The Meghalaya cabinet, led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, convened in Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, as part of the “Cabinet on the Move” initiative. During this meeting, they approved two significant ordinances: the Meghalaya Private Medical Institution (Regulation of Admission, Fixation of Fees, and Reservation) Ordinance, 2024, and the Meghalaya Medical College Regulation and Admission into MBBS Course, 2024.
Key Provisions of the Ordinances
Once signed by the governor, these ordinances will establish a regulatory committee responsible for overseeing fee fixation, implementing reservation policies, and allotting seats in accordance with government norms and court rulings. Notably, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (PA Sangma Medical College) will commence operations following the governor’s approval.
Housing Regulations
In addition to medical regulations, the cabinet also introduced new rules to govern rental housing and the allotment of government quarters. These measures aim to enhance the housing department’s ability to manage assets, assess needs, and develop additional infrastructure as required.
Relaxation of Age Limit for Teachers
The government has relaxed the upper age limit for serving Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) teachers to 45 years for recruitment in government lower primary (LP), upper primary (UP), secondary, and higher secondary schools. This decision is expected to facilitate the recruitment process for educators in the state.
Financial Support from the Asian Development Bank
Furthermore, the cabinet approved a loan from the Asian Development Bank for the “Support Human Capital Development in Meghalaya – Phase II” project. Under this arrangement, 90% of the loan will be granted to the state and repaid by the Centre, while the remaining 10% will be the state’s responsibility.
Related Developments
Recent articles highlight various educational issues, including the need for regulation of coaching centres following reports of abuse, legal reinforcement of state cabinet decisions by the Madras High Court, and investigations into nine medical colleges in Maharashtra for alleged fee overcharging and misconduct.
