Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 579/11

CHIEF MINISTER RELEASES TWO AMBULANCES

Shillong, October 28th, 2011: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma today released two ambulances for the Rajabala Development Society at Umshyrpi College ground, Shillong in the presence of the MLA from Rajabala Constituency who is also the Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. Sayeedulah Nongrum, C & RD Minister, Mr. S Sangma, Political Adviser to the Chief Minister, Dr. F. Lyngdoh, Parliamentary Secretaries to the Government of Meghalaya, Mr. Francis P Sangma and Limison Sangma. The two ambulances were sponsored under the MLA Scheme of Rajabala Constituency.

In his speech as the chief guest, Dr. Mukul Sangma congratulated the efforts of the local MLA for providing the ambulances for the people of his Constituency which will cater to the need of the patients in getting better and faster medical services. He said that the presence of these ambulances will instill confidence among the people of the area in gaining access to medical services during critical times.

He further said that the Health sector is being given top priority in the State and all efforts are being made to improve the health delivery system. He said that the areas of deficiencies in the Health sector particularly in the NRHM are being identified and efforts to address the issues appropriately are being made. “We are in the process of upscaling the facilities in the referral centres throughout the State. Referral chain of the centres should be strengthened and identify the weak part of the chain and take corrective measures”, he said. Dr Sangma also mentioned that while strengthening infrastructure, the manpower component should also be taken into account which is the reason why the setting up of two medical colleges is underway to address the limited absorption capacity for medical students in other medical colleges. He also informed that one of the biggest challenges in the Health sector is the fund availability which is an important issue that needs to be addressed. He informed that the State Government is coming up with the Universal Health Insurance Programme which is sustainable and will benefit the people.

Others who spoke on the occasion includes C & RD Minister, Mr. S Sangma, Political Adviser to the Chief Minister, Dr. F. Lyngdoh and local MLA Rajabala Constituency, Mr. S Nongrum.

Press Release No. 580/11

VALEDICTORY FUNCTION

Shillong, October 28, 2011: “Young Generation has an important role to play in preserving the Wild life”, said Meghalaya Forest and Environment Minister, Mr. Prestone Tynsong.

He was speaking at the Valedictory Function of Wildlife Week as the Chief guest organized by the Department of Forest and Environment at All Saints Hall on October 28, 2011, Mr. Tynsong said killing of wildlife is just like killing ourselves. He further said that lot of species in Meghalaya are in threat year to year because people are not aware of conserving the forest.

Meghalaya is very rich in flora and fauna sheltering magnificent flowers, animals and birds but these animals did not have shelter to protect them, Mr. Tynsong said.

Stressing on the need of preserving animals and conserving forest, Mr. Tynsong said it is the need of the hour to change our customary practices of hunting and killing animals. He also highlighted that the State Government is contemplating to convert certain places in consultation with traditional heads to cover as the forest area.

Mr. Tynsong also urged the gathering to join hands together in spreading the message of preserving and conserving wildlife to every section of the society and also to the rural areas.

Other who spoke on the occasion included Additional Chief Secretary, Mr. P B O Warjri, Principal Chief Conservator Forest, Mr. V K Nautiyal and Additional Chief Conservator Forest, Mr. S Kumar.

Press Release No. 581/11

MEGHALAYA BHARAT SCOUTS AND GUIDES STATE COUNCIL MEETING HELD

Shillong, October 28, 2011: The Annual State Council meeting of the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides was held today at the Conference Hall, Bharat Scouts and Guides Headquarter Building, Pine Mount Ridge, Shillong.

The State Council meeting was presided over by Mr. W.M.S.Pariat, Chief Secretary who is also the President of the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides. The Council was attended by Smti R.V.Suchiang, Commissioner and Secretary, Tourism department, Mr. F. R. Kharkongor, Secretary, Education department, Mr. W. Khyllep, Director, Higher and Technical Education, Mr. J. D. Sangma, Director, School Education and Literacy, Councils Members representing the 7 Districts of the State and Mr. Amar B. Chettri, Assistant Director, North Eastern Region as an observer.

Besides approval of the Annual Accounts and Budget of the Council for the year 2012-2013 the Council also elected the new office bearer for the year 2011-2014 with Mr. W. M. S. Pariat as the President, Mr. P. S. Thangkhiew, Mr. D. P. Wahlang, Smti. R. V. Suchiang, Smti A. D. Dkhar, Smti R. Warjri and Mr. W. R. Marbaniang as Vice Presidents, Mr F. R. Kharkongor as State Chief Commissioner, Mr. W. Khyllep and Mr. J. D. Sangma as Additional State Chief Commissioner, Mr. W. Lyngdoh and Dr. (Mrs) M. P. R. Lyngdoh as State Commissioner for Scouts and Guides respectively, Smti. M. Shabong as Treasurer, Smti A. Swer as Secretary and Shri A. S.Mawlong as joint Secretary.

Earlier Mr. Pariat inaugurates the new Conference Hall in honour of Mr. P.J. Bazeley, former Chief Secretary of Meghalaya.

Press Release No. 582/11

SPECIAL INTERACTIVE PROGRAMME HELD AT ZIKZAK

Shillong, October 28th, 2011: A one day Special Interactive Programme (SIP) was organized at Anangpara Upper Primary School, under Zikzak C & RD Block by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, West Garo Hills, Tura on October 27th, 2011.

Mr. Reuben Ch. Momin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Ampati Civil Sub Division, West Garo Hills, graced the programme as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering Mr. Momin said that the Information and Public Relations Department was essential in bridging the gap between the common man and the Government. He at length talked on various Government schemes that can be availed through different Government Departments. He also informed that the Information and Public Relations Department was a tool to educate and create awareness among the people of current affairs and convey necessary information to the populace.

Mrs. Sadina A. Sangma, Public Relations Officer, Tura, delivering the welcome and introductory speech informed the large gathering of villagers and School students that the Special Interactive Programme was being organized to create awareness among the villagers of various Government grants and schemes that could be benefited by the villagers.

The inaugural session of the programme was followed by an interactive session wherein the villagers interacted with resource persons from various Government departments. An essay competition for the students of the school was also conducted during the SIP. The resource persons present at the SIP were Dr. Delphine G. Momin, Senior Medical Officer. Ampati, Mr. C. K. Marak, Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer, Ampati, Dr. Debajit Sangma, Medical Officer i/c Ampati Community Health Center, Dr. Pobitro Hajong, A H & Veterinary Officer cum Master Trainer, Ampati Civil Sub Division and IPOs of DCIC, Ms. Biondi D. Shira and Mr. Rocky A. Sangma.

Apart from the lively interactive session at the programme an essay writing and quiz competition for Upper Primary students were the highlights of the day. The programme was attended by school students, officers of various departments and villagers from Anangpara and surrounding villages.

Press Release No. 583/11

DRIVE AGAINST ILLICIT LIQOUR

Shillong, October 28th, 2011: In its continued drive against illicit liquor, the Excise staff of East Khasi Hills District conducted raids in restaurants/stalls in the town and its outskirts where during the month of September 2011, they detected 55 cases with a seizure of 282.620 litres of i/d liquor and 14.630 IMFL. In this connection, 54 persons were arrested under Excise Act.

This was informed by the Deputy Commissioner (Excise), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong.