Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 409/12

AN INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON INDO BANGLADESH CULTURAL RELATIONS HELD

Shillong, 10th October, 2012: His Excellency, the Governor of Meghalaya Shri. R. S. Mooshahary inaugurated the International Seminar on Indo Bangladesh Cultural Relations organised by the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies today at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture, Bivar Road, Shillong today the 10th of October, 2012 amidst scholars and esteemed guests from our neighboring country Bangladesh and the State.

During his inaugural address, Shri. R. S. Mooshahary stated that India and Bangladesh are on the same platform in terms of being a Secular Republic. He further stated that creation of a State cannot sustain purely on the basis of faith and religion and that religion should be kept separate from politics. He further stressed on the four Ts- Trade, Tourism, Transportation and Transit stating that development in these factors can bring prosperity and growth in the country. Highlighting on the trade relations between India and Bangladesh, he stated the that Border Haats in Garo Hills is functional and another in Balat is awaiting inauguration. He concluded by saying that, it is important to walk together the highway of development ad congratulated the organizers and hopes to strengthen friendship between India and Bangladesh.

Other highlights of the programme also included an exhibition of photographs, themed ‘Glimpses of Bangladesh’ by Arindam Mukherjee and screening of a documentary titled, ‘A Friend in Difficult Time’ by eminent Bangladeshi film director Shahriar Kabir which highlights India’s multi-dimentional support to Bangladesh during the War of Liberation in 1971.

Press Release No. 410/12

SPECIAL CAMPAIGN DATES FOR ELECTORAL ROLL

Shillong, October 10, 2012: The Sub-Divisional Officer (Election), Sohra Civil Sub-Division has informed that Special Campaign Dates have been fixed by the election Commission of India during the Special Summary revision of Electoral Rolls with reference to 01-01-2013 in the state of Meghalaya will be held on 6th, 13th and 20th October, 2012 instead of 7th, 14th and 21st October, 2012 respectively.

Press Release No. 411/12

TDPS RICE RELEASED FOR SEPTEMBER 2012

Shillong, October 10, 2012: The Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District has informed that Rice under TDPS has been released and will be distributed through the respective Fair Price Shops for the month of September, 2012.

For APL Rice (Regular & Additional), it is distributed as per scale of 3 Kg 500 gms per head and price of Rs 8.80 – Rs 9.00 per Kg both for urban and rural areas. BPL Rice (Regular) is distributed as per scale of 35 Kg per card and price of Rs. 6.15 per Kg for both urban and rural areas. For AAY (Regular), it is distributed as per scale of 35 Kgs per card and Rs.3.00 per Kg for both urban and rural areas.

All Fair Price Shop dealers of the District are directed to lift the allotted quota of rice immediately and to arrange the distribution to the beneficiaries. Any non-supply or overcharging of rate and supply of inferior quality of rice by the Fair Price Shop dealers should be brought to the notice of the undersigned immediately.

Press Release No. 412/12

REVISED LPG PRICE

Shillong, October 10, 2012: The Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District has informed that all LPG Domestic Subsidized Consumers of Greater Shillong Area has been fixed to Rs 435/- per LPG Subsidized refilled Cylinder as per the revised dealer’s commission in LPG Domestic Subsidized 14.2 kg Cylinder by the IOC with effect from 7th October, 2012.

Any over-charging of the above price by the distributors and Agencies should be brought to the notice of the undersigned with full details and particulars.

Press Release No. 413/12

LEVY SUGAR RELEASED FOR SEPTEMBER 2012

Shillong, October 10, 2012: The Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District has informed that Levy Sugar for APL, BPL and AAY beneficiaries has been released and will be distributed through the respective Fair Price Shops for the month of September, 2012.

It will be distributed as per scale of 650 gms per head and price of Rs. 14.50 per Kg. All Fair Price Shop dealers of the District are directed to lift the allotted quota of Levy Sugar immediately and to arrange the distribution to the beneficiaries.

Any non-supply or overcharging of rate and supply of inferior quality of Levy Sugar by the Fair Price Shop dealers should be brought to the notice of the undersigned immediately.

Press Release No. 414/12

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION OF DRAFT ELECTORAL ROLL

Shillong, October 10, 2012: The Electoral Registration Officer of 26-Shella (ST) and 28-Sohra (ST) has informed that the photo electoral rolls of the said constituencies has been prepared in accordance with the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and a copy thereof is available for inspection at the office and at all the concerned Polling Stations during office hours.

The qualifying date for the preparation of the electoral roll is 1st January, 2013. If with reference to the above said qualifying date, there be any claim for the inclusion of a name in the roll or any objection to the inclusion of name or any objection to particulars in any entry, it should be lodged on or before the 31st October, 2012 in Form 6, 6A, 7, 8, or 8A as may be appropriate.

Every such claims or objection should be presented to the said office or to the Booth Level Officers at the Designated Polling Stations or sent by post to the office address so as to reach not later than the aforesaid date.

Press Release No. 415/12

CM HANDS OVER NGP AND TSC AWARDS

Shillong, October 10, 2012: West Garo Hills District was today conferred the highest achiever in Total Sanitation Campaign under the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan. Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma presented the award to West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi besides handing over Nirmal Gram Puruskar (NGP) Awards 2011 to 266 villages of East, West and South Garo Hills districts at the Nirmal Gram Puraskar Awards ceremony held at Tura District Auditorium on October 9, 2012.

Out of the 365 villages in Meghalaya selected for the Nirmal Gram Puraskar Award 2011, 266 villages are from East, West and South Garo Hills with 216 villages from West Garo Hills alone. Meghalaya bagged the third position in the country in TSC 2011 while the second and first positions went to Gujarat and Maharashtra respectively.

Rural sanitation programme with a new demand- response initiative under the centrally sponsored Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) has been taken up in all the districts of Meghalaya. The programme is implemented on the demand driven mode with active involvement of local villagers for which considerable IEC activities have been carried out. To encourage the implementation of the programme, the Government of India has instituted NGP Award, as per the TSC guidelines, to be felicitated to clean and open defecation villages.

The progress of TSC projects in all districts are at various stages of implementation. The main goal includes schools, Anganwadi Centers and individual household to be provided with necessary toilet facilities and overall cleanliness of the village by constructing liquid and solid waste management to create hygienic rural environment.

Congratulating the 266 villages of Garo Hills, Dr Mukul Sangma said that maintaining cleanliness and hygiene reflects one’s love and concern for the motherland. He said that Meghalaya has shown tremendous improvement in TSC in the last two years and that the government acknowledges the effort of its citizens. He stated that one of the visions of the government is to make the state green and clean and to achieve this goal the participation of everyone is necessary. Thus, to mobilize the people especially the youth, movements like the ‘Youth for Green Campaign’ has been initiated. He added that cleanliness is beyond just having a sanitary latrine and includes various diverse aspects for a green and healthy living.

Citing the example of Mawlynnong, a village in East Khasi Hills famed for being the cleanest village in Asia Dr Sangma said that the village has earned the distinction of being the cleanest village in Asia because the villagers have taken upon themselves the responsibility to clean, conserve and preserve the environment. He added that ensuring sustainability of TSC is another challenge that needs to be taken up. Stating that thebandh culture was impeding the development of the state Dr Sangma urged everyone to maintain peace in the state and assured the gathering that all support towards development in the region would be extended by the government.

Later all the participants took a pledge to maintain cleanliness, preserve and conserve nature and to leave behind the legacy of a green environment to future generations. Among others who took part at the ceremony were GHADC CEM P K. Sangma, Co Chairman, State Planning Board, Clement Sangma, Former MLA Billykid A Sangma, Rangsakona sitting MLA Adolf Lu Hitler Marak, former Minister Brening A Sangma, East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Vijay Kumar Mantri, Principal Secretary, PHED, P W Ingty and officials from the PHE department.

Press Release No. 416/12

WORKSHOP ON BUSINESS DIVERSIFICATION FOR AGRO ENTREPRENEURS AND CONTRACTORS

Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma, inaugurated the Ideation Workshop on Business Diversification for Agro-Entrepreneurs and Contractors, here today at SMELC Building at Dakopgre. The workshop is organized by Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship (MIE) and Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA).

Addressing the gathering, Dr Mukul Sangma said that the government had conceived of an idea to promote optimal and effective development and ensuring livelihood security and inclusive growth within a sustainable framework and that every effort will be made to translate the concept into action. He informed that the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme (IBDLP) which was conceptualized with this objective would be a success only with the partnering of competent partners. He observed that most of the contractors are so by default, therefore there was a need to ensure that every registered contractor must be given capacity building programmes.

He also added that Agriculture and Horticulture are such important sectors that the products of these sectors are traded at the Stock Exchange. He cautioned that the traders are not guided be social responsibility but driven by profit motive and this would result in the disparity of wealth which is harmful for democracy. Therefore the government is coming up with support system which is sustainable and inclusive. He appealed the stakeholders to participate enthusiastically for the success of the IBDLP which would transform lives considerably.

Later at the Business session which was presided over by Mr. Palash Srivastav of IDFC, the different conducive factors for better business were discussed. The discussion also centered around drawing up a proper action plan and improving different infrastructures, linkages and network.

Among others who spoke at the workshop were Daniel Ingty, OSD, MBDA, MIE, Mr. Pravin Bakshi, Deputy Commissioner, Tura and Mr P.K. Sangma, CEM, GHADC. The workshop was attended by the officials from different line departments of West, South, North and South West Garo Hills besides contractors and agro-entrepreneurs.

Press Release No. 417/12

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR FACILITATING SOCIAL AUDIT UNDER MGNREGA AT THE VEC LEVEL

Shillong, 10th October, 2012: The Office of the Deputy Commissioner & District Programme Coordinator MGNREGA (Meghalaya) West Jaintia Hills District invites application in plain paper from reputed NGOs’/Registered Society, operating in the District/State for facilitating Social Audit Under MGNREGA at the Village Employment Council (VEC) level, covering 475 villages in both West & East Jaintia Hills District for effective implementation of the scheme as per MGNREGA Act. NGOs’ that have been involved in Social Audit with D.A during the past few years may also apply fresh along with documents.

Applications along with necessary particulars/ proof of working experience during the last 2 (two) years may be enclosed or submit to the office of the Deputy Commissioner & District Programme Coordinator ( MGNREGS) District Rural Development Agency, West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai within 20th October, 2012. Selected NGOs’/ Society will have to execute a MoU with the District Administration.

For detailed information visit or contact the Office of the Project Director, DRDA, Jowai, West Jaintia Hills, District.

Press Release No. 418/12

INAUGURATION OF UMSNING AUDITORIUM HALL AT UMSNING

Shillong, 10th , October,2012: Chief Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Dr DD Lapang, today inaugurated the Umsning Auditorium Hall at Umsning, Ri Bhoi District in the presence of Dr C. Lyngdoh, Local MDC beside others.

The Auditorium hall was constructed at an amount of Rs 36,25 Lakhs under BRGF Scheme Rs 12,50 Lakhs (2011) Chief Minister Fund Rs. 1.25,000/- (2010) and Rs.22,50,000/- from their own expense. The programme was attended by the Rangbah Shnong of the six villages under Umsning Town Dorbar, the Seng Longkmie Umsning Pyllun, school children, teachers and local residents of Umsning Town Dorbar. The meeting was presided over by Shri Rocky Kylla, Chairman of Umsning Town Dorbar.

In his speech, Dr Lapang lauded the Umsning town dorbar for the excellent service rendered by them for the welfare of the people of Umsning area and also for uplifting their socio-economic lives through various developmental schemes, he appraised and congratulated the Dorbar authority for their proper implementation of various schemes allotted by the Government. He also hoped that this auditorium would cater to the needs of the people of Umsning area. He called upon them to stand united with determination, understanding and cooperation among themselves in all activities for their prosperity.

The highlights of the day included by songs and dances performed by the students of various schools of the area.