Meghalaya Cabinet approves ceiling on Government Guarantees Bill and key amendments for public welfare

Correspondent

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the Meghalaya ceiling on Government Guarantees Bill, 2025, which will regulate government guarantees provided to public sector undertakings, statutory boards, corporations, and cooperative institutions seeking loans from commercial banks and financial institutions. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, “The Meghalaya Ceiling on Government Guarantees Bill, 2025, as you are aware, ensures that the government guarantees loans taken by agencies like MeECL, MTDC, or MTC. These loans are often guaranteed by the government without a proper mechanism or structure.”

He added, “The Government of India, especially the RBI, has asked state governments to enact laws that define a ceiling or structure for government guarantees, specifying how much a state can guarantee in a year, the limits for agencies, and the rules to be followed. This act defines the Meghalaya ceiling on government guarantees. The bill has been passed in the Cabinet and will be presented in the Assembly during the budget session.”

The Cabinet also relaxed provisions under the Assured Career Progression Scheme (ACPS) related to promotions. The scheme allows placement in the next higher pay scale or financial benefits on a personal basis without affecting seniority or requiring functional promotions or new posts. “The Cabinet has relaxed the provisions to ensure no anomalies occur regarding promotions and pay scales,” said Sangma.

In another decision, the Cabinet delegated financial powers to Executive Engineers in the Fisheries Department, allowing them to execute smaller works. “Today, the Cabinet decided to delegate financial powers to the Executive Engineer in the Fisheries Department, which was not there before,” the Chief Minister explained.

The Cabinet approved amendments to the Meghalaya Building and Other Construction Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) Rules, 2008, enhancing benefits for registered labourers, including medical assistance, education for children, welfare pensions, disability pensions, and family pensions.

Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned the direct purchase of land through DRDA under the Deputy Commissioners of East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills for Phase I of the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme. The Meghalaya Civil Service (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1992, were repealed, and a simplified process was introduced. “The new rule ensures a simpler and easier process for pensioners,” said Sangma.

The Cabinet also approved a revision of minimum wage rates. The revised daily wages are Rs 525 for unskilled workers, Rs 565 for semi-skilled workers, Rs 605 for skilled workers, and Rs 654 for highly skilled workers.

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