Shillong: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Wednesday approved a notification declaring thunderstorms and strong winds, other than cyclones, as “state/local disasters”.“In recent years, Meghalaya has witnessed increasing damage from strong winds and thunderstorms that do not fall under the technical category of a cyclone, creating challenges in declaring and responding to such events,” CM Conrad K Sangma said after presiding over the cabinet.“This notification will provide greater clarity to the administration and ensure that communities affected by these events can receive timely relief and support,” the CM said.The cabinet also approved the Meghalaya Flood Plain Zoning Rules, 2026. Sangma said the rules had been framed in line with the Centre’s directions to regulate development and activities in flood-prone areas.“With the rules now approved, the provisions of the Act can be effectively implemented, strengthening our approach to flood management, risk reduction and safer development across the state,” he said.In another decision, the cabinet approved the discontinuation of interviews for recruitment to Group C posts in the Meghalaya govt from Jan 1, 2027.“This builds on our earlier decision to discontinue interviews for Group ‘D’ posts, in line with recommendations from the UPSC and our own reform commissions. Technical Group ‘C’ posts will continue to have interviews as applicable, with the personnel department to notify the list of technical and non-technical posts,” the CM said.The cabinet also approved the standard operating procedure for recruitment by district selection committees to ensure greater consistency, transparency and adherence to recruitment procedures across all districts.“We will subsequently extend these SOPs to other recruitment bodies as well. These reforms are aimed at making govt recruitment simpler, fairer and more transparent,” the CM said.The cabinet approved amendments to the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Rules, 2020.“The revised provisions clearly define the roles and powers of concerned officials, procedures for inspection, actions that can be taken, and the applicable fines, imprisonment and other legal measures,” Sangma said.
