Shillong: The Meghalaya Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, introduced a series of significant decisions aimed at improving governance, supporting marginalized groups, and bolstering economic stability. In a compassionate move, government employees undergoing organ transplantation will now be entitled to up to six months of additional leave, ensuring adequate recovery time.
Highlighting its commitment to decentralized governance, the Cabinet convened at Sohra’s Polo Orchid Resort, symbolizing efforts to bring decision-making closer to citizens.
The Cabinet approved the “CM ASSURE” scheme to protect small and marginal farmers from distress sales during price drops of non-perishable commodities like broomsticks and areca nuts. Supported by a Rs 100 crore corpus and a Rs 20 crore grant from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the scheme aims to stabilize market prices and provide a safety net for farmers facing financial distress.
Amendments to the Meghalaya Factories Rules were introduced to extend factory license renewals to 10 years and allow women to work night shifts under strict safety protocols. This aligns with the Ease of Doing Business framework, encouraging greater participation of women in the workforce while ensuring their safety. Additionally, 850 adhoc employees appointed before 2007 will be regularized, addressing an oversight that had left them in uncertainty for years.
The Cabinet revised the minimum wage rates to reflect the changing economic conditions. Unskilled workers will now earn Rs 525 per day, semi-skilled workers Rs 565 per day, skilled workers Rs 605 per day, and highly skilled workers Rs 654 per day.
The Cabinet approved amendments to worker welfare rules to enhance benefits such as pensions and medical aid. It also introduced a simplified process for pensioners, replacing the existing Meghalaya Civil Service Pension Rules, 1992, to make the system more efficient and accessible.
The financial powers of engineers in the Fisheries Department were increased to improve project execution efficiency. Amendments to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act capped borrowing at 3.5% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for FY 2024-25, ensuring fiscal discipline while enabling economic growth.
The Cabinet approved land procurement for the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme, a key initiative to address water scarcity in the growing urban population of New Shillong. Additionally, the government announced the Republic Day salute list.
These decisions collectively underscore Meghalaya’s commitment to enhancing administrative efficiency, supporting its workforce, and ensuring economic stability for all sections of society.
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