SHILLONG: The Meghalaya cabinet has approved an online portal for the registration of working professionals and students from the state residing abroad.
This initiative aims to facilitate a smoother and faster evacuation process in the event of future emergencies.
The decision was taken by the state cabinet in the backdrop of recent violence in Bangladesh that led to the evacuation of hundreds of Indian students, including several from Meghalaya.
While Indian citizens abroad are advised to register with their nearest embassy or consulate, compliance is often overlooked until crises arise. To address this, the Meghalaya government is implementing a more accessible and localized registration system.
The new portal, accessible through the existing government website meghalayaone.gov.in, will enable voluntary registration, creating a confidential database of Meghalaya residents and students abroad.
Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said that the move is crucial, as the recent incidents in Bangladesh highlighted the need for a database of Meghalayans living or travelling abroad.
“Online portal is expected to streamline the registration process. It will make it easier for residents to provide information. This will help the state government to maintain accurate and confidential records of Meghalayans abroad,” he added.
Lyngdoh further said in emergencies like political unrest or natural disasters, the database will facilitate rapid communication and coordination, enabling efficient evacuation of those in need.
Senior civil servant CVD Diengdoh emphasized that registration is not compulsory but will provide a valuable database for emergencies, ensuring confidentiality and restricted access.
