Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 537/12

WORLD AIDS DAY HELD

Shillong, November 30, 2012: The 1st December is annually observed as World AIDS Day so as to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic. Government and health officials, NGOs and other organizations come together to address the issue of HIV and AIDS and to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in its prevention, treatment and care in high prevalence countries and around the world.

This year, the theme of the World AIDS Day is “Getting to Zero: zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS related deaths”.

To observed the day, Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) in collaboration with UNDP, the Meghalaya Legislators Forum on HIV & AIDS (MLFA), UNICEF and other different partnering NGOs organized a two day State Level Convention on HIV and AIDS from today, the 30th November, 2012.

The inaugural function of the convention was held at Conference Hall of the Arts & Culture Department at the State Central Library, Shillong wherein the Speaker Meghalaya State Legislative Assembly, Mr. Charles Pyngrope was the Chief Guest.

In his speech Mr. Charles Pyngrope said that education on HIV and AIDS disease is still of great concern and that the right to education on health and sex must be included in the curriculum of education so as to educate the young generation. He also reiterated that both electronic and print media should play a proactive role jointly with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society as to spread awareness in the society.

Mr. D. P. Wahlang, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, who chaired the inaugural function, informed about the various social activities and MELA which will highlight and give information about AIDS. Mr. Wahlang also informed that lack of awareness and ignorance about AIDS has resulted in the death of 49 patients in the State alone, which is cause for concern for the government and the society as a whole. Therefore, he called upon the citizens to avail the services of the 18 Integrated Counseling and Testing ICTC centers in the State where HIV & AIDS can be tested and the A.R.T centers for medical treatment for HIV & AIDS in Shillong which is linked to Jowai, Nongstoin and Tura, where patients can be treated free of cost, free transport passes and free testing.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Dr. Laloo Project Director of Meghalaya, AIDS Control Society and others.

Press Release No. 538/12

REGISTRATION OF MIGRANT WORKERS

Shillong, November 30, 2012: The Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin, Deputy commissioner, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat, and Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Mairang and Extra Assistant Commissioner, I/C Mawshynrut, Administrative Unit has informed that all principal Employers and Contractor employing Inter-State Migrant workmen numbering five and above in Meghalaya is invited to section 4, 6 and 8 of the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) Act, 1979 for Registering and obtaining of license respectively from the Labour Commissioner, Meghalaya, Shillong the Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Officer of the mentioned districts and Sub-Divisions. Employment of Inter-State Migrant Workmen in Meghalaya without obtaining Registration and License by the principal Employers and Contractors respectively would attract penal action and prosecution under section 25 and 26 of the above act.

All principal Employers and Contractors employing Inter-State Migrant Workmen in Meghalaya are hereby required to register their Establishment and obtain License as the case may be from the Registering and Licensing Officer, Office of the Deputy Commissioner, of the mentioned districts and the Labour Commissioner, Meghalaya, Shillong within a period of two months from the date of issue of this public notice.

For further information, Principal Employers and Contractors may contact the Labour Commissioner, Meghalaya, Shillong or the Deputy Labour Commissioner of the mentioned districts and sub-divisions.