Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 151/24

DY CM LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR UPGRADATION OF PYNURSLA CHC TO SUB- DIVISIONAL HOSPITAL

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Prestone Tynsong today laid the foundation stone for the upgradation of Pynursla CHC to Sub- Divisional Hospital in the presence of Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Health & Family Welfare Minister and other officials at Pynursla Community Health Centre (CHC), East Khasi Hills District. On this occasion, the First Referral Unit (FRU) at Pynursla CHC was also inaugurated.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Shri Prestone Tynsong expressed the state government's commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities across Meghalaya. He highlighted that the upgradation of Pynursla CHC to a Sub-Divisional Hospital will significantly improve healthcare access for the local population and those in surrounding areas. "This move is in line with the state government's priority to improve health facilities, which ranks second in the budget allocation after education and infrastructure development," he said. He urged all stakeholders and the public to cooperate in addressing health challenges and improving the overall healthcare scenario.

He emphasized the importance of good health and acknowledged the tireless work of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers, especially in rural areas. He encouraged the residents of Pynursla to register for the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) and link it with their Aadhaar cards to avail themselves of government health benefits. He urged the public to overcome superstitious beliefs and embrace positive change for the development of the area.

Addressing the gathering, the Health Minister Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted the crucial role of the newly upgraded Sub-Divisional Hospital in providing better healthcare services to the people. She explained that the hospital will offer both In-Patient and Out-Patient Departments, ensuring comprehensive healthcare. The newly inaugurated First Referral Unit (FRU) will provide 24-hour specialist care in Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, and Pediatrics. This facility will reduce the need for patients to travel far for medical attention.

The Health Minister also shared her excitement about the soon-to-be-functional blood storage unit at the hospital. She stressed the government's commitment to reducing infant mortality rates and emphasized the importance of safe delivery for pregnant mothers. She called upon the Village Health Councils and ASHAs to encourage expectant mothers to utilize hospital services for safe childbirth and urged the community to improve immunization rates, with a goal of reaching 100 percent coverage. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of deworming for children.

She emphasized that government hospitals are capable of providing high-quality healthcare and encouraged the community to utilize the services available at local health centers.

Other present on the occasion include Shri Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, Dr. J.S Momin, Director of Health Services (MI), Smti E.L Warjri, SDO, Pynursla Civil Sub-Division, Shri A. Lyngdoh, Rangbah Shnong, Urksew Wahpathaw, Pynursla among others.

Press Release No. 152/24

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FISHERIES HOSTS SUCCESSFUL 2ND DISTRICT AQUA FEST 2024

The 2nd District Aqua Fest 2024 for SouthWest Garo Hills was successfully held on Thursday at the Office of the Superintendent of Fisheries, Ampati. The event brought together farmers, officials, and banking representatives to discuss and promote sustainable fisheries practices in the region.

Key dignitaries at the event included Shri R Z D Shira, ADC and Project Director of DRDA, SouthWest Garo Hills, who served as the Chief Guest, along with Shri J.H. Suchiang, Joint Director of Fisheries, Shri R.B. R Marak, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Shri K.N. Sangma, Assistant Director of Fisheries, and Smt. R.V. Ch. Sangma, Superintendent of Fisheries, Ampati. District heads, officers from various departments, and representatives from the Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank (MCAB) and State Bank of India (SBI) were also in attendance.

The event began with a warm welcome from Smt. R.V. Ch. Sangma, who highlighted the importance of the Aqua Fest in fostering growth in the fisheries sector. The program included an awareness campaign on the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme and National Fisheries Development Portal (NFDP) registration, aimed at empowering fish farmers with knowledge and resources.

Shri R Z D Shira, the Chief Guest, emphasized the role of banking institutions in supporting farmers and encouraged responsible loan repayment practices. He also stressed the importance of the NFDP in promoting sustainable fishery practices and addressing financial challenges in the sector.

Shri J.H. Suchiang, Joint Director of Fisheries, highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the continued growth and development of fisheries in the region.

Over 50 fish farmers participated in the event, gaining valuable insights and engaging directly with officials and experts. Awards were presented to outstanding contributors to the fisheries sector. Nobin Arengh of Betasing C&RD Block received the award for Best Progressive Farmer and Rupam Koch also from Betasing C&RD Block was recognized as the Best Value-Added Fishery Entrepreneur.

The 2nd District Aqua Fest 2024 was a resounding success, providing a platform for innovation, collaboration, and recognition in the fisheries sector of SouthWest Garo Hills.

Press Release No. 153/24

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SIGNED AN MOU WITH THE NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE OF INDIA LIMITED

The Education Department, Government of Meghalaya signed an MoU with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSEIL) in presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri Conrad K Sangma, Shri Rakkam A Sangma Hon’ble Education Minister, Shri D P Wahlang IAS Chief Secretary to the Govt of Meghalaya, Shri Vijay Kumar Mantri IAS Commissioner & Secretary and other officers of Education Department on 28th November 2024 with the objective of imparting financial literacy, investor awareness in securities market and other training programs in across the state of Meghalaya. This is in line with generating employment opportunities for rural and urban youth in the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance Sector (BFSI) which will empower and provide a platform for skill development to the youth of the state.

The program aims to equip the beneficiaries with such essential knowledge, awareness and skills around financial literacy, capital markets, mutual funds, insurance sector, etc., by providing training as may be facilitated by NSEIL to provide a platform for the beneficiaries to enhance their skillset and in turn enable them to obtain such opportunities for the purposes of their employability in the BFSI sector. All successful beneficiaries will be awarded with a certificate upon successful completion of the course/ program as envisaged by the NSEIL. The MoU was signed by the Director of Higher and Technical Education representing the Education Department, Govt of Meghalaya and the Chief Business Development Officer, National Stock Exchange of India Limited.