Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 841/05

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE HELD AT RAJ BHAVAN

The Christmas Carol Service organized by the YMCA, Shillong was held on December 16, 2005 at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan Shillong. Meghalaya Governor, Mr. M M Jacob grace the function as the chief guest

In his brief speech, Mr. Jacob lauded the effort of the YMCA for organizing such a Christmas carol. He also urged upon each and every one that they should learn to share and to care, adding that the people should celebrate this festivity with peace and harmony for the welfare of the State and the country as a whole

Others who spoke on the occasion were the Urban Affairs Minister who is also the president of the YMCA, Dr. Friday Lyngdoh and Rev. B R Sohkhia

The highlights of the day included Christmas Carol presented by various church choirs from Shillong

Press Release No. 842/05

S.H.G. MEET-CUM-EXHIBITION-CUM-SALES OF WORK ORGANISED

The Meghalaya Minister for Transport, Arts & Culture etc., Mrs. Deborah. C. Marak inaugurated a one day S.H.G. Meet-Cum-Exhibition-Cum-Sales of work organized by the D. R. D. A., East Khasi Hills District, Shillong at Shillong Club premises on December 17, 2005. Among others who were present on the occasion were Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, C&RD, Mr. J. M. Mauskar, Director SGSY, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, Mr. Atul Kumar Gupta, Assistant General Manager, State Bank of India, Mr. P. S. Pariat

Speaking at the inaugural function, Mrs. Marak informed SGSY as a Restructured Self Employment Programme by the Government of India since 1999 to uplift the BPL families. Lamenting over the fact that some SHGs are taking bank loan as a subsidy, which she termed as a result of lack of awareness, she stressed on the need to create awareness to the rural folk, adding that negative attitude towards farmers should not be encouraged. She then assured that the Government is trying its best to bring up the rural people

Mr. J. M. Mauskar, in his brief speech said that cooperation of Government Officials and NGOs is required in order to bring success to the SHGs

Stating that this event has brought the whole of North East in the SHG map of India, Mr. Atul Gupta, in his speech suggested East Khasi Hills to make website so that people from other side of the country will come to know about the role of SHGs in this part of the country

Mr. P. S. Pariat, who also spoke on the occasion, informed that State Bank of India in its merge towards development of rural areas and in recognition of the hard work put in by the NGOs is giving incentive scheme to the NGOs of Rs. 750/- per SHG

The other highlights of the day were songs and skit presented by the different SHGs of the district and also the presentation of awards

It may be mentioned that SGSY programme was launched by the Government of India since 1999 with the objective of bringing the assisted poor families (Swarozgaris) above the poverty line by organizing them into SHGs through the process of social mobilization, their training and capacity building and provision of income generating assets through a mixed of Bank loan and Government subsidy. The programme envisaged and necessitated convergence with schemes of other Departments like Agriculture, Soil Conservation, A H & Veterinary, Industries, etc. At present there are 685 SHGs groups in East Khasi Hills District