Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 313/21

FOOD, CIVIL SUPPLIES AND CONSUMERS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ORGANISES ONE DAY AWARENESS PROGRAMME

Meghalaya Minister for the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs, Shri. James P K Sangma today inaugurated a one day awareness programme on National Food Security Act 2013, One Nation One Ration Card and Consumer Protection Act, 2019 at Yojana Bhavan, Main Secretariat, Shillong. The programme organized by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs Department was held as part of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava” campaign celebrating 75 years of Indian Independence.

On the occasion two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs Department and the UN-World Food Programme and the Common Service Centre-SPV in an effort to streamline and strengthen the public distribution system. On behalf of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs Department, the MoUs were signed by the Principal Secretary of the Department while the Deputy Country Director of World Food Programme, Mr. Eric Kenefick and the Regional Head Common Service Centre, Mr Gyan Doley signed on behalf of the UN-World Food Programme and the Common Service Centre-SPV respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. James P K Sangma termed the signing of the MoUs as a landmark achievement which will go a long way in augmenting food security in the State. The synergy between the World Food Programme and CSC will immensely benefit the countless numbers of beneficiaries across the State through better services which will bring about better transparency and accountability, he added. Although India has the largest food security system in the world, the Sustainable Development Goal 2 of zero hunger is a big challenge and concerted efforts of all stakeholders is crucial to achieve the goal, he reiterated. The Minister informing that the Government had recently initiated the formation of the Commission for Consumer Dispute and Grievances Redressal which will serve people in airing their grievances with regards to social issues, especially with their entitled benefits from the State, believed that this platform will go a long way in empowering the people of the State. He also informed that in line with the Digital India Mission, the Department had implemented the FPS Automated Project by installing the Electronic Point of Sale Device in over 4500 Fair Price Shops across the State and this has helped in bringing about greater transparency and efficiency in terms of the operation of Fair Price Shops and also enhanced food security in terms of controlling malpractices.

Dr.Shakil P. Ahammed, Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs Department, informed that India has the largest food security system in the world which proved its efficacy even during the pandemic, wherein 5kgs of rice was distributed to low income families free of cost. More than 79percent of households, particularly in rural areas depend on Fair price shops for their rations. Informing that Meghalaya is the first state in the East to have entered into an agreement with the UN-World Food Programme for strengthening the supply chain management, creating an automatic system and ensuring transparency and system improvement in the public distribution system, he opined that the general masses will be greatly benefited from the streamlining of the PDS system. With regard to CSC, he also stressed on the need to train PDS shop owners and build the system so that it works seamlessly.

On the occasion, a Certificate of Appreciation was also awarded to Shri. Abilash Baranwadi, SDO Amlarem, for his commendable effort in pushing forward the seeding of AADHAR with ration-cards and for achieving the highest Epoch transactions in the State.

Press Release No. 314/21

MEGHALAYA CHIEF MINISTER CONRAD K. SANGMA INAUGURATES THE ME GONG FESTIVAL

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday inaugurated the ‘Me’gong Festival’ that aims to promote the culture, diversity and the lifestyle of the Garos. The three day fest is showcasing the different brew from across the region. In this year’s event, apart from Meghalaya participants from Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Assam are showcasing their traditional drinks, mostly made out of rice and fruits.

Inaugurating the festival at Babadam in the outskirt of Tura, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said, “The festival is part of the various celebrations to commemorate Meghalaya’s 50th year of statehood and India 75th year of Independence.” He said that through the Me’gong Festival, the tourism department will showcase Meghalaya’s Garo Hills as a tourism destination. “Due to Covid pandemic, the tourism industry has suffered, as the Covid situation is improving, the State Government has planned various events to promote and attract tourists to the State,” he said.

During the programme the logo for ‘Meghalaya at 50’ was unveiled by the Chief Minister in presence of MLAs Thomas A Sangma, Marcuise Marak and Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden in India Gautam Bhattacharya. He told the gathering that a number of activities and festivals will be organized across the State in the run up to the 50th year of Statehood, which will culminate with a grand event to be held in the State capital and other parts of the State on January 21 next year.

Taking the opportunity, the Chief Minister told the gathering about the prestigious “Tribal Research Institute” (TRI), which is coming up at Chidikgre in Babadam. He said that institute (TRI) will give opportunity for research and documentation of different tribal cultures. “We want to make TRI a vibrant centre for research and documentation of different tribal cultures. We will open this centre for all tribes of Northeast and even beyond,” he added. He further informed that the institute will be inaugurated next year to mark the birth anniversary of (L) P. A. Sangma. He said that Me’gong will be an annual event that will be organized in the TRI campus from next year. “We started Me’gong with a theme of exploring the different breweries of the tribal cultures. Tribal people are proud of their culture and their traditional drinks represent their cultural identities. And as a Government, we feel that people should be given an opportunity to experience the unique cultural diversities of Northeast. We all share a bond and through this festival we aim to foster our relationship,” the Chief Minister said.

He also told the gathering that next year, the Government intends to upscale the event and include more activities. “We may change the theme of the event every year, but what will remain intact is the intent to ensure that the tribal identity and culture is maintained,” he added.

Apart from brew competitions and food shows, this year’s event will witness rock shows by local talents and display of different dances from different parts of Northeast.