Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 21/09

ELECTIONS TO THE AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT COUNCIL

The office of the Returning Officers, 10-Shella and 12-Sohra constituencies have informed that nomination papers with regard to the election to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council may be delivered to the concerned Retuning Officers at the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer, Sohra Civil Sub-Division, Sohra not later than 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 24.01.09. The Polling date is fixed for 12.02.09.

Press Release No. 22/09

STATE PLANNING BOARD MEETING AT TURA

A two day meeting of the Meghalaya State Planning Board (MSPB) got underway today at Tura Circuit House, West Garo Hills District to highlight the Meghalaya Progressive Alliances’ commitment to improving the economy of the State through scientific methods of production and providing better market facilities in the State.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the MSPB, Mr. Purno A. Sangma informed that the meeting would concentrate and focus on the proposed Annual Plan Outlay for the next fiscal year 2009-2010. The meeting will also deliberate on the recommendations made by the last Board meeting held at Shillong, Mr. Sangma pointed out. Lamenting that the State has not made any tangible achievements in terms of development of infrastructures and other social welfare services during the last 37 years, Mr. Sangma observed that the routine exercise increasing of 10 p.c. Annual Plan Outlay has failed to bring about the desired result. Therefore, there is strong need for the State Planning Board to review, formulate and set the priorities afresh in keeping with the present conditions prevalent in the State, Mr. Sangma added.

Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. Ranjan Chatterjee, delivered the keynote address.

The experts who attended the meeting included Dr. N. G. Kurian, Economist, Dr. S. Gopalan, Dr. V. S. Mishra apart from former State I.A.S officer Mr. Toki Blah, Dr. Glen Kharkongor, Vice Chancellor of Martin Luther Christian University and former Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, Mr. P. J. Bazely.