Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 37/18

46TH MEGHALAYA DAY CELEBRATED

The 46th Meghalaya Day was celebrated today with grandeur at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong wherein the Governor of Meghalaya, Shri. Ganga Prasad attended as the Chief Guest in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Shri. Y Tsering, Government officials and functionaries among others. During his address on the occasion, the Governor, Shri. Ganga Prasad, while expressing pleasure to be a part of the celebration, said that the long cherished aspiration of the people of the State was met on this day 46 years ago, further stating that the statehood movement was a people’s movement, and in spite of numerous challenges, the united efforts of the visionary leaders and the desire of the people for the recognition of the traditions and values ensured the people a State of their own.

The Governor also acknowledged the sacrifice and contributions of the leaders and forefathers to protect the sacred heritage, customs, traditions and practices of the State. The Governor also said that while the people are fortunate to have a State of their own, it is the responsibility of every citizen to strive towards progress and development in the State. Earlier in the programme, the Governor also gave away the Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards 2018, to 15 Government employees from various Government Departments for outstanding performance in rendering their respective duties. He also distributed prizes to the winners of the Flower Show cum Competition which was organized by the Department of Horticulture as a part of the Statehood Day celebrations. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary, Shri. Y Tsering, in his speech recalled the contributions and sacrifices made by the leaders and people in the creation of the State of Meghalaya, even as he said that Meghalaya’s Statehood was achieved in a Gandhian way through non-violence and reminded all to remain connected to the aspirations of the forefathers who fought for statehood. Secretary, Information & Public Relations Department, Smti. M N Nampui earlier delivered the Welcome Address. Various traditional dances and music were also presented to mark the celebrations.

Press Release No. 39/18

PUBLIC NOTICE

: In view of the announcement of Elections to Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, 2018 and concurrent enforcement of Model Code of Conduct, the District Election Officer, Ri Bhoi District has informed to all the members of public including Schools, Colleges, NGOs, Youth Clubs, SHGs, Mothers Unions or any public or private organization that they must take prior permission from the office of the Deputy Commissioner/ District Election Officer, Ri Bhoi District if any probable Candidate including Independent Candidate known to be willing to contest the upcoming Assembly Election, their Election Agent, Party Officials/Functionaries/Representatives of Political Parties is/are invited at any function of gathering as a Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Speaker or in any other capacity whereby he or she may address the public gathered therein. Failure to do so will invite action against the organizers as per appropriate legal provisions. This is to ensure free and fair elections in the district.

Press Release No. 40/18

APPEAL

The District Election Officer, Ri Bhoi District informed that as per section 171 of Indian Penal Code, any person giving or accepting any gratification in cash or kind during election process, with a view to inducing the person to exercise his electoral right is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or with fine or with both. Further, as per section 171 C of Indian Penal Code, any person who threatens any candidate or elector, or any other person, with injury or any kind, is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or with fine or with both. Flying Squads have been formed to register cases against both the giver and the taker of bribe and for taking action against those who are engaged in threat of intimidation of electors. All the Citizens are hereby requested to refrain from taking any bribe and in case, anybody offer any bribe or is having knowledge about the bribe or cases of threat/intimidation of electors, then he should inform on the toll free numbers 03638 – 232344 & 03638 – 232036 of the 24x7 Complaint Monitoring Cell of the District, set up for the receiving the complaints.

Press Release No. 41/18

PROHIBITORY ORDERS IN WEST JAINTIA HILLS

With the Model code of Conduct and other instructions of the Election Commissioner becoming operative in the State after the announcement of the date of election which is to be held in the State on the 27th February, 2018 and to ensure free and fair election in the whole District, the District Magistrate of West Jaintia Hills has issued an order prohibiting defacement of public properties by all contesting or agents or Political Parties. The order also prohibits writing on walls, pasting posters or papers of defacement in any form, or erecting or displaying of cut-outs, hoarding, banners in public property or public premises, however for putting up banners or wall writing, pasting of posters in private property or private wall a written permission from the house owner and final approval from the office of the District Magistrate is required. The District Magistrate has also informed the timing for using loudspeakers for election meetings is fixed from 6:00 Am to 10:00Pm. For conduct of Rallies and procession a written order from the District Magistrate and subsequently from the local headmen is required. The District Magistrate has also prohibited persons from carrying cash above Rs. 50,000/ (Rupees fifty thousand) only, in the West Jaintia Hills District. This order shall be come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force till 5th March, 2018

Press Release No. 42/18

NOTIFICATION

The Chief Engineer, PWD (Roads) Meghalaya, Shillong has informed to all concerned that laying of water pipelines and other utility lines is no longer allowed the road side drains. All existing pipe lines which run along the drains shall be re-aligned immediately within 30 days from the date of issue of this notification. All are requested to co-operate in order to facilitate proper cleaning of the drains in particular and the city in general. In another notification, the Chief Engineer, PWD (Roads) Meghalaya, Shillong has issued a notification that all schemes intended to provide slab cover to the existing P.W.D. Road side drains by the other Department should be implemented only or after obtaining N.O.C. from the concerned PWD Division in the area.