Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 16/20

CHIEF MINISTER INAUGURATES MEGHALAYA ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND START UP SUMMIT 2020

Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma today inaugurated Meghalaya Entrepreneurship & Start up Summit 2020 at State Convention Centre which was also attended by CEO NITI Ayog, Shri Amitabh Kant as the Guest of Honour.

Delivering the Inaugural Address, Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma said that the country and the world as a whole is moving forward in entrepreneurship. Recalling his own experience and struggles as a young entrepreneur after completing his studies , he said that the entrepreneurship programmes of the government is to ensure that the overall entrepreneurship ecosystem of the State is improved for all young bright entrepreneurs who do not have the wherewithal but possess great ideas and innovations. “The government has started many programmes to push entrepreneurship in the State by recognizing and motivating them and by creating strategies to ensure the different levels of entrepreneurs like innovators, nano entrepreneurs and livelihood entrepreneurs are identified and guided as they move forward in a life of entrepreneurship,” he said. He also informed that competitions and challenges bring out the best in people and motivate them therefore programmes like the Chief Minister’s e-challenge bring out the excitement and enthusiasm in the young entrepreneurs.

The Chief Minister also said that there are many other areas in North East and Meghalaya besides Agriculture and Tourism that can be worked on and Music being one of those sectors. “Meghalaya and North East have a great talent in Music and Music Incubators Centres can create value out of music, like wise fashion is another area,” he said. He further said that the government through its different entrepreneurship programmes would provide the platforms for the entrepreneurs to create opportunities and link them to different stakeholders. He urged the young entrepreneurs not to give up in the face of challenges that they will come across in their entrepreneurship journey and to move forward with passion in whatever they do. The Chief Minister also announced that from the next financial year there will also be a monthly award for musicians and sportspersons.

CEO, NITI Ayog , Shri Amitabh Kant said that India is going through the biggest socio economic transition with a high population of youth as compared to other nations therefore it is a rare opportunity for disruptions, innovations and drive start ups and have young people to find solutions to the many challenges the country is facing. “Some innovations across the world are not relevant to India and we need to find solutions to our own problems and our challenges are to provide the right technology to farmers, reuse water, and convert waste into energy providing huge opportunities across sectors and therefore we are seeing a unique ecosystem developing in India,” he said. He added that Meghalaya is unique and a great value proposition of going back to the roots and creating a product would work well for the State. He also informed that NITI Ayog would like to work with partnership with the government of Meghalaya to set up Tinkering Labs in schools across the State, to make Meghalaya as the centre of Organic Farming, and a centre for value added Tourism. He also said that NITI Ayog would support Meghalaya with ten more Incubation Centres and organize a summit to have an interaction with the entrepreneurs of the State with some of the best Start Ups of India. Earlier, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries released documents for Enterprise Strategy for Meghalaya.

Press Release No. 17/20

MEGHALAYA CELEBRATES 48TH ANNIVERSARY OF STATEHOOD DAY

The 48th Anniversary of Statehood Day was celebrated here today at U Soso Tham Auditorium which was attended by Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma as the Chief Guest and Minister, Information & Public Relations, Shri A L Hek. Also present were Minister, PWD (Buildings)etc, Shri Comingone Ymbon, Minister, Education etc, Shri Lahkmen Rymbui, Minister, Urban Affairs etc, Shri Hamletson Dohling and Minister, PHE etc, Shri Samlin Malngiang.

In his address, Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma said that achieving Statehood is a moment and a gift to celebrate Meghalaya and recall with gratitude the hard fought moment while looking back at the selfless sacrifices of the forebears in their pursuit to protect the scared heritage of lands, culture, traditions, language, history, legacy, rights and responsibilities. He said that since Statehood Meghalaya has come a long way and in spite of challenges that still exists for the State it is only appropriate that as the day is celebrated , to look back and be proud and happy of the State. “It is also a to remember and thank all the people right from our forefathers who fought for Statehood to the politicians, the bureaucrats, the government employees and the public who have brought the State to where it is today,” he said. He said that people were ready to die for Statehood forty eight years ago and today when we are enjoying Statehood the new slogan should be to live for the State. “My message to all the citizens on this joyous occasion is that all of us need to do what we can to take our State forward,” he said.

The Chief Minister also informed that the objective of having a week long Meghalaya Day celebration culminating with the Republic Day is to bring in among the people especially the younger generation a sense of patriotism and love for the State and the nation. “All of us need to be reminded of how fortunate we are to have our own State and we need to educate the younger generation of how the Statehood was achieved and the important of valuing it,” said the Chief Minister. He stated that the government is committed to ensure that Meghalaya achieves progress, prosperity and self sufficiency bringing in effectiveness and efficiency in the system. He also called upon all to pledge and rededicate to work dedicatedly for the State.

Earlier, Guest of Honour, Minister, Information & Public Relations, Shri A L Hek said that the day is a day of celebration and remembrance as since the time of hill state movement all were pursuing the same goal of pushing Meghalaya to a greater height and achieved Statehood in a non violent way and therefore called upon the people of the State to nurture the environment of peace which is crucial for overall growth. He also said that the need of the hour is for all to come together and work for the cause of progress, development and security in all aspects.

The Chief Minister also distributed the Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards to government employees for their dedicated service. Among others who spoke during the occasion were Chief Secretary, Shri M S Rao, Principal Secretary, I & PR, Dr. P. Shakil Ahammed who gave the welcome address and Director, I & PR, Shri. B S Sohliya who proposed the vote of thanks.