Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar on Monday underscored the state’s accelerating shift towards citizen-centric, technology-enabled governance, highlighting that 212 services across various government departments have been notified under the Meghalaya Right to Public Services Act, 2020, with over 150 services already available online to ensure timely and hassle-free delivery to citizens. Laying out a broad reform narrative focused on accessibility, efficiency and accountability, the Governor said the thrust on digital platforms and institutional reforms is transforming how governance reaches the last mile.
“Citizen service delivery has been at the heart of our governance reforms, ensuring that every individual feels connected to the Government. The government is committed to increasing the services available under the Meghalaya Right to Public Services Act, 2020, in order to ensure citizens, receive services timely. Currently, 212 services across various Government Departments have been notified under this Act, with over 150 services available online. As part of our effort to deliver services to in efficient and inclusive manner, Meghalaya One portal acts as a unified portal which integrates citizen centric schemes and services. Further, the ePropsal and eFile system have reduced the file processing time from 26 days to 2.5 days on average, improving efficiency, accountability and transparency.”
The Governor said the government is actively responding to citizens’ aspirations and grievances through participatory platforms, with CM Connect serving as a direct bridge between people and the administration. “The Government is actively listening to citizens’ voices and addressing on-ground aspirations and grievances. CM Connect embodies this vision by creating a direct bridge between the people and the administration, making governance truly participatory and responsive. CM Connect provides omni-channel access through helpline 1971, a WhatsApp chatbot, and public hearings, ensuring that the Government is accessible to all citizens. Through CM Connect, over 43,000 citizens queries and grievances have been addressed till date.” He added that the Chief Minister has personally participated in more than nine public hearings across Adokgre, Amlarem, Bhoirymbong, Betasing, Laskein, Nongstoin, Ranikor, Khatarshnong Laitkroh and Mawkynrew, while dedicated CM Connect Centres are being set up in all 56 C&RD Blocks, with three already operational in Shillong, Jowai and Tura.
Emphasising last-mile delivery, the Governor highlighted the role of Village Data Volunteers, stating, “To ensure last mile delivery of government services, the State has created a dedicated cadre of Village Data volunteers (VDVs). Over 1,300 Village Data Volunteers extend the reach of government by providing doorstep support to citizens. They are involved in registering citizen grievances, disseminating information on government schemes, and assisting beneficiaries in accessing entitlements, especially vulnerable groups including senior citizens, women, and disabled people.”
On regulatory reforms, he said Meghalaya has aligned with the national compliance reduction drive, noting, “Building on the broader national push for compliance reduction, the State has introduced measures that simplify procedures, cut down delays, and replace rigid controls with trust-based systems. Meghalaya has secured Third Rank in the Compliance Reduction and Deregulation 1.0. successfully completing and implementing all 23 priority areas, by enacting the Meghalaya Decriminalization (Amendment of Provisions & Repealing) Act, 2025. Through this landmark step, the State amended 8 Acts across 5 departments, repealed 3 outdated laws, decriminalized 9 minor offences, and simplified 63 provisions to ease compliance, modernize administration, and promote business facilitation.”
The Governor also outlined major strides in justice delivery and policing reforms, saying, “The State is committed to building a justice delivery system that is swift, transparent, and technology-driven. Our State has focusing on the use of technology in the implementation of New Criminal Laws, with 100% registration and training of investigating officers on digital platforms. The establishment of the Anti-Terror Squad in Meghalaya Police marks a decisive step to counter terror threats with precision and professionalism.” He added that forensic capabilities have been strengthened with the establishment of a DNA Unit and the sanctioning of a Cyber Forensic Science Unit, while the recruitment of 3,000 police personnel is in the final stages and expected to be completed by February this year.
212 Services Notified, 150+ Online as Meghalaya Pushes Tech-Driven, Citizen-First Governance: Governor
