Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 437/22

STATE LEVEL FUNCTION FOR LAUNCHING OF SPECIAL SUMMARY REVISION OF PHOTO ELECTORAL ROLLS

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya in collaboration with the office of the District Election Officer, East Khasi Hills District today organised a State Level Function for the Launching of Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls with reference to 01.01.2023 as the qualifying date and Draft Publication of Photo Electoral Rolls at Shillong Club.

Speaking at the programme Shri F. R Kharkongor, Chief Electoral Officer said that the main aim of the Special Summary Revision is to have 100 percent enrolment of the eligible voters and voting of the genuine citizens and also to achieve the PHITT which indicates purification, healthy electoral rolls, inclusiveness, transparency and tech enabled enrolment and voting from roll to poll and Mission UNITE, U and I towards enrolment.

In her address Smt Isawanda Laloo, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District stated that since the state is approaching into the election year, the Special Summary Revision for the publication of the draft electoral roll and the final publication of the electoral roll that will be publish in early January 2023 is the crucial exercise to purify, streamline and ensure that the electoral rolls are healthy. A healthy electoral roll determines the foundation of a smooth election and a healthy democracy, she added.

The Chief Electoral Officer along with the Deputy Commissioner distributed the BLO kits to various Booth Level Officers of the District and also distributed the Draft Publication of E Roll CDs to recognised political parties. During the programme Shri K.G Nongrum, SVEEP Nodal Officer gave a brief presentation on SVEEP for Special Summary Revision 2023.

Press Release No. 438/22

FIRST LADY OF THE STATE INTERACTS WITH NIFT STUDENTS

The First Lady of Meghalaya Smti. Neelam Misra today visited the National Institute of Fashion Technology at Umsawli and took a tour of the campus and interacted with the students and the faculty. Sharing her experience and expertise with the students, the First Lady called upon the young designers to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts. Stressing on the need to revive dying arts, the First Lady suggested that the products of the tradition of local weavers of the North Eastern Region must go from Local to Global.

While screening the documentary Celebrating loin loom weaving through Loin Loom weaving of Arunachal Pradesh the First Lady emphasized the importance of incorporating indigenous motifs in designs which would have global acceptance. She also answered many inquisitive queries put forward by the enthusiastic students.

An ardent promoter of traditional weaves, the First Lady has been actively promoting the loin loom weaving in Arunachal and has spearheaded many initiatives to encourage weavers to take forward the traditions for posterity. The First Lady also visited Silk Village at Umden Diwon, Ri Bhoi District to acquaint herself with the eri silk production and weaving techniques.

Press Release No. 439/22

RAMBRAI C AND RD BLOCK INAUGURATED

Fulfilling the long pending demand of the people of Rambrai in remote West Khasi Hills Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the Rambrai Community and Rural Development Block in presence of MLA Kimfa Sidney Marbaniang and MDC Bajop Pyngrope.

The Rambrai C and RD block is carved out from the Nongstoin C and RD block of West Khasi Hills. It will cover an area of 584.628 square km. It will comprise 109 villages with a population of 36148. Rambrai is about 20 kms away from the District Headquarter of West Khasi Hills. The major communities in the area are Khasi and Garo.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the creation of the new block will ensure better governance at the grassroot level. He also said that through this block developmental activities will be upscaled and services of the government will be delivered in an efficient manner. C and RD blocks are the most important administrative units when it comes to schemes and programmes. The blocks should be accessible to the people across the State. People of Rambrai had to face difficulties, as they had to travel to far off places for basic services of the government. The inauguration of the block will ensure that the services are brought closer to the people.

He also informed that the government is coming up with a revised norm to facilitate applications for different certificates to be availed from the block offices. People can apply for various certificates at the block level but applications will be processed at the sub division level, he added. Stating that the Rambrai area has been neglected for long, the Chief Minister said that through various interventions, the government is ensuring that the people reap the benefits of development in the State.

He said that the work for Nongstoin Rambrai Kyrshai road is underway and will soon be completed. Due to poor road connectivity in the area, the people had to face a lot of hardship. We are ensuring that this important road link is completed, he added. The road is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 231 cr. He also told the people that the Rambrai PHC will also be upgraded to CHC and the foundation for the upgradation will be laid at the earliest. He told the gathering that a number of LP Schools under Rambrai have been either repaired or renovated recently and few will be constructed. He also said that the Rambrai C and RD block will be fully functional from the temporary office, while the new building is being constructed.

During his visit to Rambrai, the Chief Minister handed over financial assistance through Meghalaya’s Biggest Farmers’ Welfare Program Focus and Focus Plus and distributed piglets and Kuroiler birds under Rural Backyard Piggery and Poultry Scheme Progress and financial aid to youth organisations under Yess Meghalaya and to Community Investment Funds to women led SHGs.