoh areas and other the government has develop the planning scheme that will bring together all stakeholders, including the local traditional institutions, rangbah shnongs, nokmas, Raids, Elakas, Autonomous District Councils, public and different departments on board.
He said that this will allow discussions among different stakeholders to plan, approve and discuss what kind of development should take place. Sangma said that even if one stakeholder does not agree to a particular plan, then that plan does not move forward.
“So this is basically a scheme to allow a platform for a more coordinated effort towards town and country planning,” he said.
Sangma informed that the Meghalaya Town and Country Planning Act will be amended to introduce the planning scheme.
The Cabinet also approved the framing of state rules to regulate the payment of analysis fees for forensic examinations conducted by the Directorate of Forensic Science under the Home Department.
This move aims to streamline the classification and fee structure for handling various cases, exhibits, and articles received by the state-of-the-art forensic laboratory.
Under the newly approved rules, the cabinet has introduced a classification system with four categories: Class A for agencies under the State government, Class B for agencies within Meghalaya but not under the administration of the government, Class C for agencies outside the territorial jurisdiction or administration of Meghalaya and Class D for private agencies.
“These classifications will help in organising the requests and applying appropriate charges for forensic services. The decision ensures that the forensic laboratory operates efficiently while catering to a variety of requests from both within and outside the state,” the chief minister said.
The Meghalaya School Service Rules, 2025 that will give better scope for promotion for government Lower Primary (LP) school teachers and assistant teachers was also approved.
