Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 390/08

TURA ACCORDS ROUSING RECEPTION TO THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA

The people of Garo Hills today accorded a warm and rousing reception to the first woman President of India, Smti. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, on her maiden visit to Tura, West Garo Hills. Thousands of school students, who stood on the roadsides, waved as the First Citizen of the country proceeded from the BSF helipad at Dobasipara towards Tura MP Stadium at Dakopgre, where a grand civic reception awaited her. The President was accompanied by the Governor of Meghalaya, Shri. R S Mooshahary, Member of Parliament, Agatha K Sangma and Meghalaya Minister for Finance, Shri Conrad K Sangma.

Addressing a public gathering, Smti. Patil said that Meghalaya, having attained Statehood for 36 years, should strive for economic growth by pursuing agriculture, agro-industries, employment opportunities, environment protection and build infrastructure networks and industrial progress in a sustainable manner. She also felt that since 80 percent of the State’s population live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for livelihood, villages needs to be developed as self sufficient unit with communities adopting integrated approach to growth. She suggested that a comprehensive way forward would be to look at ways to enhance agricultural productivity through better cropping patterns and scientific water management, and place strong emphasis on post-harvest management and processing to make agriculture a higher income generating activity.

Expressing happiness at the State Government’s efforts to develop Meghalaya into an educational hub, the President, however, said that literacy alone is not sufficient to acquire gainful employment and there is a need to impart vocational training to the youth so that they can be self-employed. She also cautioned the youth against becoming victims of drug addiction, adding that they should be made aware of the negative fallout of drug consumption through awareness campaigns.

The President also reiterated on the need to empower women and improved their status in the society. For this she stressed the need for all women to be educated and to look at income generation activities, which is important for overall economic growth of the State. She also expressed her appreciation that in almost every village in West Garo Hills district, at least one member of the rural household is a self help group member. This growing momentum of SHGs shows the enthusiasm of the people to participate in growth and development, she added.

The Governor, Mr. Mooshahary, while addressing the crowd in Garo dialect, described about the philosophy on which the Garo culture was based and also called upon the public to fight corruption jointly with government agencies. Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Shri Thomas A Sangma, chaired the reception programme while the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Shri F R Kharkongor proposed the vote of thanks.

Earlier, the President and the Governor were presented with a traditional Garo costumes, mementoes and organic products like cashew and tea processed in Garo Hills. She was also entertained with the colourful Wangala dance of the Garos.

A number of non-governmental organizations of Garo Hills, including Mothers’ Union Tura, Bilcham SHG Federation, Council of Nokmas, Tura United Christian Forum, Garo Staudent’s Union submitted their memorandums to the President seeking her intervention on various issues affecting the people of the region.

Press Release No. 391/08

DRIVE AGAINST ILLICIT LIQUOR

The Excise Staff of East Khasi Hills, in its continued drive against illicit liquor, conducted raids in restaurants/stalls in the town and its outskirts. In the month of September 2008, the staff detected 44 cases with a seizure of 30.325 litres of ID liquor and 14.550 litres IMFL. In this connection 43 persons were arrested under Excise Act.

Press Release No. 392/08

MID DAY MEAL RELEASED

The Deputy Commissioner (Supply) Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh, has informed that Mid Day Meal for the month of August 2008 is being released from today, the 23rd October, 2008 to 3rd November, 2008. Release Order can be obtained from the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), Ri Bhoi District from the said date.

Press Release No. 393/08

NATIONAL DISASTER REDUCTION DAY TO BE OBSERVED

Along with the rest of the country, West Khasi Hills District will observe National Disaster Reduction Day on 29th October, 2008. As part of the celebration, the District Administration in collaboration with UNDP will organize programmes for schools students of the town area. A drawing, painting, essay writing, skit competitions will also be organized at TRYSEM Hall, office of the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin.