Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 424/09

SPEED UP CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD

As part of the Speed up Campaign, the Shillong Chapter of the Art of Living Foundation will organize a rally on October 14, 2009 from 9:30 AM onwards. The rally will start from Fire Brigade Ground and will move through Laitumkhrah, Dhankheti, Barik culminating at U Tirot Sing Syiem Indoor Sports Hall.

The objective of the rally is to raise awareness about the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and at the same time urge upon people to stand up and take action to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, combating HIV/AIDS and Malaria, form a blueprint for the international community, to achieve universal primary education and ensure environmental sustainability among others.

As part of the rally, people are requested to donate handful of rice/grain for the “Free Lunch Programmes” or to donate Rs. 50/- for Tribal Schools. For the purpose, collection points have been set up at Mohini Annexe, Star Plaza, G S Road, Shillong: NEEDO, Laban: Neen Rymbai Shop, Nongsohphoh, Naspatigarhi: Kojani’s Departmental Store, Dhankheti: J S Store, Laitumkhrah: ELCO PCO, Laban, Last Stop: Radio Electrical Store & Agency, Mawkhar: Dutta Brothers, Rynjah Bazar, Umpling and Sharma Store, Polo Bazar.

Press Release No. 425/09

1ST MEGHALAYA STATE DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2008-09 RELEASED

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D. D. Lapang today released the 1st Meghalaya State Development Report, 2008-09 prepared by the Planning Department, at the Auditorium of the Yojana Bhavan, Secretariat building, Shillong in the presence of Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Mr. B. M. Lanong, Forest and Environment Minister, Dr. R. C. Laloo, Higher and Technical Education Minister, Smt Ampareen Lyngdoh, PHE Minister, Mr. Prestone Tynsong, Co-Chairman, State Planning Board, Mr. A. H. Scott Lyngdoh, Additional Chief Secretary, Mr. W. M. S. Pariat, Principal Secretary Planning Department, Mr. B. P.O Warjri and other senior government officials.

The State Development Report of Meghalaya was prepared by the Planning Department, Government of Meghalaya at the initiative taken by the Planning Commission, New Delhi. The Report comprehensively provides an appraisal on the progress of implementation and achievement of the State as well as on the development issues of the State in a purposeful manner, reflecting an indicative status on development, infrastructure and socio-economic parameters. The Report is an attempt to set out the policy action that would be essential to achieve the desired goals and serve as a credible document to help set the agenda for planning, development and economic growth of the State.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Lapang said that the State Development Report, 2008-09 focus on the status of development and desired outcomes and has a medium term perspective for the State. The Report was to define not merely inputs, physical or financial, but to set out the policy action that would be required to achieve the desired outcomes. This was aimed at fostering a sense of partnership between the Centre and the States and to jointly assess the development strategies keeping in mind the financial, human, and material resources as well as the felt needs of the people. This exercise has also defined issues related to governance and policy options to enable and to provide a better quality of life to the people.

Dr. Lapang, hope that the Meghalaya State Development Report which has highlighted critical issues will help the State Government take a close look at the problems which have hindered the realization of optimum growth and socio-economic development in the State. The Report rightly underlines the urgent need for improvement of the State’s growth rate to attain the high level of prosperity and human welfare which will follow in the wake of realizing its true potential.

The function was presided over by the Additional Chief Secretary, Mr. W. M. S. Pariat while Principal Secretary, Planning Department Mr. B. P. O. Warjri give the introductory speech on the State Development Report. Mr. Warjri informed that this is the first in-house effort and the Planning department welcomes further comments on improvement from all concerned. The Report which has highlighted critical issues for the State will not only encourage debate regarding the road map for the State but will also enable the State Government to take a closer look at the problems faced in socio-economic development efforts in the State, added Mr. Warjri.