Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 914/06

STATE LEVEL WORKSHOP ON SHG HELD

With the aim of facilitating dialogue for creation of a suitable framework for Coordination, Action and Policies for Self-Help Groups (SHG), a one day workshop was organized by the office of the State Coordinator for SHG, Government of Meghalaya in association with the Meghalaya Rural Development Society (MRDS). Held at the NIC auditorium, Shillong on November 2, 2006 the workshop was inaugurated by the Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. S. K. Tiwari. Self-help group promoting NGOs, bankers, departments and organisation involved in SHG promotion participated in the workshop.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tiwari lamented the lack of clarity among the general public about the functioning and goals of Self Help Groups and the concept of micro financing. Weighing the pros and cons of SHGs, Mr. Tiwari said while the non-confrontational and inward looking approach of the SHG movement helps in capacity building and brings about empowerment by enablement, he opined that this kind of approach has its limitations as it does not promote social engineering. Turing to micro-financing, Mr. Tiwari added that while this system of financing does help alleviate poverty it does not promote enterprise. As the inertest rates of such as a financing system weighs heavily on the borrower, he felt that micro-financing can never replace formal credit. Mr. Tiwari emphasized the need for banks to expand their coverage so as to prevent exploitation by money lenders, particularly for the poorer borrower.

Earlier, the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Planning (PID), Cooperation Department and State Coordinator for SHG, Dr. Shreeranjan, informed that the at present there are between five to six thousand SHGs in Meghalaya and therefore the role and function of the State Coordinator for Self Group Groups is to prepare a Directory of existing SHGs, preparing report on the status and health of each SHG and to suggest measures for activating Self Help Groups and other related functions in the matter.

The formal website of the office of the State Coordinator for SHG www.megselfhelp.gov.in was also launched by the Meghalaya Chief Secretary on the occasion.

The day long workshop featured presentations by Dr. Anita P. Jyrwa, Mrs. Angela Rangad, MRDS, presentation by NABARD, Mr. Daniel Ingty, NERCRMP, West Garo Hills among others.

Press Release No. 915/06

MEGH MEET 2006 INAUGURATED

Megh Meet 2006, a three-day Under-17 athletic event organized by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya was inaugurated today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex by Meghalaya Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Mr. Paul Lyngdoh. More than 500 athletes from all the districts of Meghalaya are taking part in the event. The objective of the event is to tap the young talented sportspersons of the state who would at a later stage represent the state in regional, national and international level.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Lyngdoh lauded the organizer of the event which would not only bring the youth together of the state but would also help the youth to exhibit their sporting potential. Exhorting the youth not to succumb to any circumstances but to be victor of circumstances, he urged them to be steadfast when faced by any challenge in life so that they become an asset to the state and the nation as a whole.

Others who were present on the occasion were Mr. Y. Tsering, Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Sports & Youth Affairs who also gave the welcome address, Mr. D. P. Wahlang, Secretary, Department of Sports & Youth Affairs and others.

Press Release No. 916/06

ROAD CLOSED

The NEC Division, Jowai has notified that the Borghat-Sunapur road is temporarily closed to vehicular traffic due to the collapse of the weak timber bridge about 5 kilometers away from Sunapur (NH-44). All efforts are being made to restore normal traffic on this road at the earliest. The time required for restoration work is 2 (two) week.

Press Release No. 917/06

RECRUITEMENT RALLY

The Director of Sainik Welfare has informed that the India Air Force will conduct a recruitment rally at Shillong from 16-19 January 2007 for group ‘X and Y’ trades. Interested and eligible candidates may contact the Director of Sainik Welfare for clarification and coaching classes.

Press Release No. 918/06

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO VAS AND NGOS

The District Planning Officer, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh is inviting application/proposals from Registered Voluntary Agencies (VAs)/Non Government Organisation (NGOs) under Ri Bhoi District, for consideration of providing financial assistance during 2006-2007 for the activities on short term training and short terms seminars.

The last date for submission of application/proposals is 20.12.06. For application forms and further details contact the District Planning Office (D.C.s Office) Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh in person or call at 232141.

Press Release No. 919/06

WORLD AIDS DAY OBSERVED

Together with the rest of the world, World Aids Day was observed in the State on December 2, 2006.

At Williamnagar, Eat Garo Hills District a function was organized by the office of the District Medical and Health Officer, Williamnagar, at the Sacred Heart Mission Home, Williamnagar.

As an integral part of the function, the causes of HIV/AIDS, the fatal diseases and its prevention were highlighted. Focus was also drawn to the burning issue of Malaria, immunization and maternal health care. A drawing competition was also organized as part of the programme.

At Ri Bhoi District, the day was organized at Nongpoh by the Lynti Jam Welfare and Development Association in collaboration with the District Medical Health Officer, Ri Bhoi District wherein Dr. D D Lapang, Chairman, MEDC and local MLA was the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Lapang said that AIDS has claimed millions of lives globally and the only to contain the dreaded virus is mass awareness. Calling upon students and NGOs to join hand in the endeavour to prevent further aggression of the disease in times to come, Dr. Lapang lauded the organizers for initiative terming it as a crucial step in the right direction.

As part of the programme and accountability on HIV/AIDS, a red ribbon campaign was launched by the chief guest. A football match for women was also organized.

Press Release No. 920/06

TAKING OVER OF LAND

The District Collector, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh has informed that the plot of land measuring 1, 12,084.51 sqm more or less covered under the Government declaration No. RDA.29/2004/443 dated 7.9.06 has been taken over possession of by the District Collector, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh on 24.11.06 for construction of 4-lanning of NH-37 between Khanapara and Jorabad in Ri Bhoi District,, Meghalaya. The aforesaid plot of land is therefore vested absolutely in the Government free from all encumbrance.

Press Release No. 921/06

SECTION 144 CRPC PROMULGATED

The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has promulgated an order under section 144 CrPC prohibiting holding of any demonstration/ rally/taking out of procession, shouting of slogans, carrying of arms and other lethal weapons and assembly of five or more persons within 200 meters radius of the Arts & Culture Building at Rilbong, Shillong which is a temporary Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

This order comes into force with immediate effect and remains in force till further orders.

Press Release No. 922/06

FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT CONCLUDED

The 2nd Inter Dong Football Tournament for men and women organized by the Seng Samla Pahamsyiem at the NSCA Mini Stadium concluded on December 02nd, 2006 where Lumdiengthang S C and Pdengshnong S C emerged as champions in men and women section respectively. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Dr. D. D. Lapang, Chairman, Meghalaya Economic Development Council who is also the local MLA.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Lapang lauded the organizer of the tournament saying that such tournament builds up the youth physically and mentally. He said that Pahamsyiem is the central locality of Nongpoh and its residents should take the challenge to be an example to others in every sphere of social and economical life in the area.

Earlier on the day, Dr. Lapang also attended the Final football match at Nongjri Playground in which Ritiang Sports Club defeated Shilliang Umdoh sports club in the Under-16 while Sumer Sports Club beat Sohliya Sports Club in a tie breaker in the senior section. The tournament was organized by Nongjri Sports & Cultural Club in which 32 Clubs participated.

Press Release No. 923/06

WORLD DISABLED DAY OBSERVED

Along with the rest, World Disabled Day was also observed at Nongstoin on December 02, 2006 held at the District Social Welfare Office Campus. Sports and games were organised and Medical Check Ups were conducted to mark the day. Free medicine was also distributed to the disabled. The Syiem Khynnah of Nongstoin attended the function as the Chief Guest. The Medical and Health Officer gave the keynote address on the types of disability and their detection and prevention.

At Ri Bhoi District, the day was organized at Nongpoh by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer in collaboration with the District Mission Coordination & S. A, Ri Bhoi District. Mr. E. Kharmalki, ADM and Project Director, DRDA, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh was the chief guest on the day.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kharmalki informed that the Government is taking much care of the differently abled people and set aside 3 p.c. job reservation for them and also 3 p.c. out of DRDA fund is allotted for them. The Government has also instructed all public offices to make provision of ramps to provide barrier free environment for the disabled in their respective office premises, he added. He then called upon the people not to neglect the differently abled people but to give love and affection to them.

Sports competition and other entertainments for the disabled were also organized as part of the programme.

Press Release No. 924/06

VAN DONATED

Dr. D. D. Lapang, local MLA and Chairman, Meghalaya Economic Development Council donated a Bolero-Mini Van to the newly established Lum Sinai Parish at Umden. A function was organized on the occasion which was attended by a large multitude. Also present on the occasion were Parish Preist, Rev. Fr .R. Kharkrang, Rev. Fr. L. Nongkseh, Nongpoh Parish Priest, Mr. C. B. Syiem, MDC and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Lapang expressed his pleasure to be able to associate himself with the people of the area. He reminded the people of the hard work and dedicated services of the past Catholic missionaries in the area and elsewhere for the cause of the Gospel and all round welfare to the people. He said that the new Parish will be another platform of service to the people in the time to come.