Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 355/21

FOUNDATION STONE LAID FOR INAUGURATION OF SYNTHETIC FOOTBALL TURF

Shri Lambor Malngiang, MLA & MDC and Chairman, Meghalaya State Planning Board today laid the foundation stone for Providing and Installation of Synthetic Football Turf at Madan Centre, Kharbuli, Nongkrem.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Malngiang stated that the laying of the foundation stone for the Synthetic Football Turf is the realization of a long awaited dream of the people. He stated that Sports and Games is not a mere medium to stay fit and healthy but it has become an opportunity for the youth to make a career. Talent and hard work is a must for athletes to be successful but these alone cannot suffice in order to compete nationally or internationally, proper infrastructure should also be provided in order to produce national and international champions, he added.

Shri Malngiang exhorted the people to work together with the sports department which will go a long way in building the capacity of the youth. He also encouraged the youth of the village to come forward and take advantage of the infrastructure provided to them and to showcase their talents in the field of Football.

Others who were present include Shri B. Syiem, Chief Engineer, State Sports Council, Meghalaya, members of the Nongkrem Dorbar Pyllun, members of the Nongkrem Sports Club among others.

Press Release No. 356/21

BEE HIVES DISTRIBUTED TO MASTER BEEKEEPERS

Focusing on giving a further boost to the Apiculture Mission in the State, Meghalaya Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister, Shri. Banteidor Lyngdoh today distributed bee hives to master beekeepers and released the Mission Document of Apiculture Mission 2.0 in a function held at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Agriculture, Shillong.

Altogether 35 master beekeepers hailing from Ri Bhoi District, West Jaintia Hills District, East Jaintia Hills District, East Khasi Hills District, East West Khasi Hills District and South West Khasi Hills District received bee hives on the day.

The programme was organized by the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya as part of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Statehood.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Banteidor Lyngdoh stressed on the importance of scientific bee rearing for larger production of honey. Under Apiculture Mission 2.0, the Government is committed to work closely with the farmers and get their feedback so that any intervention made will yield positive results, he said. Urging bee keepers to come forward and approach the officers at the district level, he pointed out the importance of clarifying doubts for their benefit. Lamenting the procurement of local honey at low cost by companies from outside the state which is then repackaged, branded and resold at a much higher cost, Shri. Lyngdoh stressed on the need for proper branding and packing. Drawing focus on the dwindling number of bees, particularly in urban areas and in places where chemical fertilizers are used, he stressed on the importance of preserving the environment for the benefit and survival of all. He also urged all line departments to work together for the benefit of the farmers of the state.

Dr. Vijay Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya in his address said that although the State boasts of a variety of honey and has a huge potential to produce quality honey, it is unfortunate that the State is still unable to fully leverage on this resource. While a number of local entrepreneurs have been able to add value to honey through proper branding, he lamented the inability to create a value chain at the famers level wherein honey is yet to be produced at a larger scale and processed properly, packaged and sold in a way that gets the best price for farmers. Informing that the goal of Apiculture Mission 2.0 is to work and support existing clusters while at the same time create new clusters and identify master beekeepers, he said that in the first phase of the Mission master beekeepers will be provided with free boxes, following which clusters will be trained and subsequently bee boxes will be provided to farmers at 50 percent subsidy and 50 percent interest free bank loan.

Press Release No. 357/21

FOUNDATION LAID FOR OFFICE BUILDING OF THE COMMISSIONER OF EXCISE

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today laid the foundation stone for the office building of the Commissioner of Excise in the presence of Minister, Excise, Kyrmen Shylla and senior officials in Shillong.

During his address the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction that the long pending project could finally take shape and said that the infrastructure will enable the department to function in a more efficient manner. “This building has been pending for a very long time. It's going to be close to 50 years of our statehood and yet an important and revenue generating department like the Excise does not have its own building. Once completed it will be one of the iconic infrastructures in the Secretariat area”, he said.

The Chief Minister informed that the State’s revenue generation was badly hit during the pandemic period but despite the difficult situation the excise department was one of the better performing ones bringing in a steady revenue for the state. “In the last three and a half years the MDA Government has been really focusing a lot on revenue generation. We went through a difficult time when Covid hit us but in terms of our revenue collection we saw that the excise department has done well. We have seen a constant growth of close to 10 to 12 percent in the revenue and that is a very positive indication”, the Chief Minister said.The Chief Minister also said that many other reforms are being initiated in the excise department that will ultimately result in increased capacity of the department for revenue generation, while also opening avenues for enterprising local entrepreneurs in the business of wine making.

“A very important reform which we initiated in the department was to allow local wines to be legalized. As you know, a lot of people are into wine making and there was no policy in the beginning to monitor and to give legal licensing to these different home wine-makers or small-scale winemakers. They use a variety of locally sourced fruits for their products. So not only does it help those entrepreneurs who are making the wine, but it also benefits our fruit farmers who can sell their excess produce to these wine makers. Fruits are perishable products therefore it makes complete sense to promote local wine”, he said. The Chief Minister also said the Government is trying to bring further reforms in local wine making by looking at the possibility of levying reduced fees and excise duties for local wines. “We are also exploring the possibility of making it accessible through many other channels through different retail outlets with minimum license fees so that they may be able to sell these products without really having to go for a full-fledged license”, he added.

Minister of Excise, Kyrmen Shylla, during his address, informed that the new building of the Commissioner of Excise will house the Testing Laboratory of the Meghalaya Excise department for proper checking of all the liquor that are produced in the State as well as the ones imported from outside the State. He further said that at present 80 percent of the liquor consumed in the State are produced locally in the bottling plant and breweries located in the State but the certification of the same as fit or unfit for human consumption is done at Chemical Examiner, Guwahati, Government of Assam. He added that the construction of the laboratory in Shillong will enable the department to conduct all the essential tests in the department itself.

The logo of the Meghalaya Department of Excise was also unveiled by the Chief Minister at the function.

Press Release No. 358/21

LOCALITY BEAUTIFICATION AND ENHANCEMENT COMPETITION

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma along with Minister, Tourism, Sniawbhalang Dhar, distributed cheques worth Rs.1.50 Cr to 34 localities in Shillong & Rs.5.40 Lakhs to 8 localities from Jowai as catalytic fund to aid localities to carry forward various activities under the Locality Beautification and Enhancement Competition at a small function held in Shillong.

An initiative of the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, the project is aimed at empowering community level institutions to take on community beautification and enhancement activities and projects in their respective localities and durbars through a competition amongst localities. The competition amongst localities with a framework for evaluation in various components ultimately aspires to beautify and enhance the localities and to make them tourist friendly. The pilot phase of the competition is limited to the localities of Shillong, East Khasi Hills District, Tura, West Garo Hills District and Jowai, West Jaintia Hills District.

Press Release No. 359/21

MEGHALAYA 1ST IN INDIA TO INITIATE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT MISSION

Meghalaya is probably the only state in India to have conceptualized the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission, a holistic lifecycle approach targeted at overall development of children- right from the preconception period till the age of eighteen. Announcing this in a workshop to review the state’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) curriculum, the Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Mr. Sampath Kumar, IAS said that the ECD Mission was also announced by the Chief Minister in the previous budget session. Hosted at Asian Confluence, Laitumkhrah, Shillong on 20.12.2021, the workshop addressed the vision for early childhood development in Meghalaya, whole child curriculum and proposed an age-wise curriculum with goals, competence, thematic integration, and group work, all of which is part of Meghalaya’s Early Childhood Development Mission. The recommendations made by Sesame Workshop India in consultation with ECCE experts are in the process of being reviewed by representatives of the Social Welfare Department, State Education department, ICDS, NCERT along with representatives from departments of Planning, Health, Community and Rural Development including the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society.

Addressing the participants, the Principal Health Secretary stated that the ECD mission implementation in the State requires a collaborative approach from several departments, including the Health and FW, Social Welfare, Education, C and RD as well as the teachers and parents' cooperation into materialization of this mission. He also gave a detailed presentation of the Meghalaya ECD Mission, while highlighting the mission of the programme. He added that since Meghalaya lags behind in most critical health indicators, with a life expectancy rate lower than the National Average, the ECD mission, which is an investment in children and the State’s future, will help to improve the overall life expectancy of the State’s future residents. An important contribution of the ECD Mission would be that the 1554 villages which are not covered by the ICDS would be catered to by the mission.

Applauding the State’s vision on ECD Mission, Ms. Sonali Khan, Managing Director, Sesame Workshop, India said, “The very fact that numerous departments participated in the consultative workshop is a big achievement in itself and this collaborative approach is exactly what is needed to implement the ECD Mission in Meghalaya”. Speaking about Sesame Workshop and its partnership with the State Government, she added, “It is crucial to develop a learning pedagogy keeping in mind the experiential and play based learning among children. The pedagogy of sharing and expressing the practice is important for all round nurturing of the child and the State’s ECD Mission goals align perfectly with the vision of Sesame workshop”. She assured all support to the state government, not only in developing the ECCE curriculum but also in implementation of the ECD mission in totality.

Vrinda Datta, Ex Director NCERT and Director CECED, Ambedkar University, who joined the session virtually and elaborated at length about the recommendations on the State ECCE curriculum following a review on the same.

Ashwini Godse, an Early Childhood Development specialist explained in detail about the essentials of the ECCE curriculum, age-wise curriculum detailing, grade 1 and grade 2 curriculum goals and competencies, thematic integration, while also facilitating the group work.The workshop concluded with comments and discussions among the members present, while also laying down the next steps of implementation.

It may be mentioned that Meghalaya’s ECD Mission is a multidisciplinary, research based approach which will not only lead to a holistic development of a child but also to overcome poverty and inter-generational gap. The ECD mission focuses not only on the child but also on parents and propagates the 1000 days gap period in terms of birth spacing, including responsible parenthood, which is crucial for the well being of the mothers as well as the children. The workshop witnessed the participation and interaction between several government and non governmental stakeholders including those from the Health and Family Welfare, Social Welfare (Women and Child Development), Education, C and RD Department as well as teachers and educators from several schools including Pine Mount School and Shillong Public School. Each department and representatives spoke about various levels of interventions being undertaken at their capacities and the challenges they face, including the gap that needs to be bridged towards implementation of the ECD mission at large in the State. The need for working in collaboration instead of in silos while expanding the role of women Self Help Groups to leverage the mission was highlighted by the members. The recommendations from the consultative meeting will be incorporated in the State’s ECD Mission and the critical gaps identified under the ECD Mission will be incorporated as part of the implementation process. As a next step, it was also decided that a second round of the ECCE workshop will also be held with the field functionaries in the coming few months.

The welcome speech was given by Mr. Dikki D. Shira, Director, Social Welfare Department while the session was moderated by Ms. Anuragini Nagar, Director, Programs, Sesame Workshops, India. The session ended with a vote of thanks from Ms. Hazel R. Pyrthuh, Asst. Director, ICDS.The workshop was organized by the Office of the Principal Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, Social Welfare Department, in collaboration with Sesame Workshop India, SBI Foundation and SBI Life to review the state’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) curriculum. This exercise is part of the State Government’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission. It may be mentioned that Sesame Workshop India with support from SBI Foundation and SBI Life, launched the Learn Play Grow initiative in 2020 to strengthen ECCE in the state. The program is being delivered in 3200 AWCs in four districts of Meghalaya in Garo and Khasi.

Press Release No. 360/21

MEGHALAYA CHIEF SECRETARY FELICITATES ADOLESCENT GIRLS

The Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, Smt. R V Suchiang, IAS today felicitated the adolescent girls who had undergone the GAP Inc.’s Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement (P.A.C.E.) certified “Empowering Adolescent Girls with Transformational Certified Life Skills Training Programme” conducted by Meghalaya Institute of Governance (MIG) in association with Humara Bachpan Trust (BHT) and FICCI Ladies Organisation at MAMETI Hall, Upper Shillong. The program was implemented in Sohiong, Mawphlang and Laitkroh blocks of East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya for girls between 11 to 17 years by providing a safe and fun learning experience to equipped them with life skills and knowledge to help maintain a happy and healthy life and feel empowered to protect themselves from threats, insults, abuse and to pursue their dreams. A total of 506 girls from 12 villages completed the program.

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Smti RV Suchiang appreciated the efforts of the trainers and the organisations involved in disseminating the knowledge and training the adolescent girls with life skills to prepare themselves for the challenging world ahead. She also motivated the trainees to share and spread the knowledge gained from the training and be an inspiration to their family and friends.

Smt Isawanda Laloo IAS, Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills, who was the Guest of Honour, spoke on the need to extend this program to other areas of the state where in spite of being a matrilineal system, yet atrocities against girls are still prevalent in many forms. So, sending a girl for education is like educating the whole family.

Others who spoke were Smt. Dhariti Patnaik, Founder Chairperson of HBT, the Smt. Arpita Patnaik, Executive Director HBT and Shri. Aiban Swer, Director MIG.

Among others, the Rangbah Shnong of Laitkroh Block, the Principal and teachers of Ram Krishna Mission Secondary School, Mawrah, Presbyterian Secondary School, Mawbeh, Tlongumiam Secondary School, St. Joseph’s LP School, SSA LP School, Pyndenglitha Secondary School and Rev Thomas Jones Secondary School along with the ASHA and Anganwadi workers of their respective blocks, HBT members and MIG team also actively participated in the programme.

Press Release No. 361/21

MEGHALAYA HOSTS NATIONAL CONVENTION ON LIVING ROOT BRIDGES

Meghgalaya's JingkiengJri (Living Root Bridge) are trailblazers that not only highlight the symbiotic relationship between Nature and human culture to a global audience, but more so, it focuses on the need to adopt a balanced approach between economy and ecology, something which the state Government has been working tirelessly in the past few years. This was stated by the Chief Minister Conrad. K. Sangma at the National Convention on Community and Science based Conservation Research and Development of JingkiengJri held at the state Convention Center, Shillong on Dec 21, 2021. The National convention witnessed the presence of the Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, scientists from across the Nation including community representatives and members of the Living Root Bridge (JingkiengJri) Co operative Societies from across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and region. Each of them shared the initiatives being taken by their respective cooperative societies towards not only preserving the JingkiengJris but also preserving the biodiversity (Flora and Fauna) in and around each Living Root Bridge in their respective villages.As part of World Bank supported ‘Meghalaya Community-Led Landscape Management Project’, the Government of Meghalaya is currently developing a Conservation, Research and Development plan for UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination of JinkiengJri. Under this, MariangJinkiengJri Cooperative Societies are being nurtured within a State level federation to facilitate an equitable development vision for all.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister also highlighted the concept of ‘Just Transition’ where he laid emphasis on ensuring a transitional process that is just for all, so that environment conservation is brought about while ensuring livelihoods for the primary force. “As a State Government, we have been extensively working towards Natural Resource Management where we are focusing on creation of livelihood out of the natural resources that we possess, so we use them in a sustained manner and yet create a parallel economy with more inclusive forms of livelihood, while keeping the ecology at the forefront”, he added. “This National conclave on JingkiengJri focuses on just one part of the massive big picture on Natural Resource Management that we are trying to bring about and we feel that the Living Root bridge Conservation project could be a lighthouse project that would bring attention to the need for NRM interventions to preserve the ecosystem while facilitating sustainable livelihoods”, the CM added. He also thanked the community for their support and said that their contribution will go a long way in achieving the long term impact through this JingkiengJri Project while also realizing the overall NRM goals. He said that if the Living Root bridges of Meghalaya receive the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag, it would be more about the larger message that we would be giving to the world that the Living Root Bridge is an ecosystem in itself, supporting many birds, animals, lichen, mushrooms, flowers, trees, serving its simple purpose while allowing the humans to cross over them for their living. The process of making these bridges is an age-old craft, a very much living and alive tradition among the locals in the present age. It is crucial to archive this age-old wisdom of not only making, but more so, conserving the bridges and the related ecosystem.

It may be mentioned that many such living root bridges in the forests are conserved by the communities of Meghalaya in the customary practice of preserving the sacred groves known as 'Law Kyntang'. These forests also possess a huge resource of medicinal plants and herbs. There lies a dire need for the larger world to go back to its roots and respect nature once again.

Speaking at the event, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, the Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India said that the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya which highlights the socio-cultural, social and botanical links among people and Nature is well deserving of the tag of UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the rich micro as well as the macro world associated with the JingkiengJri, which will also initiate the need for their preservation and conservation.

In his opening remarks, Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and CEO, MBDA, said that the confluence of both scientists and people from the grassroots together in one platform is a wonderful idea. While the traditional knowledge of living root bridges is ancient, research on their ecosystem has become altogether more important to improve their conservation.The community representatives of the JingkiengJri cooperatives spoke at length at the National conclave and shared their experiences and unique initiatives. They highlighted interesting activities being undertaken by them, which involved not only keeping alive the age old craft of building the living root bridges and preserving them but also their involvement in a wide array activities such as preserving medicinal herbs, keeping traditional games alive, handicraft activities, planting fruit seedlings, protecting the natural habitat in and around the root bridges. The event also witnessed performances from the community members of the JingkiengJri Cooperative societies.

Iora Dkhar, Chairperson of the Syrwet u BarimMariangJingkiengJri Cooperative Federation Ltd., spoke on the importance of cooperatives for bringing about collective action among communities to preserve the knowledge and skills that have evolved through generations.

The conclave saw the presence of Scientists from all over the country representing Geological Survey of India (GSI), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Indian Institute of Science (IIS), Forest Research Institute, and Center for Environmental Planning and Technology University. Presentations on the observations made from various site visits were shared by the scientists who included Dr. A.A Mao, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director, Zoological Survey of India, Dr. C. Murugan, Scientist, Botanical Survey of India, Dr. Lucy Nongbri, Post Doctoral Research, Renee M Borges Lab, Indian Institute of Science, Prof. Renee Borges, Center for Ecological sciences, Indian Institute of Science, among a group of about 50 scientists and environment specialists. The National Convention is a follow up of the field visits made by the scientists wherein they came across unique species of orchids, amphibians, and mammals which have not yet been reported from anywhere in the country. The field visits also revealed key findings that indicated urgent need for attention to strengthen conservation measures for these unique living structures. The scientists in a unanimous voice said that the living root bridges are a house of several critically endangered species of flora and fauna and therefore are definitely a reason to be considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.