SHILLONG : The Meghalaya Government has issued a fresh directive prohibiting the felicitation of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister(s), Ministers and other state dignitaries during official State Government programmes, marking a significant change in how government events will be conducted across the state.
The new instructions were issued through a circular dated July 29, 2026, by the Personnel & A.R. (A) Department. The circular, signed by Isawanda Laloo, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, directs all administrative departments to discontinue the practice of organising felicitation ceremonies for political leaders at official government functions. According to the circular, no felicitation of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister(s), Hon’ble Ministers or other State dignitaries shall be organised at any State Government programme.
The government, however, has provided a limited exception to the new rule. Felicitation of state dignitaries may be permitted only in programmes where a Union Minister or a foreign dignitary has been invited to attend an official State Government function. In place of honouring political leaders, the government has instructed departments to recognise members of the public during official events. The circular states that administrative departments may felicitate two or three representatives from the public at such programmes. It further says that, where considered appropriate, these public representatives may also be invited to address the gathering briefly for a few minutes during the function.
The move shifts the focus of official government programmes towards recognising citizens instead of political office-bearers, while also creating space for public participation at state events. The circular makes it clear that all Administrative Departments are required to ensure strict compliance with the new instructions. Although the circular does not specify the reason behind the decision, it effectively ends the long-standing practice of presenting ceremonial shawls, mementoes and other forms of felicitation to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, Ministers and other state dignitaries during routine government programmes, except in the limited circumstances outlined in the order.
The directive takes immediate effect and will apply to official State Government programmes conducted by departments across Meghalaya.