Meghalaya Government Bans Public Felicitation for Ministers

Shillong: The Meghalaya government officially pulled the plug on praise. A circular issued July 29 demands that all administrative departments cease organizing felicitation ceremonies for the chief minister, deputy chief ministers, ministers, and other state dignitaries at government functions. The mandate comes from the office of the governor.

Exceptions remain narrow. Staff may only hold ceremonies if a Union minister or a foreign dignitary attends the event. Departments are encouraged to swap the usual political spotlight for members of the public instead. Officials can now honor two or three private citizens, and these guests may even get a few minutes to speak to the crowd.

Isawanda Laloo, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya for the Personnel and A.R. (A) Department, signed the order to enforce the new protocol. The directive is clear. "All administrative departments are to ensure strict compliance with the above instructions," the circular stated.