Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 55/10

ROAD RENAMED

Shillong, 25February 2010: The Governor of Meghalaya has renamed the Shillong Sohra Road as Rev Thomas Jones Road with immediate effect. This was informed by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, General Administrative Department.

Press Release No. 57/10

COMMUNITY AWARENESS PROGRAMME CONDUCTED AT BAGHMARA

Shillong, 25 February 2010: A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted a community awareness programme on disaster management at Rangku Memorial Secondary School, Baghmara. Project Director, DRDA Shri. R. P Marak chaired the inaugural function and highlighted the motives and activities of NDRF and its purpose in organizing the programme which would benefit the people residing in the area. Speaking in the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, South Garo Hills District, Smt. M. H. K Marak congratulated the team for organizing the programme and for the benefit it gives to the local people through their realistic demonstration. She urged upon the gathering to stay aware of the situation and imbibe upon the teachings and safety measures provided to counter natural disaster such as earthquake, flood, and fire accident. Shri. Anurag Kumar, SP, Baghmara also stressed upon the need for thorough knowledge on the safety measures to minimize casualties, loss of lives, property and the ability to coordinate with the rescue team.

The NDRF team, headed by team commander, Shri. D. K Pandey elaborately demonstrated the process of rescuing victims during natural disaster with different techniques and rescuing equipments and weapons. The team will also impart training during the month long programme to the villagers and student community of the area. The NDRF has been carrying out various operations for the past three years in Assam, Bihar and many more during floods.

Over 1500 people including district officers of Baghmara, elders, Secretary, President of various NGOs, Principal and students of various schools attended the programme. As part of the awareness programme they also exhibited their equipments use during emergency operation.

Press Release No. 58/10

TOT TRAINING FOR CAPACITY BUILDING HELD AT BAGMARA

Shillong, 25 February 2010: A two day district level TOT training on SGSY for capacity building and skill up gradation under South Garo Hills district started today at Circuit House, Baghmara. Shri. R. P Marak, Project Director, DRDA in his keynote address explained the aim and objective of the training. Out of 864 villages only 463 numbers of SHGs have been registered at the South Garo Hills District which indicates that Garo Hills lacks behind in comparison to other districts. If more SHGs are set up more funds will be allotted which will impact on the development of the society. He also encouraged the trainees to motivate the villagers to form more SHGs and register with their concerned blocks. Deputy Commissioner, Smt. M. H. K Marak also briefed on the importance of SHGs formation saying that, empowering women not only brings economic stability but will boost developmental growth of the society. Resource person, Shri. Sengwat D. Snagma, APO, SGSY, DRDA, Tura and Smt. E Lyngdoh, Faculty member of ETCSIRD, Nongsder, Shillong and other will give discourse in the two-day training where Extension Officers of Blocks, Gram Sewaks and Sevikas of each blocks, member Secretary of various SHGs and others will be attending the training.