Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 049/05

56TH REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATED

Together with the rest of the Nation, the 56th Republic Day was celebrated in a befitting manner in the state capital, Shillong on January 26, 2005. The Meghalaya Governor, Mr. M. M. Jacob unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the 12 marching contingents, in a well attended ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Polo.

Extending warm greeting and wishes to the people of the State, Mr. M. M. Jacob while speaking on the occasion said that during the last 33 years, Meghalaya has been moving ahead with the rest of the country along the path of progress and prosperity. Congratulating the people of the State for showing maturity and wisdom in maintaining peace and communal harmony, he reiterated that, “in order to achieve the level of economic growth and prosperity out of development activities undertaken or seek to take up, peace is very essential”. Therefore, he called upon the people of Meghalaya to work in unity and make the State a land of peace and prosperity.

While reflecting on the recent Tsunami disaster, which claimed the lives of lakhs of people and rendered thousands homeless, Mr Jacob appealed to the people to extend their helping hands to the cause of relief and rehabilitation of the affected.

As part of the celebration, tableaux were presented by different government departments, armed forces and the NCC. Out of the 12 Tableaux presented, the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) showcasing the blacksmiths of Mylliem, one of the successful initiatives undertaken under the SGSY scheme, bagged the first prize. The second prize went to the Gorkha Training Centre for showing the transformation of a simple “Kancha” into a soldier and the third prize was awarded to the National Cadet Corps.

The marching contingents included the Assam Regiment, the Eastern Air Command, CRPF, BSF, 1st and 4th MLP Battalion, NCC, Bharat Scouts and Guides and the District Executive Force.

The other highlights of the day were free cinema show for children below 14 years of age in local cinema halls and distribution of gifts and food items to hospital patients, disabled persons, orphans etc.

Press Release No. 050/05

PRICES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has informed to all the consumers of the State that that the price of SSP has been fixed with effect from 29-11-2004 and for Urea, DAP and MOP it has been fixed with effect from 6-12-2004 for sale to the consumers of the State/Government Departments/Farmers.

For Government Departments, the price of SSP is Rs. 5,229.00 per MT, while for farmers, the price is Rs. 5,012.00 per MT. For Government Departments, the price of Urea has been fixed at Rs. 5,036.00 per MT, for DAP is Rs. 10,874.00 per MT and for MOP the price is Rs. 6,152.00 per MT. For farmers, the price of Urea, DAP and MOP has been fixed at Rs. 4, 686.00 per MT, Rs. 9, 552.00 per MT and Rs. 4, 978.00 per MT respectively.

Press Release No. 051/05

56TH REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION

The 56h Republic Day was celebrated in the Districts and Sub-Divisions of the State.

At Tura, West Garo Hills District, the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D.D. Lapang hoisted the National flag and took the Rashtriya salute in the function held at the Chandmari playground, Tura. The ceremonial function witnessed an impressive march past by 6 contingents including the 2nd MLP Battalion, Tura District Executive Force (DEF), NCC Cadets, Scouts and Guides. Tableaux were also presented by different Departments on the day. On the occasion, local MLA and Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Billykid Sangma handed over a sum of Rs. 7,57,000/-, which is the proceeds from a concert by a local band Rough Roads towards the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for the recent Tsunami hit victims. As part of the day long celebration, sports and a cultural show were also organised. Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Tura also distributed food items to hospital patients and inmates of the Leprosy Colony, Tura.

At Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Donkupar Roy unfurled the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya salute of the ceremonial parade taken part by contingents consisting of police personnels and school children from JNV Nongstoin at St. Peter’s playground at Pyndengrai. In his address, Dr. Donkupar Roy laid stress on mental development and attitude building, which he said is the only means to develop our country in a better way. He also pointed out that peace and tranquility is vital component for progress of any area. Therefore, he urged the people to cooperate with the government in every field.

At Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, a large number of people from all walks of life witness the celebration at Rongrenggiri Government Higher Secondary School playground where Meghalaya Minister for GAD, etc., Mr. H.D.R. Lyngdoh unfurled the National flag and took the Rashtriya salute. Besides the marching contingents, games and sports were also organised for children. Food items were also distributed to hospitals patients, jail inmates and destitute.

At Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District, the Meghalaya Minister for Urban Affairs, Mr. Friday Lyngdoh hoisted the National flag and took the salute of the impressive marching contingents in a function held at the NSCA Mini Stadium, Pahamsyiem. Amidst a large crowd, tableaux of 16 Government Departments were presented on the occasion. The 1st prize for tableau presentation went to the Soil Conservation Department while the 2nd and 3rd prize were bagged Sericulture and Weaving Department and Education Department respectively. The best trophy in the march past went to JNV School, Niangbari. Other highlights of the day were band display by 4/9 Gorkha Rifles, a Rock Concert featuring Split Image, Revel Souls and performances by the Officers’ Club.

At Jowai, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya Minister for Social Welfare, Mr. M.N. Mukhim hoisted the National flag and took the salute from the impressive parade of the Police, Home Guards and students contingents from different schools of Jowai town. The function, held at the Jrisalein playground, Jowai, also saw cultural show presentation, flying of hot gas balloons and tableaux presentation of various Government Departments.

At Baghmara, South Garo Hills District, Meghalaya Minister for PWD, Mr. Brening A. Sangma unfurled the National flag and took the salute of the 7 marching contingents which included the South Garo Hills DEF, 3rd MLP Battalion, JNV Scouts and Guides and Baghmara Scouts and Guides. On the occasion, Mr. Sangma gave away the Silver and Copper Medals of the Government of India to Mr. J.D. Sangma, ADC, District Census Officer, Mr. M.K. Marak, BDO, Baghmara and Charge Officer, Dr. P.C. Sangma, Supervisor and enumerators Mr. P. Sangma, Mr. A. Marak, Mr. B.G. Momin and Mr. S. Sangma in recognition of their outstanding contribution in the census operation 2001. To entertain the gathering, cultural programme, sports for children and free cinema show by the DPRO Baghmara were organised. The celebration culminated with a get together of all District officers, staff and people from all walks of life gathered at the Government Higher Secondary School playground.