Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 158/24

THREE DAYS BUYER SELLER MEET HELD AT JOWAI

The office of the Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hill in collaboration with several line departments in the district, organized a Buyer Seller meet on 5th December to 7th December, 2024 at Jrisalein Playground, Chuwakhu, Jowai. The event was inaugurated by Local MLA and Chairman MUDA Shri. Wailadmiki Shylla was the chief guest.

Shri. Wailamiki Shylla in his address, said the initiative of the buyer seller meet is aimed at promoting the products of the farmers of the district and also serves as a platform to encourage youths seeking jobs to learn from such opportunities. He encouraged the farmers to actively interact with each other, shae innovative ideas and to maintain a welcoming attitude and be friendly with visitors at the stalls. He encouraged the youths to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the government through various schemes, urging them to consider starting their own business. He stressed that if the government provided opportunities are used wisely, jobs can be created.

Deputy Commissioner Shri. B.S Sohliya, IAS, stated that the buyer-seller meet aims to help farmers from across the district and state exchange ideas and learn from each other. He expressed hope that the buyer-seller meet would help farmers boost their production in future and gain valuable insights. He also emphasized the importance of using eco- friendly bags instead of plastic bags, urging the farmers, sellers and visitors to use biodegradable bags.

Shri. F. B Basan, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Project Director, DRDA, Jowai highlighted that the three days event is an opportunity for both farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to showcase their products and tools. The SHGs can promote their goods, exchange ideas and learn from each other. He also informed that the event will also serve as a platform for youths to showcase their talent through musical performance, traditional dance and a fashion show, promoting the local culture and creativity.

Over the course of three days, a diverse range of products was showcased at the buyer and seller meet, including agricultural products such as organic fresh vegetables, fruits, processed food items, species, as well as local craft and handcraft. A food court featuring regional specialties was also set up to attract visitors. Around 120 stalls have been set up. Stalls were also set up to provide information on career opportunities and overseas employment.

Certificates and toolkits were distributed to the trainees who have completed their training in different trades under MSSDS (Meghalaya State Skill Development Society).

Press Release No. 159/24

PAINT MY CITY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN TURA

The First of its kind “Paint my City Campaign” was launched today at District Auditorium, Tura where Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Speaker, Government of Meghalaya Thomas A Sangma joined the function online from New Delhi. An initiative of the Chief Minister for Greener, Cleaner Tura City, the program was organized by the Planning Department, West Garo Hills Tura. The campaign is designed to be a year- long exercise which will bring along community members particularly the youth in practising cleanliness as a lifestyle.

Speaking on the occasion from New Delhi, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, congratulated the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani and others involved in the campaign for successfully starting this particular campaign in the district. He said that this campaign was initiated earlier in other towns and cities also but somehow could not materialize. Mentioning that the thought process behind this project is very simple, he stated that lot of cleaning drives are being organized every now and then in order to keep our town and city look clean and beautiful however, these are not sustainable since garbage, dirty walls, etc could be seen everywhere whenever a person ride or walk through the city. Therefore, he reiterated that the public needs to be sensitized on the overall habit of a person, create awareness and inculcate the sense of respect and ownership towards public amenities among our citizens.

Therefore, the Chief Minister informed that Paint my City Campaign which is meant for all localities, government employees both state and central Government, District Council adding that if the citizens paint their boundary walls, houses, building and maintenance the city would adorn a new and look beautiful. The campaign comprises murals showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the community, he added.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Speaker Thomas A Sangma speaking from New Delhi said that this is a good initiative which encourages communities and young artists to come forward and transform our society for a greener and cleaner Tura in future.

Further, the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Jagdish Chelani informed that the campaign which is an initiative of the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma aims to ensure and beautify the towns in the district. Mentioning that the cleaning drives are being done under Government of India’s Swacchta Hi Seva and therefore, the government desires to beautify with art and leverage the youth who have talent to showcase their talent and make Tura the cleanest city in future.

During the function, an amount of Rs. 50, 000/- along with paint brush and paint has been distributed to five localities and others can collect from the concerned office.