Shillong, Feb 25: The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a Bill to upgrade the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong (IIPH) into a full-fledged state university, officials said following a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.

The Cabinet cleared the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong Bill, 2026, which will empower the institute to independently award academic degrees to students and researchers in the field of public health. Officials stated that the move is aimed at strengthening academic autonomy and developing the institute as a major centre for public health research, education and training in the Northeast region.

In another decision, the Cabinet issued a no-objection certificate for infrastructure expansion at an eco resort in Nongkhlaw. The approval covers furnishing, operational arrangements and maintenance activities linked to the project.

The Cabinet also approved a state policy providing promotion avenues for anganwadi workers to supervisory roles. The decision is intended to improve career progression opportunities while strengthening the implementation framework of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme in the state.