SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government has urged students and professionals from the state who are temporarily residing abroad to voluntarily register their details on the state portal, citing the need for a central database to enable swift evacuation and assistance during emergencies.
A notification issued by the Department of Home (Political) reiterated the importance of voluntary registration of students and professionals from Meghalaya who are temporarily residing abroad with the government.
Officials said the move follows difficulties faced during past crises. “The government has observed that a large number of professionals and students from Meghalaya are temporarily working or pursuing studies in various foreign countries across different fields,” the notification stated.
“At present, the government does not have a centralised database of such professionals and students residing abroad. In the absence of such a database, it has been difficult for the government to obtain accurate information regarding the number of residents stranded during emergency situations such as war, violence, civil unrest or other crises in foreign countries,” it added.
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The proposed database is intended to streamline crisis response.
“In order to ensure swift and effective action during emergencies, the government has deemed it necessary to create a central database of professionals and students from Meghalaya who are temporarily living abroad,” it said. “This database will serve as an important reference for facilitating evacuation, repatriation and the safe return of residents during times of crisis.”
Under the notification, all professionals and students who are planning to go abroad for work or studies, as well as those already abroad, may furnish details such as name, contact information, permanent address in Meghalaya, details of parents or guardians, address in the foreign country and other relevant information through the online portal at http://meghalayaone.gov.in.
While registration is voluntary, the government said it is strongly recommended.
“Although registration is not mandatory, professionals and students are strongly encouraged to register and share the required details in order to facilitate smooth and speedy assistance during emergencies or crisis situations,” the notification said.
Addressing privacy concerns, the government added: “The government has assured that all information furnished by professionals and students will be kept strictly confidential and will not be made available for public viewing. The information will only be referred to during emergency situations for the purpose of facilitating assistance and safe return.”
The portal http://meghalayaone.gov.in is active for registrations with immediate effect.
