Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 752/06

NATIONAL VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION DAY OBSERVED

Marking the celebration of the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, the Indian Red Cross Society, Meghalaya Branch today organized a Blood Grouping/Donation camp at the premises of the Red Cross at Laban, Shillong. The Camp was inaugurated by the Meghalaya Health Minister, Mr. E. D. Marak amidst the presence of members of the Red Cross Society, the Bharat Scouts and Guides, police personnel and students.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. E. D. Marak stressed on the importance of donating blood as it can make the difference between life and death in the hour of need. Adding that many people, while considering it a right to receive blood when needed, don't often consider the responsibility of giving blood to maintain the supply in the blood bank. Therefore, he urged upon people to cast aside their apprehensions and to come forward to donate blood. Informing that at present the State is equipped with only five blood banks, most of which are found in Shillong, Mr. Marak hoped that another five such banks will soon be constituted in different district of the State. Lauding that novel efforts of the Meghalaya Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society in organizing such a Camp, Mr. Marak added the Camp will go a long way in creating awareness on the necessity of blood donation and also to register blood donors who otherwise may not know where or how to donate blood.

Earlier, Mr. A.K. Wason, Chairman of the Red Cross Society, Meghalaya Branch, while informing about the history of the Red Cross said that the organisation was founded by a Swiss businessman Henry Dunant on June 25, 1859, who, after witnessing the horror of war between France and Austria began thinking of helping wounded soldiers and other victims of conflict.

Other who spoke on the occasion were Dr. Borthakur and Lt. Col. Vikas Bajpai, Honorary Secretary, Red Cross.

Press Release No. 753/06

RICE UNDER ANNAPURNA, BPL AND AAY RELEASED

The Deputy Commissioner (Supply), Ri Bhoi District has informed that rice for the month of October 2006 is being distributed to all AAY, BPL and Annapurna card holders at the scale of 35 kgs per card holder and at the rate of Rs. 6.75 per kg for BPL, Rs. 3.00 per Kg for AAY and 10 kgs for Annapurna which is free of cost.

Any non supply or over charging of rate and supply of inferior quality by the supplier should be brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), Ri Bhoi District giving full particulars.

In the meantime, rice under Midday Meal for the month of September, 2006 will be released with effect from October 13, 2006 till October 20, 2006 and the released order could be obtain from the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh.