Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 16/25

MEGHALAYA KOCH ASSOCIATION CELEBRATED 55TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE WITH CULTURAL AND LITERARY FOCUS

The Meghalaya Koch Association (MKA) successfully concluded its 55th Annual Conference on Sunday at Dumnigaon, Garobadha, South West Garo Hills, after three days of cultural festivities, social awareness sessions, and literary discussions and open session. The event, held from February 21-23 was organised by Meghalaya Koch Association, Ghasura, Ampati, witnessing participation from community leaders, scholars, and dignitaries from various states and Nepal. The conference began with the release of a Koch audio album, 'Sona Kocho' featuring vocals by Devpratim Koch and lyrics by Kandarpa Koch. On February 22, MKA President Jibananda Koch hoisted the association’s flag, followed by a tribute to the organization’s founding fathers.

A key session focused on social awareness, with active participation from organizations such as the Meghalaya Koch Association, Koch Krorang Mathop (Koch Literature Society), Meghalaya Koch Students’ Union and Meghalaya Koch Women Welfare Association Several community achievers were felicitated, including Ashish Koch (newly selected MCS), Rohesh Koch (NCC gold medalist), Pranami Koch (filmmaker and director of Koro Gochongni), Harolyn Koch Shadap and Dhiras Banai Koch for their contribution to society through their video album. A newly selected MCS officer also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of education in the Koch community. A souvenir, 'Champani' was released during the session.

The second session highlighted interregional collaborations, featuring representatives from Nepal, West Bengal, and Assam. Discussions centered on strengthening ties between Koch communities across state and national borders.

On the final day, a literary session brought together prominent scholars, including Professor Bhabesh Koch from Karbi Anglong, Professor Jeuti Khamti from Mankachar College, and linguist Pranshu Munjal from Assam. The session focused on the preservation and promotion of the Koch language, which was recognized as endangered by experts. Scholars stressed the urgent need for language revitalization to safeguard cultural identity.

The open session was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Subir M. Marak, MLA of Rangsakona and Chairman of the Meghalaya Khadi & Village Industries Board. Other notable attendees included Guest of Honour, Sadhiarani M. Sangma (MDC, Dengnakpara), Pramod Koch (Deputy Chairman, GHADC, Tura), Sanjay Koch (MDC, Betasing), and former MDCs Shri Premanando Koch and Nripendra Koch.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to cultural preservation, community development, and educational advancement within the Koch community.

Press Release No. 17/25

INAUGURATION OF FINANCIAL LITERACY WEEK 2025

The Reserve Bank of India, RBI, Shillong, organised the inaugural event of the Financial Literacy Week, FLW 2025 on February 24, 2025, at Hotel Vivanta, Shillong. The FLW is being celebrated from February 24-28, 2025, under the theme Financial Literacy, Women s Prosperity, which underscores the critical role of financial empowerment in enabling women to achieve economic independence and prosperity.

The inaugural event was graced by esteemed guests, including Smti. Idashisha Nongrang, IPS, DGP, Meghalaya Police, as the Chief Guest, along with Shri Ramakrishna Chitturi, IAS, Additional Secretary, Finance Department. The event was also attended by DGM NABARD, MD Meghalaya Cooperative Bank, AGM State Bank of India, and senior officials from various banks operating in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Olden Nongpluh, General Manager and Officer in Charge, RBI Shillong, emphasized that financial literacy is not just about managing money, it is about empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures. This year, RBI is particularly focused on women, as their financial empowerment has a ripple effect on families, communities, and the economy at large.

Smti. Idashisha Nongrang, IPS, DGP, Meghalaya Police, in her keynote address, appreciated the efforts of RBI in furthering financial literacy in the state. She emphasized the importance of imparting financial literacy among women, as empowering women will result in empowering an entire generation. She also encouraged banks to improve the implementation of various schemes and scale up financial awareness among rural households.

Shri Ramakrishna Chitturi, Additional Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Meghalaya, in his address, highlighted the importance of providing a whole bouquet of financial services, including basic insurance and pension products, in addition to having a basic savings account. He highlighted the importance of Self-Help Groups in empowering women through a community-based mechanism of lending. He also urged banks to strengthen the BC network and undertake necessary measures to reach out to the rural population in distant areas.

In a bid to make financial literacy more engaging and accessible to the younger generation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Shillong organized various competitions, including a poster-making competition and a reels/short videos competition for students. The event was organized as a precursor to Financial Literacy Week 2025, and the winners of the event were also felicitated during the event.

Further, RBI Shillong, in collaboration with local banks and stakeholders, will organize a series of awareness programs and outreach activities across all the blocks of the state. These initiatives are designed to equip women with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed financial decisions, plan for their futures, and safeguard their financial well-being.