Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 07/09

EYE TRAINING CAMP HELD

The first two days eye camp of the year under the aegis of the District Blindness Control Society was held on January 5 and 6th at New Hill, Jowai. In the camp about 250 OPD were screened and about 120 cataract surgical cases were performed. The District Blindness Control Society proposed to organize such programme twice a month normally.

Press Release No. 08/09

TRAINING ON CULTIVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF BAMBOO RESOURCES

A two day training on the cultivation, management and utilization of bamboo resources organized by the Department of Forest & Environment was held on January 8, 2009 at St. Michael and All Angles School, Iawmusiang, Jowai. Mr. A Lyngdoh, Conservator of Forests (Monitoring and Evaluation) was the Chief Guest and Mr. K. S. Lyngdoh, Divisional Forest Officer, Jaintia Hills Territorial Division, presided over the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lyngdoh said that the purpose of organizing such programmes was to provide farmers and artisans with valuable information regarding the cultivation and management of bamboo. He informed that India is second only to China in the production of various species of bamboos. At present there is great demand for bamboo especially in paper mills. Therefore, the Government of India through the National Bamboo Mission 2006-2007 encourages farmers to cultivate bamboo on a large scale and to enhance their knowledge and technique through such interactions.

Mr. J. K. Passah, District Agriculture officer, Jowai also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, Mr. J. M. Pohsngap delivered the welcome address.

Press Release No. 09/09

PULSE POLIO IMMUNIZATION PROGRAMME

The Director of Health Services (MCH&FW), has informed that the Government of India and the Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya will take up an intensive Pulse Polio Immunization on January 12, 2009 and February 9, 2009 onwards in the whole State of Meghalaya to contain the polio virus from spreading and to protect children below 5 years of age. There will be booth approach on January 12, 2009 and February 9, 2009 followed by house to house search and immunization. Health workers will visit each and every household to administer the Oral Polio drops to the children.

Therefore all parents are requested to cooperate to ensure that not a single child is left uncovered.

Press Release No. 10/09

LEPROSY MONTH OBSERVED

The District Medical and Health Officer, cum member Secretary, DLS, East Khasi Hills, Shillong has informed that as per NLEP guidelines the month of January is annually observed as Anti-Leprosy day. In order to eliminate Leprosy factual information needs to be disseminated to every strata of society.

It may be mentioned that Leprosy is a completely curable disease and not hereditary. It is caused by a germ and its symptom is a pale or reddish patch on the skin with loss of sensation. It is the least infectious disease and transmitted only through prolonged contact with untreated infectious cases. Once under treatment, no patient can spread the disease. Early detection and treatment prevent deformities. Leprosy patients can live at home and do normal work and thus should not be isolated. Free treatment facilities Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) are available at all Leprosy and Health Centers.

Press Release No. 11/09

DOMESTIC LPG CYLINDERS SEIZED

The District Administration seized 59 domestic LPG cylinders from 34 hotels/restaurants/private hostels last week. An amount of Rs. 68, 000/- have been collected as fine. All the 59 domestic LPG cylinders seized have been handed over to the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. All hotels/restaurants/private hostels are requested to use commercial LPG cylinders to avoid prosecution as per law.

Press Release No. 12/09

REINSTATEMENT OF ARMY PERSONNEL

The Director of Sainik Welfare has informed that Army personnel discharged on low medical category before completion of their terms of engagement subsequent to orders passed by Army authorities on April 12, 2007 and June 27, 2007 are herby informed that the Delhi High Court has issued a judgment that all personnel discharged as per above order will be reinstated into service with consequential benefits including continuity in service, seniority and pay allowance. All such individuals have to deposit amount of pension, commutation of pension, gratuity, AFPP Fund, AGI Benefits and leave encashment etc. Option Certificate being forwarded by concerned record offices to individual directly. All Army personnel who are affected to contact their respective record offices if there is any query.

Press Release No. 13/09

SCHEDULE OF DATES FIXED

In a notification issued recently the Government of Meghalaya has announced the Schedule of dates for the conduct of elections to all three Autonomous District Council of the State.

For the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council the last date for filing of Nomination is fixed for 19.01.09 before 3:00 PM. The date for scrutiny of nomination papers is also 19.01.09. The last date for withdrawal of Nominations is 22.01.09 after 3:00 PM while the date of finalization and publication of valid nomination and allocation of symbol is 24.0109. The Polling date is fixed for 10.02.09 and the date of Counting is 13.02.09.

For the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council the last date for filing of Nomination is fixed for 19.01.09 before 3:00 PM. The date for scrutiny of nomination papers is also 19.01.09 after 3:00 PM. The last date for withdrawal of Nominations is 22.01.09 while the date of finalization and publication of valid nomination and allocation of symbol is 24.0109. The Polling date is fixed for 10.02.09 and the date of Counting is 13.02.09.

For the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council the last date for filing of Nomination is fixed for 19.01.09 before 3:00 PM. The date for scrutiny of nomination papers is also 19.01.09 after 3:00 PM. The last date for withdrawal of Nominations is 22.01.09 while the date of finalization and publication of valid nomination and allocation of symbol is 24.0109. The Polling date is fixed for 12.02.09 and the date of Counting is 16.02.09.