Dr. Donwa Dethwelson Lapang, popularly known as Dr. D. D. Lapang, is an Indian Politician and the former Chief Minister of Meghalaya. In 1972, Lapang became MLA from Nongpoh, as an independent candidate and later in the year 1992 upto February, 1993, he was the Chief Minister of the state.

Early Life of D D Lapang
Dr. Donwa Dethwelson Lapang was born on 10th April 1934 to father Donwa War. He received his Primary Education in a Home Village, Nongjri of Ri Bhoi District in Meghalaya. After that he passed matriculation from Shillong Government High School and graduated (B.A.) through an evening section from St. Anthony`s College, Shillong. In the 1958, Lapang married to Smt. Amethyst Lynda Jomes Blah and the couple has one daughter and one son.

After starting life as the road labourer, he served as a school teacher for 5 years, as a Typist in Assam Civil Secretariat then promoted to Lower Division Assistant and served for 13 years. Subsequently, he served as Sub-Inspector of schools for 10 years.

Political Career of D D Lapang
As an independent Candidate, D D Lapang contested the Legislative Assembly Election from Nongpoh L.A. Constituency and won as MLA in the year 1972. In the year 1978, he became the Minister of State Cooperation, Jails, Education and Civil Defence. From 10.5.1979 to 10.12.1980, D D Lapang served as the Cabinet Minister Health and Family Welfare, Labour, Information and Public Relations. During 1980-81, he also served as the Minister Health and Family Welfare, Revenue, Labour & Municipal Administration.

D D Lapang held the portfolio of Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Municipal Administration in the year 1981. For four months, from 24.10. 1981 to 7.05.1981, Lapang held the post of Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Revenue. He has held several other designations prior to becoming the chief minister which are:

* 1983 to 1985 - Minister of Planning, Finance, Home, Revenue, Food & Civil Supply.
* 1985 to 1986 - Minister of Finance (including Taxation), Planning, Evaluation, Home (including Passport) and Revenue.
* 1986 to 1986 - Minister of Finance (including Taxation), Planning, Evaluation, and Home (including Passport) and Revenue.
* 1986 to 1987 - Minister of Finance (including Taxation), Planning, Evaluation, and Home (including Passport).
* 1987 to 1988 - Minister of Planning and Programme Implementation.
* 1987 to 1988 - Minister of Home, Revenue and Excise.
* 1988 to 1990 - Deputy Minister of Home.

D D Lapang as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya
Lapang became the chief minister of the state later in 1992 to February 1993. He became the Chairman State Planning Board and held the post from 1993 to 1995. In 4th March 2003 he was again sworn in as Chief Minister. He was appointed the Chairman of Commission on Resources Mobilisation during 1995-97. He was the Leader of Congress Legislative Party and Leader of Opposition, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly from 23.3.1998 to 27.7.1998. On 27.7.1998, he has sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. On 4th March 2003, Lapang has sworn in as Chief Minister. He resigned from the position on 15 June 2006 due to disagreement in the coalition government. Again on 10th March 2007, D D Lapang has sworn in as Chief Minister.

The Indian National Congress, Lapang`s party, won a majority of seats in the 2008 state legislative election, and he became the Chief Minister on 10th March, 2008, but with the aid of only 28 members of the 60 seat legislature, Lapang resigned on 19th March. He again became chief minister for the fourth time on 13th May, 2009, when Meghalaya was under President`s Rule for 2 months.

D D Lapang has also held various posts in socio cultural organizations, such as,
* President of Meghalaya State Council of Indo-Soviet Cultural Society.
* President of Meghalaya State Indo-GDR (German Democratic Republic Friendship Association.
* Council Member of All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation. Vice-President, National YMCA Council.
* Founder President, Bhoi Student Association.
* Founder President, Meghalaya State Basketball Association.
* Founder President, Meghalaya Editors and Publishers Association.
* Founder President of the Affiliated State Olympic Association.