Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 427/12

KAPIL SIBAL LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR NIT SOHRA

Shillong, 12th October 2012 – During his one day visit to Meghalaya to lay the foundation stone of NIT Meghalaya at Cherrapunjee (Sohra), Union Minister for IT and Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal said that the UPA Government has had a special focus on the North East and has, during its tenure since 2004 established about 10 NITs, a large number of which are in the North East.

Kapil Sibal said that the reason behind this decision is that it is time for everyone to realize that the youth from this part of the country have great aspirations which can only be realized through the setting up of high quality institutions of excellence in this part of the country. “This is the right time and environment for the youth to apply their minds and achieve levels of excellence that they have not had access to,” the Union Minister said.

Informing those gathered at the function that India has a population of 400 million aged between 0 and 14 years old, Kapil Siba said that this young population is ready to transform the country. Kapil Sibal also urged the NITs to address the problems of the state where they are located. “I think that this is exceptionally important and this should be the vision of the NIT system,” Kapil Sibal said.

In the context of Sohra, Kapil Sibal said, “I am aware that Cherrapunjee has a lot of rainfall and yet it is short of water because of the nature of the terrain. I think that when institutions like NIT are set up, these are the issues that must be addressed.” It is time for us to conduct applied research besides academic research and use knowledge for the resolution of the problems around us, Kapil Sibal said.

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma who was also present at the function as its Guest of Honour said that it is befitting to have this institution in Sohra as it is a place which is world renowned. He also said that when we give opportunities for the human mind to be more creative and innovative, we see wonders happening. “This is exactly what we see today,” Dr. Sangma added. Shillong and Meghalaya need more of such institutions as 70 percent of North East people who are holding high posts in other parts of the country are products of institutions based in Shillong. “Shillong has contributed immensely to the overall growth and development of the whole region and it is therefore needed that the possibility of establishing such ninstitutions in our state,” Dr. Sangma added.

Minister in Charge of Education Professor RC Laloo presided over the function which was also attended by a host of government officials and dignitaries and the vote of thanks was proposed by DK Saikia, Director NIT, Sohra.

Press Release No. 428/12

SPECIAL INTERACTIVE PROGRAMME AT UMJARAIN

Shillong, October 12, 2012: Special Interactive Programme (SIP) on the theme “Towards Poverty Eradication”, organized by the Office of the Sub-Divisional Public Relations Officer, Mawkyrwat was held on 11th October 2012 at Umjarain village. About 6 departments comprising of Agriculture, Fishery, Veterinary, Social Welfare, Co-operation and Community and Rural Development (C & RD) departments took part in highlighting their developmental activities to the public.

While speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the Additional Deputy Commissioner South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat, Mr K L Nongbri stated that such Programme makes way for cordial relationship between the public and the officers of the district. He also appealed to the people of the area to change their mind set in day to day life adding that the environment and its surrounding should be kept clean. H also advised the participants to implement the instructions of the experts with regard to their agricultural activities so that the production could be increased.

With regard to the welfare activities of the government, Mr Nongbri called upon the people to extend their cooperation with different departments in implementation of sustainable development for bringing the transformation in their economy.

Extensive lectures about the developmental schemes were also delivered by the resource persons from various departments that being implemented by the government.

Later in the interactive session, participants were actively sought clarifications on various issues such as improvement of agriculture activities and other developmental activities pertaining to rural development for which constructive and satisfactory answers were given upon by the officers of these departments respectively.

Press Release No. 429/12

MOSAIC 2012

Shillong, October 12, 2012: Mosaic 2012 was organized by the Department of Management, NEHU, Tura Campus on 12th October 2012 at its permanent campus at Duragre. The theme for the programme is “Human Resource for Nation Building”. Member of the Parliament, Rajya Sabha Mr. Thomas A. Sangma inaugurated the function as the chief guest.

Mosaic is an annual cultural festival of the department of Management, NEHU, Tura Campus. It aims at developing managerial manpower for entire value change of North East Region by promoting contemporary management, knowledge, business skill and inculcating professional attitude among the youth. Events like quiz, Autumn Queen, Manhunt, Rock show, literary event and several other competitions were organized as part of the day long programme.

Press Release No. 430/12

NOTICE

Shillong, October 12, 2012: The Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has informed that the term of all the existing Fair Price Shop Dealers (Urban & Rural) areas will expire on the 31st December, 2012.

Prescribed Form for the renewal license for the year 2013 are available in the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong. All application should be recommended by the respective Sirdar/Headman/ Block Development Officer and will be received in the Supply Office, Shillong on or before the 20th December, 2012.

For more information, details can obtain from the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong.

Press Release No. 431/12

OPEN DAY SHELTER FOR STREET CHILDREN INAUGURATED

Shillong, October 12, 2012: Today Shillong Reach Ministries extend its social service by the opening of a Day Shelter for street Children of Shillong at Assembly of God Church premises, Keating Road, Shillong. The Shelter was inaugurated by Mr. H. M. Shangpliang, Director of Social Welfare, in the presence of Smti. Roshan Warjri, Chairperson, Meghalaya State Women Commission, Smti B. Nalle, Additional Director of Social Welfare, Rev. N. Karthak, Dr. Sandi Syiem of SANKER Centre, students of St. Edmund College, Martin Luther Christian University and Women College and street children of Shillong. The function was presided over by Rev. R. G. Laloo, founder of Shillong Reach Ministries.

Reach Shillong Ministries is a voluntary Christian Ministry registered as a society under the Meghalaya Societies Registration Act and was established in the year 2007 with a mission to reach people and touch lives. The Ministry work among the street children in and around Shillong who are in need of care and rehabilitation, female sex workers and young people of Shillong who need direction and fellowship.

The Reach Shillong Ministries Open Day Shelter located at Assembly of God Church premises, Keating Road, Shillong will open from 9 am to 8 pm daily for street children of Shillong city between the age group of 5 to 15 years. The shelter will provide immediate and short term assistance and also served as a place for children to rest while at the same time engaging in meaningful activities that will enhance their wellbeing. The Shelter will also provide basic health care, counseling, non formal education, recreation, personality development for the street children.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shangpliang congratulated the Reach Shillong Ministries for this noble venture which is a long pending need for the street children. He opined that by the opening of this shelter, street children who are a vulnerable group could be protected and provided assistance. He also assured that the Social Welfare department would extend all necessary assistance to the Shelter as far counseling, pre -school kits and salary for the care taker.

Other highlights include songs by children from Reach SSA Schools and student from St. Edmunds and Bible reading by children from the streets.