Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in a significant move towards fostering research and development in the State, has announced the establishment of the Chief Minister’s Research Grant (CMRG) under the Department of Arts & Culture.

This grant as informed by CM aims to engage and encourage the citizens and scholars of the State of Meghalaya to undertake quality research and documentation in various areas of interest, that concern the State of Meghalaya, with a particular focus on Arts & Culture, heritage studies, and aspects that seek to study, document and further illuminate on all matters and aspects relating to the land, language and lineage of the indigenous communities of Meghalaya and to suggest meaningful and doable solutions to the various issues and emerging challenges confronted by the State, as it seeks to take its rightful place amongst the comity of States within India and also at the international level.

The Government of Meghalaya, through the Department of Arts & Culture, issued a notification dated March 11, 2024, officially constituting the CMRG.

The committee, responsible for operationalizing the grant, reportedly comprises distinguished members from various fields, including the Commissioner and Secretary of Arts and Culture, Professors from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), and academic experts.

The CMRG Committee will play a pivotal role in the entire process, including inviting applications, scrutinizing them, selecting eligible candidates, monitoring research progress, approving fund releases to awardees, and reviewing final submissions of research projects, as per notification.

Further, co-opted members with specialized knowledge will also be reportedly included as needed, with approved honorarium/sitting fees.

This initiative aligns with Meghalaya’s ongoing development plans, seeking high-quality research studies to propel the state towards a positive trajectory.

The grant aims to address emerging challenges and contribute meaningfully to the state’s cultural and developmental aspects.

Applications for the CMRG are expected to be invited soon, marking a significant step towards empowering researchers and scholars to actively contribute to the state’s progress.