The deputy chief minister of Meghalaya is a member of the Cabinet of Meghalaya Government in the Government of Meghalaya. Not a constitutional office, it seldom carries any specific powers. In the parliamentary system of government, the chief minister is treated as the "first among equals" in the cabinet; the position of deputy chief minister is used to bring political stability and strength within a coalition government. The position of deputy chief minister is not explicitly defined or mentioned in the Constitution of India. However, the Supreme Court of India has stated that the appointment of deputy chief ministers is not unconstitutional. The court has clarified that a deputy chief minister, for all practical purposes, remains a minister in the council of ministers headed by the chief minister and does not draw a higher salary or perks compared to other ministers.During the absence of the chief minister, the deputy-chief minister may chair cabinet meetings and lead the assembly majority. Various deputy chief ministers have also taken the oath of secrecy in line with the one that chief minister takes. This oath has also sparked controversies.
List of deputy chief ministers Standlington D. Khongwir (1978–1983): Deborah Marak Rowell Lyngdoh
Sr. No.NamePortraitTerm of officePolitical party Chief MinisterRefLotsing Sangma7 December 20014 March 2003Flinder Anderson Khonglam D. D. Lapang1998 7 December 20011998 4 March 2003S. C. Marak, Flinder Anderson Khonglam Mukul Sangma11 April 20056 October 20052 years, 146 daysIndian National CongressD. D. Lapang11 March 20074 March 200813 May 200919 April 2010Bindo Lanong20 April 20105 March 2013Mukul SangmaPrestone Tynsong6 March 2018IncumbentNational People's PartyConrad SangmaSniawbhalang Dhar7 March 2023Incumbent
Oath as the state chief minister The chief minister serves five years in the office. The following is the oath of the Deputy chief minister of state: Oath of Secrecy "I, [Name], do swear in the name of God / solemnly affirm that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person or persons any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as a Minister for the State of [Name of State] except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as such Minister.
See also List of current Indian deputy chief ministers
References