SHILLONG: In a bid to enhance the ease of doing business, the Meghalaya Cabinet approved amendments to the building bylaws 2025 on Thursday. This will initiate a streamlined online building permission system effective from August 11.
The Cabinet also endorsed significant reforms to the Meghalaya Civil Services (MCS) examination format and delegated new financial powers to the District Council Affairs (DCA) department.
“Under the updated bylaws, all building permit applications must be submitted online,” announced Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who led the meeting.
He added, “For low-risk buildings—both residential and commercial—with a built-up area ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 sq ft, and a maximum structure height of 7 metres, no technical approval from the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) is needed.”
Applicants can collaborate with empanelled architects or engineers and submit their self-attested designs online. Construction can start immediately after submission.
For more extensive buildings up to 7,500 sq ft (G+2), verification will be supported by empanelled third-party agencies and licensed architects registered with the government to expedite approval processes.
Additionally, the Cabinet reached a significant decision to eliminate optional subjects from the Meghalaya Civil Services competitive examination.
In the past, candidates had a choice among 23 optional subjects, resulting in disparities and administrative inefficiencies. The new structure will introduce a mandatory subject focusing on Meghalaya’s history, culture, and economy to ensure relevance and fairness.
This change is anticipated to better equip future civil servants while aligning with national standards.
Furthermore, the Cabinet modified the Delegation of Financial Power Rules, 2006, granting financial authority to the joint secretary of the DCA. With no designated head of department (HoD) in the DCA, the joint secretary will now operate with HoD-level financial powers.
The DCA will also take on the role of the single nodal department responsible for disbursing revenue shares to district councils, streamlining a process that previously involved multiple departments such as transport, mining, and forest.
Officials noted that these reforms aim to enhance transparency, streamline processes, and ensure timely financial support for autonomous district councils.
