The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a new regulation to legalise the production and sale of traditional fermented alcoholic beverages through a licensed system, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced on Thursday.

The rule specifically covers indigenous drinks such as bitchi, traditionally brewed by local communities across the state. Distilled alcoholic beverages remain excluded and will continue to be governed under existing laws.

According to Sangma, the state previously lacked a legal framework to regulate these traditional brews. The new rule aims to safeguard cultural practices while ensuring proper legal oversight and quality control.