Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 750/07

LECTURE ON EMERGING CHALLENGES IN MAPPING

Dr. Prithvish Nag, Director, National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO), Government of India, Kolkata delivered lecture on Emerging Challenges in Mapping at Shillong Science Centre, NEHU Permanent Campus, Shillong on October 09, 2007. Besides Professors, students of NEHU, lecturers of different Institutions and Bureaucrats of different Government departments Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. Ranjan Chatterjee was also present on the occasion who presided over the function.

Delivering his lecture, Dr. Nag informed that the main objective of the programme was to highlight the emerging challenges and issues in the preparation of digital map. He said that preparation of map cannot be considered in isolation, there is a convergence of technologies. The digital mode of maps allow integrating with Geospatial technologies and other digital technologies, he appended. Citing an example of mobile phones, he said that the miniaturization of technologies has further helped in integration of technologies.

While speaking on the new development related to mapping technologies, he informed that the National Spatial Data Infrastructure or NSDI has been established where revolution with remote sensing data is continuously making things easier for preparation of maps. He also said that maps on website Google Microsoft and Yahoo (GMY) give some idea on maps though it might not be 100p.c. accurate.

Stating that in today’s world, map is referred as DATA which can be converted as a Spatial information by using appropriate hardware and software, he said that Geographical Information System or the GIS takes data from different sources and make it possible to link, integrate information that is difficult to associate through other means.

Dr. Nag called upon the colleges and universities of the region to set up GRID in them adding that funds will be provided by the Government of India to those colleges and universities who have applied for setting up GRID in them. He further urged them to take up Geospatial technologies courses to ensure that their students get employment easily.

Earlier, he presented publication to the State Central Library which includes Satellite Atlas of India, Cultural Heritage of India, World Atlas and Historical Atlas.

The translated version of the book “La Meghalaya” written by Professor S P Chatterjee in 1936 where the term Meghalaya was coined was also released on the day.

Press Release No. 751/07

PUBLICATION OF DRAFT ELECTORAL ROLL

The Electoral Registration Officer, 12-Mairang (ST) Assembly Constituency has informed that the Photo Electoral Rolls of 12-Mairang (ST) Assembly Constituency has been prepared in accordance with Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and a copy is available for inspection in the office of the Electoral Registration Officer, Mairang (ST) Assembly Constituency during office hours and in each Designated Location (Polling Stations) during the period between 10th October 2007 and 25th October 2007.

The qualifying date for preparation is 01.01.2008. If, with reference to the above qualifying date, there arise any claims or objections for the inclusion of a name in the Roll or any objections to the inclusion of a name or any particulars in the entry and EPIC, these should be lodged on or before 25th October, 2007 in prescribed Form 6, 7, 8 & 8A as may be appropriate.

Any such claims or objection should either be presented in the office of the Electoral Registration Officer, 12-Mairang (ST) Assembly Constituency or to the designated officers in-charge of polling station or by post to the Electoral Registration Officer, 12-Mairang (ST) Assembly Constituency on or before October 25, 2007.

Press Release No. 752/07

PUBLICATION OF DRAFT ELECTORAL ROLL

The Deputy Commissioner (Election), East Khasi Hills, Shillong has informed that the Photo Electoral Rolls of 13-Nongspung (ST), 14-Sohiong (ST), 15-Mylliem (ST), 16-Malki-Nongthymmai (ST), 17-Laitumkhrah (ST), 18-Pynthorumkhrah (GEN), 19-Jaiaw (ST), 20-Mawkhar (ST), 21-Mawprem (GEN), 22-Laban (GEN), 23-Mawlai (ST), 24-Sohryngkham (ST), 25-Dienglieng (ST), 26-Nongkrem (ST), 27-Lyngkyrdem (ST), 28-Nongshken (ST), 29-Sohra (ST), 30-Shella (ST) and 31-Mawsynram (ST), have been prepared in accordance with Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and a copy is available for inspection in his office, at the concerned Polling Stations and at the office of all the Block Development Officers of East Khasi Hills District during office hours.

The qualifying date for preparation of the Electoral Rolls is 01.01.2008. If, with reference to the above qualifying date there arise any claims or objections for the inclusion of a name in the Roll or any objections at the inclusion of a name or any objection to particulars in any entry it should be lodged on or before 25th October, 2007 in Form 6, 7, 8 & 8A as may be appropriate.

Further, the Deputy Commissioner has informed that the new Electors Photo Identity Card of electors of all Assembly Constituencies falling within East Khasi Hills District are being distributed by the Designated Officers appointed at different Polling Stations with effect from 10.10.2007 upto 25.10.2007 during office hours. All Rangbah Shnong/Sirdar/Headmen are therefore requested to convene a public meeting in different localities in liaison with the Designated Officers for wide publicity of the Draft Photo Electoral Roll 2008 and for distribution of the EPIC to the electors.

It may be noted that the EPIC distributed by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District prior to 2006 will not be valid with effect from 10.10.2007.

Press Release No. 753/07

RICE DISTRIBUTED

The Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills, has informed that 30 kgs of food grains against the month of July to September 2007 has been released and will be distributed free of cost at the scale of 10 kgs per card per month through the Fair Price Shops.

For the residents of Mawlai, rice will be distributed through M/S P. Kharbuli at Mawlai Mawdatbaki, while M/S E. Passah located at Sunny Hills will cover the areas of Mawprem, Jaiaw and Qualapatty. M/S Bela Store at Laban will cover the areas of Laban, Lawsohtun and Lumparing, M/S B. Kharsyntiew at Pohkseh will cover Rynjah, Pohkseh and Umpling, M/S G. Store at Polo will cover Pynthor, Nongmynsong, Mawpat and M/S Pandit Store at Laitumkhrah will cover Malki, Nongthymmai and Madanriting.

In rural areas, M/S Sandriana Shangpliang at Mawsynram Pdengshnong will cover villages under Mawsynram C& RD Block, M/S Jien Pyngrope at Mawkynrew will cover villages under Mawkynrew C&RD Block, M/S M. D. Khongthaw at Pynursla will cover villages under Pynursla C& RD Block, M/S K. Nongkhlaw at Mylliem Nongbet and M/S S. S. Nongbsap at Nongsawiing Pdeng will cover villages under Mylliem C&RD Block and tagged to the respective Fair Price Shop Centre, M/s Khring Lamare at Main Road Mawryngkneng will cover villages under the Mawryngkneng C&RD Block, while M/S Kolida Marbaniang at Mawngap Mawrasai will cover villages under the Mawphlang C&RD Block and M/S Paila Syiem at Laitkroh will cover villages under the Laitkroh C& RD Block.

Press Release No. 754/07

RECRUITMENT IN MEGHALAYA POLICE

The Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, Tura has informed that a recruitment rally for UB constables, constables of Fire and Emergency services and wireless operators/constables of M.P.R.O in Meghalaya Police will be held.

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application on or before 31st October, 2007.

For other relevant details they may also contact the Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, Tura during officer hours.

Press Release No. 755/07

YEAR OF THE FARMER

As part of the observation of the “Year of the Farmers” 2007 a number of competitions will be held by the office of the District Agricultural Officer East Khasi Hills, Shillong.

The Best Managed Watershed Project (NWDPRA) under X Plan competition is open to Watershed Committees or Watershed Associations duly registered. For the competition, Best Command Areas (only completed Flow Irrigation Project (FIP), entries can be made through Water User Association duly registered. For Best Maintained Power Tiller, entries are open to owners having Power Tiller in running condition. The competitions which are open to all farmers include, Highest Yield in paddy (varieties – Hybrid, HYV, Improved local): Highest yield in Maize (varieties – Hybrid, HYV, Improved local): Best Indigenous Device for Pest Control and Best Indigenous for Crop Storage (food grains).

The last date of competition entry is November 26, 2007.

Press Release No. 756/07

FREE EYE CHECK UP CAMP AT NONGPOH, CHC

To commemorate the World Sight Day, the District Blindness Control Society, Ri Bhoi in collaboration with the District Medical and Health Officer, Nongpoh will organise an Awareness Programme and Free Eye Check-Up Camp at Nongpoh CHC on October 11, 2007 from 10:30 AM onwards. All are invited to attend the Camp and take this opportunity.

Press Release No. 757/07

LEGAL LITERACY CAMPAIGN AT UMSOHLAIT MAWHATI

The office of the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Service Authority (MSLSA) organized the Legal Literacy campaign at St. Vianney’s Secondary School, Umsohlait Mawhati, Ri Bhoi District on October 09, 2007 wherein the Meghalaya Deputy Speaker, Mr. P W Muktieh was the Chief Guest. The programme was well attended by teachers, students and the local people.

Lauding the DC’s office and the MSLSA for organizing the campaign, Mr. Muktieh said that the programme is very important to the people of the area as it would help them be aware of their rights like Consumer Protection Act, Lok Adalat and maintenance, Criminal Act, Motor Accident and others. Therefore, he urged upon those present to practice what they learn from the campaign and disseminate the same to others.

Resource persons which included Mr. B E Wahlang, non-official member delivered lecture on “Entitlement to Legal Service including Legal Aid”, Mr. L Wahlang, advocate lectured on “Lok Adalat & Maintenance”, Mr. C M Adhikari, Advocate on “Settlement of cases of criminal, civil, motor accident claims”, Mr. N A Lyngdoh, Additional Government pleader lectured on the topic “Consumer Protection Act” and Mr. B M Lyngdoh, Government Pleader on the topic “Fundamental Rights and RTI”.

Press Release No. 758/07

SECTION 144 CRPC PROMULGATED

The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District has promulgated an order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting holding of procession/rally, shouting of slogans, carrying of arms and other lethal weapons and assembly of five or more persons within 200 metres radius of the temporary located Assembly building of Arts & Culture, Rilbong, Shillong during the Autumn Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly to be held from 12.10.2007 to 16.10.2007.

This order comes into immediate effect and will remain in force till further orders.

Press Release No. 759/07

NATIONAL OLD AGE PENSION TO BE DISBURSED

The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District has informed that the National Old Age Pension of Rs. 200/- per month for the existing beneficiaries w.e.f 1.1.2007 to 31.5.2007 will be disbursed. Beneficiaries residing within urban areas are requested to contact Nazir’s Deputy Commissioner’s office, Shillong, Room No. 211 from 13.11.2007 onwards during office hours. For detailed information, beneficiaries may contact the Development Branch, Room No. 314 of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills.

For beneficiaries residing in rural areas, disbursement of the same will be made from the office of the Block Development Officer concerned from 13.11.2007 onwards during office hours. Detailed information and list of beneficiaries will be made available from the respective Block Offices.

Press Release No. 760/07

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS OBSERVED AT BAGHMARA

The International Day of Older Persons was observed at Circuit House Conference Hall, Baghmara, South Garo Hills in a befitting manner. The day which actually falls on 1st October was observed on October 10, 2007 due to unavoidable circumstances was organized by the District Social Welfare Officer, Baghmara. Mr. I D Shira, ADC, Baghmara graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shira said that older persons can always serve as a guiding force and source of inspirations for the young and the new generations in their day to day strides. Expressing concern for the plight of the old and the aged who are often abandoned or left unattended by their children, Mr. Shira pointed out that such negligent children or wards can be tried under the relevant provisions of the law. Concluding his speech, he informed that the government has increased the old age pension from existing Rs. 100/- per month to Rs. 200/- per month for the maintenance of the basic needs of the elder citizens.

Among others who were present and spoke on the occasion included Mr. F K Marak, District Public Relations Officer, Baghmara, Dr. A C Hazarika, District Medical & Health Officer, Baghmara. Earlier, Mr. S R Marak, District Social Welfare Officer, Baghmara gave the introductory speech.

On the day, the eldest registered participant in the programme Mrs. Herilla A Sangma of Konagittim, Baghmara aged 92 years was honoured and presented with gift hampers.