Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 800/05

ADOLESCENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMME INAUGURATED

An Adolescence Education Programme on the theme “Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise” was inaugurated today by the Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Donkupar Roy at the Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute (MATI), Shillong. The function, organized by the Education Department, was also attended by the Commissioner & Secretary, Education, Mrs. R. V. Suchiang, Commissioner & Secretary, Border Areas Development, Mr. L Roy, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Mr. D. P. Wahlang, Sr. M Synnah, Member State Core Committee for AIDS, principals, teachers and government officials.

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Roy urged upon the principals, teachers and parents to work together for the successful implementation of the programme. Informing the gathering that according to the NACCO report, the total numbers of HIV/AIDS patients in the country till 31st July, 2005 is 1, 11,608 of which 33% are from the age group of 15-29 years, Dr. Roy said that AIDS in the country is affecting more people in the sexually affected age group adding that majority of the adolescence who are vulnerable to this dreaded disease are drug users, school drop outs and sex workers. Stressing on the importance of adult education in containing HIV/AIDS, Dr. Roy urged upon the teachers to find a solution to a problem that arise in teaching this subject

Mr. L. Roy, Commissioner and Secretary, Border Areas Development, in his speech, said that since there is no cure for the disease, it could only be contained with the active participation of the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, which has the highest number of students in the adolescence group. He also urged upon the teachers to overcome taboo and sense of embarrassment while teaching the subject of adult education

Sr. Synnah in her brief speech said that combating AIDS could only be done through education, adding that school children should be taught on the ways and means to prevent HIV/AIDS

The Commissioner & Secretary, Education, Mrs. R. V. Suchiang delivered the welcome address, while the Joint Secretary, Education Mrs. Blah offered the vote of thanks

The Chief Guest later lighted the candle to inaugurate the programme and released the instructions manuals in the form of books and CDs

Press Release No. 801/05

INTENSIVE AWARENESS PROGRAMMES CONDUCTED

The West Khasi Hills District Administration has conducted Intensive Awareness Programme on Total Literacy Campaigns (TLC), Post Literacy Programmes (PLP), Disaster Risk Management (DRM) programme and Consumer Protection Act in several central villages of the District. On November 29, 2005 the programmes were conducted at Aradonga where Mr. P. Marbaniang, District Public Relations Officer and District Nodal Officer of Early Warning System (DRM) delivered detailed lectures on TLC, PLP and DRM

On November 30, 2005 a programme was conducted at Risiang village where a number of local headmen, teachers, Self Help Groups (SHGs) of IFAD attended. Lectures were delivered by representatives of Horticulture, Agriculture, C&RD, Veterinary relating to rural development. Later on the day, Mr. P. Marbaniang, District Public Relations Officer and District Nodal Officer of Early Warning System (DRM) delivered the detailed instructions on the preparation of Village Disaster Management Plan. Films on disaster management were also screened

Press Release No. 802/05

SECTION 133 CrPC PROMULGATED

The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has promulgated an order under Section 133 CrPC, prohibiting rampant parking of vehicles all along the PWD roads at Arbuthnot Road, Red Hill Road, Upper New Colony, Holy Ground Road, roads to Lummawrie via Municipal Market and via Presbyterian Higher Secondary School

Further, the District Magistrate also prohibits illegal occupation of the public footpath by the hawkers all along the Arbuthnot Road, Laitumkhrah Main Road and the road to Nongrim Hills near a-Lacarte Point

Any contravention to this order will lead to imposition of Rs 1500/- fine for vehicles and seizure of goods

Any individual/group/organization having any views and objections against the order may make their representations personally or by legal counsels within 30 days time from the date of issue of this order, lest this order would be made absolute