The state cabinet today approved the appointment of retired former Chief Secretary, RV Suchiang, as the new Chief Information Commissioner for Meghalaya.
The decision was announced by cabinet minister and government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh, who stated that Suchiang, a retired IAS officer, will serve a three-year term. The position had been vacant since former CIC H Nongpluh was appointed as a member of the Meghalaya State Human Rights Commission in November.
The cabinet also approved the establishment of the Meghalaya Social Welfare Recruitment Board (MSERB) to expedite the hiring process for approximately 100 vacant posts within the Social Welfare Department. The vacancies include positions such as Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and Lady Supervisors. To address the staffing shortage efficiently, the recruitment board will be chaired by a senior official of the rank of Commissioner and Secretary in the Social Welfare Department, with the department’s Director serving as the member secretary. The government aims to fill the vacancies within a year.
Furthermore, the cabinet has sanctioned the purchase of a building in Bangalore for Rs 20 crore to serve as a State Guest House. This facility will cater primarily to Meghalaya residents visiting the city, particularly students. The building will provide dormitory-style accommodation for up to 50 boys and 50 girls at any given time.
When asked why the government opted for a guest house instead of constructing a Meghalaya House, Lyngdoh explained that establishing a dedicated guest house would address the immediate need for affordable accommodation, especially for students facing high living expenses in Bangalore. He added that while plans for a Meghalaya House are in the pipeline, the guest house will offer an immediate solution without the administrative challenges of creating additional posts and appointing officers.
The cabinet also approved the doubling of special casual leave for state government employees from 15 to 30 days. This is aimed mainly at employees who are also athletes. The period of the actual days on which they participate in the events and also the time spent in travelling to and from such tournaments events will be treated as ‘on duty’. This is to also encourage athletes who are government employees to train for the upcoming National Games to be hosted by Meghalaya in 2027.
