Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 41/24

MEGHALAYA CHIEF MINISTER INAUGURATES CM CONNECT

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday inaugurated the ambitious programme “CM-CONNECT” that would enable citizens to connect with the government. Through this platform, the citizens will have access to a dedicated Helpline No. 1971 to express their concerns and grievances, which will be addressed.

The programme is the brainchild of Chief Minister, who has embarked on a mission to make every citizen part of the government's development journey. The platform will enable the government to understand on the delivery of the schemes, effectiveness of different services and programmes being implemented in the State. The platform will enable the people to reach out to the government with queries, and government will listen, respond by providing right solutions and addressing the concerns, the Chief Minister said at the launch of the programme at the Convention Centre of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong campus.

CM-CONNECT is a one of its kind initiative not just in North East but across the country. “The entire system has been built and integrated using robust IT technology, wherein every department has been connected through a single window platform,” he said.

As part of the programme, officials from different department has been listed to address to different concerns and grievances in a time bound manner. The citizens can also reach out to the government through social media channels, including WhatsApp. The helpline 1971 will be operational from 8 AM to 8 PM, in five languages including Khasi, Garo and Jaintia.

The Chief Minister also launched various programme like MegARISE, Meghalaya State Organic Mission 2.0, and disbursed funds under Green Meghalaya and FOCUS. He also launched grassroot projects focused on farmers’ welfare, agriculture and environment worth Rs. 400 Crores. MegARISE or protection of vulnerable catchment areas in Meghalaya Project is a step forward to enact the State Water Policy. The project will be implemented with a financial outlay of Rs. 344 Cr and will entail capacity building of community members, enhancement of forests and other ecosystems in catchment areas, livelihood improvement or vulnerable communities in catchment areas.

The Meghalaya State Organic Mission 2.0 envisions to convert and sustain 100,000 hectares of land to National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)-certified organic cultivation by 2029 and double farmers’ income through increased productivity, premium prices and value addition.

During the programme, the Chief Minister also virtually inaugurated 12 processing units and 3 cold storages across the state under Meghalaya NEXT. These units owned and managed by various farmer collectives have been set up as a means to help farmers gain maximum benefit from their produce by limiting wastage.

Press Release No. 42/24

ITI INAUGURATED IN SW KHASI HILLS DISTRICT

The Hon’ble Minister Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development etc. Shri. Shakliar Warjri, today inaugurated the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Sakwang village, Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills District in the presence of Shri. Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, Local MLA, Shri. C. Songate, IRS, Principal Secretary, Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development, Government of Meghalaya, Smti. M. War Nongbri, IAS, Secretary, Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development, Government of Meghalaya. The ITI, Mawkyrwat was constructed under the project- Enhancing Skill Development Initiative in North Eastern State and Sikkim. The inaugural programme was also attended by Shri. Tableland Lyngwa, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat and Smti. A. Kharpor Director, Employment and Craftsmen Training, Government of Meghalaya. The programme was organized by the Directorate of Employment & Craftsmen Training, Government of Meghalaya.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Shri. Shakliar Warjri, the Minister overseeing the Department of Labour, Employment, and Skill Development, expressed gratitude to the dorbar shnong of Sakwang Village for their generous donation of land for the construction of the ITI. He emphasized that the establishment of this ITI would greatly benefit the local youth as well as the entire district. Furthermore, he mentioned the Department's plans to establish more ITIs across the state to enhance skills training opportunities for youth and encourage enrolment in programs that offer skill development in diverse fields. After the completion of training, the Government will also offer placement assistance to eligible students, supporting them in initiating their own ventures, he stated.

The Minister also emphasized on the necessity of establishing a hostel for students, particularly those from remote areas who encounter challenges in commuting from distant locations. Additionally, he mentioned that the ITI will offer five trades, including Surface Embroidery Trade (SET), Wiremen, Office Assistant and Computer Programme (OA&CP), Multimedia Animation and Special Effects (MA&SE), and Driver cum Mechanic. He urged parents to motivate their children to enroll in the ITI, emphasizing that it would provide essential skill training and open up job opportunities for them.

In his address, Shri. Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, local MLA, expressed optimism that the Training Institute would be a boon for the district, particularly the young individuals especially those seeking to acquire knowledge and skills through its programs. He also urged the gathering to utilize the institute's resources effectively and appealed to the teaching faculty to exert effort and deliver their best to ensure that the available resources yield positive results.

The local MLA emphasized the significance of students receiving practical, hands-on training with the equipment and machinery to ensure they develop proficiency in their practical skills and are prepared for the tasks they will undertake in their employment. He also remarked that providing youth with skills would not only reduce their reliance on government jobs but also enable them to seek opportunities in the private sector.

In his speech, Shri. C. Songate, IRS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Labour, Employment, and Skill Development, Government of Meghalaya, expressed that the inauguration marks just the beginning. He emphasized that with the support of the local MLA and the dorbar shnong, they can propel forward towards fulfilling the aspirations of the youth, especially in skill development and adapting to technological changes to pursue successful careers. He appealed to the ITI faculty to work hard to keep the institute's standards high from the initial stage. He mentioned that, with the assistance of the Local MLA, they will try to procure the best possible equipment for the institute. He concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to the Central Government for their financial assistance and to the dorbar shnong for their support in establishing the ITI.

Press Release No. 43/24

6.5 KM RUN ORGANISED AS PART OF THE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR KHELO INDIA UNIVERSITY GAMES 2024

The Directorate of Sport and Youth Affairs Government of Meghalaya together with the North Eastern Hills University Shillong and Sport Authority of India today organised a 6.5 KM run as part of the Promotional Activities for Khelo India University Games 2024.

The Run was flagged off by the Colonel Omkar Singh (retd) Registrar of North Eastern Hills University alongside John F Kharshiiing Working President of Meghalaya State Olympic Association, Prof. L Kma and others.

Around 280 runners were taking part in open category both Male and Female and also above 50 years category. In the 6.5 Km open category male, Dabit Dkhar emerged victorious, Kangujam Bikram Meitei in the second position and Rishanmehi Ryngkhlem in the Third. In the Female category  Marqueenless Ramsiej claimed the title as champion, Sarojani second and  Bandasharai Marwein in third position. In the open category above 50 years Badon Singh Tham (Male) and Ibameri Shulllai (Female) were awarded Consolation Prizes.

Addressing the gathering Colonel Omkar Singh (retd) Registrar of North Eastern Hills University expressed his views on the initiative, emphasizing its significance in promoting athletes on the International stage.  He also stated that the Government aims to nurture talents enabling athletes to compete at the highest levels and bring laurels to the state and the nation.  

This event serves as a testament to Meghalaya’s Commitment to fostering a culture of sports and encouraging aspiring athletes to reach new heights in their sporting careers.

The Khelo India University Games 2024 host city promotional activities reflects the state’s dedication to the development of sports and the well being of its citizens.   

Press Release No. 44/24

UNION MINISTER OF STATE KUM. PRATIMA BHOUMIK VISITS CRC SHILLONG

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Kum. Pratima Bhoumik inaugurated the Skilled Training Programme under PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi) Yojana, for Persons With Disabilities (Divyangjan) in Shillong today. The programme was organised at Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Shillong.

The Minister also distributed NIRAMAYA Health Cards among the beneficiaries. 10 persons from Shillong enrolled for the training programme in the event today. Addressing the gathering Kum. Bhoumik said that Central Government is committed towards the empowerment of Divyangjan and is working on the vision of the Prime Minister by serving the last man. The minister said that commitment is evident from the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the North-East more around 60 times since 2014, while his Council of Ministers has also visited the North-East more than 450 times. The result is a miraculous transformation in the region and her department has also left no stone unturned to provide the Divyangjan with opportunities for inclusive development.

She underscored the need for the Skill training programme for empowerment of Divyangs and her department is always ready to extend any kind of support to meet the need required for their welfare. The initiatives launched by the department encompass a wide range of transformative actions, reflecting the government’s relentless pursuit of a more inclusive society, she added. The initiatives reflect DEPwD's unwavering dedication to advancing disability rights and harnessing technology to improve the lives of persons with disabilities across the nation, she added.

She informed the gathering about the details of the schemes being implemented by the department for Divyangjan. She said that Divyangjans are an integral part of human resource and the Central Government is committed to build a capable environment in every possible way for inclusive opportunity for Divyangjan.

She lauded the efforts of the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRC- Shillong)  in providing better services to the disabled. The Minister specially appreciated the services rendered by the centre to the differently-abled by conducting various medical treatments and vocational training classes for their speedy recovery. She interacted with the divyangjan and listened to the success stories narrated by the beneficiaries. The minister also appreciated the efforts put forward by the state government in taking forward the initiatives of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for benefit of the divyangs of the state. 

The programme was also attended by the Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt.of Meghalaya, Social Welfare Department Shri Pravin Baksi, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Smt Sabrella B Marak and other officials of the state government.