SHILLONG: After 52 years of statehood, Meghalaya will have its state anthem.
Announcing that on Friday, Chief Minister Conard Sangma, said that he will be launching the much-anticipated song during the Meghalaya Day celebration in Tura on Saturday.
“I am happy to announce that the official anthem of Meghalaya has been approved by the cabinet. I am grateful to the Art and Culture Department and every individual involved in creating it. I will launch the state anthem tomorrow,” he told the press after a cabinet meeting.
Terming it as a proud moment for the state, the Chief Minister said, “This is indeed a proud and happy moment. The state has been without an anthem for the past 52 years.”
Detailing other key decisions taken in the meeting, Chief Minister Sangma said that cabinet has approved the Contingency Fund of Meghalaya (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 for increasing the contingency fund to Rs 1000 crore.
“This is a temporary measure. So, the contingency fund of Meghalaya (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 will increase the fund from Rs 500 crore to Rs 1000 crore,” he said.
Explaining the rationale behind this temporary measure, he stressed that the increase is a response to the augmented funds received from the Centre and the overall rise in revenue and other financial inflows from the Union government.
“The additional funds are anticipated to contribute to various developmental initiatives. However, due to limitations in the existing budgetary provisions, the amendment is necessary for the optimal utilisation of the forthcoming funds,” he said.
Additionally, Sangma also informed that the cabinet has granted approval to the recommended names for the Meghalaya Day Award. “They will be announced in tomorrow’s Meghalaya Day celebration,” he said.
Simultaneously, the Cabinet has endorsed the list of distinguished individuals (VIPs) who will be participating in the Republic Day celebrations throughout the state.
“We deliberated on the designated locations for hosting Republic Day celebrations for the VIPs, and we have finalised the choices,” he added.
