Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 627/11

OBSERVANCE OF QUAMI EKTA WEEK ADMINISTER OF THE NATIONAL INTEGRATION PLEDGE TO BE HELD

Shillong, November 18, 2011: The Deputy Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Political Department has informed that the State level function to observe the Quami Ekta Week and administering of the National Integrated Plege which is scheduled to be held on the 19th November 2011 at 11:00 AM in front of the Main Secretariat, Rilang Building, has now been preponed to 10:00 AM.

Press Release No. 628/11

CHEMISTRY AWARENESS PROGRAMME

Shillong, November 18, 2011: The Member Secretary, Shillong Science Centre has informed that the Celebration of the International Year of Chemistry, 2011 will be held on 19th November to 17th December,2011 at 11:00 AM- 04:00 PM at Shillong Science Centre.

Other attractions in the Centre included Fun Science Gallery, Water Gallery, Science Park, Planetarium, and appropriate Technology Corner.

Press Release No. 629/11

2ND INTERSTATE REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF TOURISM MINISTERS OF EASTERN AND NE STATES

Shillong, November 18, 2011: Union Minister for Tourism, Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai today, the 18th November, 2011, inaugurated the 2nd Interstate Regional Conference of Tourism Ministers of Eastern and North Eastern States at Hotel Pinewood, Shillong. Also present at the inaugural session were the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Mukul Sangma, Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. W M S Pariat, Tourism Ministers of Manipur, Orissa, Sikkim, West Bengal, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Nagaland, officials from the Government of India and officials from line departments.

In his inaugural speech, the Union Minister said that tourism has emerged as a major player in economic growth and employment generation where till 2010, the sector has been able to provide 53 million jobs and by 2016, the target statistics is 78 million. This can happen only if there is a convergent effort to offer tourism destinations opportunities like good connectivity, infrastructure and introducing theme parks, marketing of local products, etc, he said. Mr. Sahai also informed the members that in the 12th Five Year Plan, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is planning to construct integrated tourism park like theme park to wellness park so that it can be convert to a complete destination for tourists thereby generating more to the economic growth. This venture, he said will be developed under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. He also felt that this ambitious plan will provide more jobs to rural masses and the youth.

While mentioning that there is a huge shortage in the hospitality department, Mr. Sahai said that the States need to enhance more skilled workers in the hospitality sector and the other sectors where degrees are not required and the Government of India and the State Governments will provide 100 percent support for skilled development programmes. Mr. Sahai called upon the government machinery of the Eastern and North Eastern States to be aggressive while marketing their State so as to attract more investors adding that tourism including eco-tourism in these State have a huge potential to grow by leaps and bounds. He informed that the Government of India is willing to bear the cost of integrated projects to make these States saleable destinations. He expressed hoped that in this conference, concrete steps will be arrived at for further improving tourism sector in these parts of India.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister, in his speech, said that this conference provides a platform to promote tourism in the North East region and the Eastern States. Stating that many a times these states missed their clients due to lack of proper marketing and branding, he felt that there is a need to come together to sort out ways to attract different categories of tourists be it spiritual, entertainment, nature and so on. Informing that the states in these region is trying to find ways to rope in with neighbouring countries, there is need to explore possibilities to strategize the system for free flow of tourists to these parts of India. The most important issue that the Chief Minister pointed out is the negative perception by travel advisory being issued by some countries about the North East. He requested the Government of India to address this issue and take up the matter with the concerned Embassies and High Commissions. He also urged upon the Ministers and officials of the Eastern and North Eastern States to jointly work together in promoting a ‘pro-poor tourism’.

Earlier, a power point presentation on “Perspective and New Strategies for Development of Tourism in India” was presented by the Adviser, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

Press Release No. 630/11

WHOLE MEAL ATTA DISTRIBUTED

Shillong, November 18, 2011: The Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District has informed the public consumers of the District that Whole-meal Atta for the month of October, 2011 is being distributed through the Fair Price Shops at the scale of 1305 grams per head at the rate of Rs. 7.80/- per kg.

Any non-supply or overcharging of the rate by the suppliers may be brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong.

Press Release No. 631/11

GRAND FINALE OF THE RED RIBBON PHAWAR STAR

Shillong, November 18, 2011: The Grand Finale of the Red Ribbon Phawar Star will be held on the 19th November, 2011 at Smit from 11:00 AM onwards wherein the MLA of Nongkrem Constituency, Mr. A M Basaiawmoit will be Chief Guest.

It may be mentioned that as part of its ongoing Multimedia Campaign targeting the youth of the State, Meghalaya AIDS Control Society in collaboration with Super Hitz 93.5 Red FM has conceptualized and produced an On Air Contest on the popular Khasi Folk form “Phawar” on themes relating to HIV & AIDS, “Red Ribbon – Phawar Star”.

Phawar has been known to the people of the Khasi Hills as a popular folk genre whereby people compose and perform on different themes, from social issues to tunes hummed on festive occasions. These prose like songs, have become so popular that the lyrics and content have been embedded in people’s minds and have been a medium where there is a lot of recall value.

In order to capitalize on this popular folk art, contestants are invited to the Red Ribbon-Phawar Star competition where they compose and incorporate HIV and AIDS messages in their Phawars. The On Air competition through 93.5 Red FM had started since 14th October, 2011. The contestants have been composing these Phawars on the theme of safe sex with emphasis on being faithful to one partner, condom promotion, drugs and sharing of syringes or injections, voluntary blood donation and stigma and discrimination.