Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 760/04

MEGHALAYA PAVILION AT THE IITF ‘04 INAUGURATED

Meghalaya Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) – 2004 held at the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi was declared open by the Resident Commissioner, Government of Meghalaya, New Delhi, Mr S. Mendiratta, today in the presence of the Commissioner and Secretary, Trade, Mr P.K. Srivastava, Secretary, Industries, Mr P. Jain, the Director of Information & Public Relations, Mr A. Mawlong and the Director of Tourism, Mr H.M. Shangpliang among others.

The front facia of the Pavilion located in Hall No.16 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi depicts the various facets of Agriculture and Information Technology, which is the prescribed theme for the Fair this year, and tourist spots of the State.

In the display section, land and its scenic splendour, people, their living life style and cultural pattern, forest, mineral products, horticultural and cash crops, Science and Technology activities and Information Technology infrastructures created in the State have been show cased through backlit vinyl scrollers and rotating translide.

The diorama created in the Pavilion prominently displays the indigenous fruit of Meghalaya, Sohiong. Products on sale are processed fruit products, handloom and handicraft materials, honey, turmeric, bayleaf, dry flowers, broomsticks, tea, cashew nut and decorative items.

This year, highlight of I.T. related activities with Internet connection and presentation on the State through N.I.C, Meghalaya State Centre has been provided in the Pavilion.

Besides the department of Information and Public Relations, Tourism, Sericulture and Weaving, Agriculture. Mineral Resources, Forest, Industries, Science and Technology, MECOFED, altogether thirteen entrepreneurs from different parts of the State participated in the Fair.

The President of India had formally inaugurated the fair, which will continue upto November 27, 2004.

Press Release No. 761/04

51st ALL INDIA COOPERATIVE WEEK CELEBRATED AT NONGPOH

The Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd., Ri-Bhoi District had on November 16, 2004 observed the 51st All India Cooperative Week District Level celebration at the Alpha School premises, Nongpoh. The theme of the function was "Economic empowerment of the under privileged through cooperatives". The Meghalaya Minister for Taxation etc, Mr J. D. Rymbai was the Chief Guest on the occasion while the Deputy Commissioner, Ri-Bhoi District, Mr W. L. Lyngdoh was the Guest of Honour. The function was attended by members of Cooperative Societies, Self Help Groups and NGOs from all over the district including the general public.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rymbai informed that the cooperative Societies Act was passed with the objective of providing financial assistance to farmers at a low rate of interest to relieve them from the clutches of money lenders. He further said that the theme of the celebration was very appropriate for rural people especially Ri-Bhoi District which has since time immemorial a sort of agricultural cooperative union called “ Ka trei Bara”. He then urged upon the unemployed educated youth to start earning their own living and stand on their own feet through cooperative societies by setting up cottage and small scale industries in the district where potential for such units is very encouraging.

The Deputy Commissioner who also spoke on the occasion, informed that the Government has taken keen interest in the upliftment of rural folks by promoting SSI and Cottage Industries by providing financial assistance to Societies and SHGs in the form of subsidies and grants. He also informed that the district administration would soon start the Resource Centre at Nongpoh, through which different schemes of the government would be published for the benefit of the people.

The function was presided over by Mr. G Mylliemngap, Chairman MCAB.