Shillong, Oct 18: The state government has been pursuing the issue of creation of separate Meghalaya cadre for central civil service officers, bifurcating from the current Assam-Meghalaya cadre.
“I have been pursuing the creation of a separate Meghalaya cadre since 2019, and I am hopeful this will soon be achieved. Reforms for the MCS are a priority, just as they are for other services,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said while addressing the annual conference of Meghalaya Civil Service Officers’ Association (MCSOA) at State Convention Centre here on Friday.
He spoke about creation of the separate Meghalaya cadre for IAS officers while highlighting the ongoing reforms pursued by the state government.
Sangma lauded the MCS officers for their dedication and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the administrative framework of the State.
“At the end of the day, we are all working for the same goal — to serve the people of our State. No work, no policy, and no decision is meaningful unless we remind ourselves that our purpose is to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” he said.
He urged the officers to remain guided by purpose and service, remarking, “Positions and ranks will change, but the purpose must remain constant.” Emphasizing initiative and empathy in governance, he added, “India will truly begin to change when politicians learn to say ‘no’ and officers learn to say ‘yes.’”
He encouraged greater interaction and exposure among officers through programs that provide firsthand insights into governance at higher levels, both in India and abroad.
Expressing optimism about Meghalaya’s progress, he shared that the State is currently the second fastest-growing economy in India, achieving over 10% growth and expected to reach 12–14% in the coming years.
“That growth story belongs to all of us,” he added.
Addressing the gathering, Cyril V Diengdoh, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, appreciated the dedication of MCS officers and their critical role in governance. He noted that officers serve at the forefront of administration in positions such as Sub-Divisional Officers, Block Development Officers, Additional Deputy Commissioners and Secretaries.
He assured the Government is committed to improving facilities, including housing in Shillong and clarified matters regarding promotions to the IAS cadre, stating that communications have been sent to UPSC and the DoPT to conduct promotions biannually.
He further highlighted the Government’s progress in ensuring regular MCS recruitment and shared details of training programs, including induction training abroad and upcoming Mid-Career Training for officers transitioning to policy-making roles.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Ashish M. Sangma, President of the Meghalaya Civil Service Officers’ Association, welcomed the Chief Minister and appreciated his continued support. He encouraged officers, particularly newly inducted ones, to serve with kindness, competence, and humility, emphasizing that the true measure of an officer’s service lies in the satisfaction of those they serve.
He presented several key proposals to the Government, including recognition of the MCS as the premier State service, posting MCS officers as Deputy Commissioners in selected districts, promotion to senior administrative positions, timely promotions, reduction of qualifying years for promotion, and revision of the retirement age from 58 to 60 years. He also lauded the Government’s decision to regularize contractual posts, describing it as a humane step benefiting numerous families.
Also present were RM Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Alexander S Mukhim, Deputy Secretary, Chief Minister’s Secretariat, among others.
The event concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by BJ Kharshandi, Director, Directorate of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), acknowledging the contributions of the Chief Minister, senior officials, and all MCS officers for their dedication and participation in the conference.
