Shillong, Aug 7: Cabinet has decided to discontinue optional subjects in the Meghalaya Civil Services (MCS) competitive exams.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said previously, the candidates could choose from 23 optional subjects, but this led to an uneven playing field and administrative challenges. Instead, a new mandatory subject on Meghalaya, covering its history, culture, and economy will be introduced to better prepare future civil servants.
“This change is aimed at fairness, promoting operational efficiency, relevance, and aligning with emerging national standards for Meghalaya Civil Service officers”, he said.
Experts to approve building construction
The cabine also approved the amendment to the Meghalaya Building By-Laws 2025 to simplify the building permission process and boost the Ease of Doing Business in Meghalaya. Online Building Permission System will be effective from August 11 and all applications for building permits can be submitted online. For Low-Risk Buildings- residential, commercial, and industrial buildings up to: •2500–3000 sq. ft. built-up area •G+1 structure •Max height: 7 metres, no technical approval needed from MUDA and can use empaneled architects/engineers. “Submit self-attested designs online. Start construction immediately after submission For Larger Buildings (G+2, up to 7500 sq. ft.), Empaneled 3rd-party verification agencies, licensed architects and engineering firms registered with the government will assist in submitting verified designs and getting faster approvals”, he said.
Fermented country liquor
The government also amended the Excise Rules for insertion of Rule 1949 A, introducing a licence for Fermented Country Liquor (FCL). “This new rule is only applicable for fermented local drinks made traditionally by our people across the state like bitchi and others and does not cover distilled liquor, which is a whole different category. Until now, there was no legal framework to regulate or support our traditional fermented beverages. With this amendment, we are recognizing and promoting local fermented brews by giving individuals, entrepreneurs, societies and firms a chance to get a proper licence to produce and sell. This will boost local businesses and tourism by encouraging safe, quality-controlled production. This is a step forward in preserving tradition, empowering local entrepreneurs, and responsibly tapping into our rich heritage”, Conrad said.
Wine policy expansion
The government decided to expand the homemade wine policy.
“Earlier, only fruit-based homemade wines were allowed. Now, new ingredients will be introduced like rhizome (ginger, bulb rootstock), floral source, and honey can now be used to produce homemade wine under the updated wine policy”, the chief minister said. .
Bonded warehouse categories
The cabinet decided to simplify Bonded Warehouse Categories. Previously, 3 categories were marked based on annual turnover: •”Category A: Over Rs 20 crore, category B: Rs10 crore to Rs 20 crore category C: upto Rs10 crore. The categories are now reduced to 2: •Category A: turnover of more than Rs 20 crore per annum and category B which is turnover below Rs 20 Cr per annum
