Guwahati, September 17: After remaining defiant over a fortnight to the directive of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to do away with e-permit system for entry into the state, the government of Meghalaya has withdrawn the system of online permit for outsiders for entry into the state.

However, it does not mean that there are no formalities before entering the state. A simplified system has been put in place for online submission of essential data for auto generation of entry pass only for a few specific purposes.

Only four categories of application will now be entertained -on government duty, business related travel, medical treatment and skilled or highly skilled labourers.

Under the new ‘simplified’ system, no document is required needed to be submitted at the time of furnishing online application. All valid online applications will auto-generate a pass.

At the time of entry, the online pass and prescribed documents would be required to be presented at the chosen entry point where after due verification and mandatory COVID testing, people would be allowed in.

According to an official notification, the documents that are required to be produced at the entry point for permission to go inside Shillong is proof of residence; papers showing they were engaged in government or essential services; referral papers in case of medical treatment and proof of engagement for migrant skilled and unskilled labour.

In all cases, the proof of booking confirmation of paid quarantine is mandatory. All travellers are permitted to take a hired vehicle or self-driven vehicle. The drivers halting more than a day are also required to register for testing separately.

The following details are mandatory along with applications: personal details, mode of travel, category, proposed place of stay in Meghalaya, arrival date, duration of stay and choice of entry gate.