Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 147/06

RECRUITMENT RALLY

The Director Sainik Welfare, Meghalaya has informed that a Recruitment Rally will be held at Nagaon (Assam) from April 20 to April 29, 2006. The written exam for the same will be held on April 30, 2006. All Districts of Meghalaya will be covered. Eligible sons of Ex-servicemen will be given special concessions and may contact the Rajya Sainik Board/Zila Sainik Board immediately.

Press Release No. 150/06

CM INUAGURATES NEW MIDC HEAD OFFICE

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D D Lapang who is also the Chairman of the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) today inaugurated the new office building of the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) at Upland Road, Laitumkhrah, Shillong in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Donkupar Roy, MEDC Chairman, Mr. R G Lyngdoh and Commissioner and Secretary, Industries, Mr. S S Gupta. The inaugural function was presided over by Co-Chairman of the MIDC, Mr. O L Nongtdu.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Lapang said that the setting up of the MIDC was basically to promote industrial development in the State of Meghalaya, adding that their success or failure depends largely upon the leadership the Corporation takes. He further said that infrastructure should be provided side by side and stressed must be made for upgradation of technology. Dr. Lapang further stated that the Government is well aware that the proper infrastructure in the form of industrial land, power and transport are essential prerequisites for effective industrialization. He also informed that the Central Government has declared a belt between Byrnihat and Khanapara as a Scheme Industrial Area. He further informed that the State Government has already relaxed the provision of the Land Transfer Act to facilitate transfer of land to industrial units, adding that with the setting up of Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP) at Byrnihat, at Barapani and in the District Head Quarters, the State Government has also identified to set up another large Industrial Area in Ri Bhoi District.

Dr. Lapang also stated that the job opportunities has to be supplemented by setting up of industrial units where the educated unemployed youth can profitably be employed, adding that with the proper identification of products, it would solve the unemployment problems to a large extend.

Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Donkupar Roy in his speech said that though the State has many resources, it is yet to achieve the required level of economic development owing to the problems of infrastructure development and market competition and stability. He suggested that more land has to be acquired by the Government in different districts of the State for setting up of Industrial Areas particularly in the East Khasi Hills District. He also suggested that the MIDC should prepare ready made projects for the aspiring entrepreneurs who face difficulties in preparing such projects for acquiring financial assistance in setting up of any industry or trade.

Others who spoke in the function were MEDC Chairman, Mr. R G Lyngdoh, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries, Mr. S S Gupta, Managing Director, Jaintia Cements Ltd, Mr S K Lato while Director of Industries, Mr S B Gurung proposed the vote of thanks.

Press Release No. 151/06

SHILLONG SCIENCE CENTRE INAUGURATED

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr D D Lapang today inaugurated the newly constructed Shillong Science Centre located inside the NEHU campus, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Donkupar Roy, Minister of Science & Technology, Mrs D C Marak, Chief Secretary, Mr P J Bazeley, NEHU Vice Chancellor, Prof P Tandon and the Chairman, Governing Body, National Council of Science Museums, Prof. R S Sirohi.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Lapang appreciated the initiatives of the Central Government through the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Tourism and Culture for developing the Science Centre in Shillong which he felt would create a scientific temper among the students and the community as a whole by learning the basics of science through fun and enjoyment. He said that the commissioning of the Science Centre is a historic moment in the learning of science in the State.

Dr Lapang said that the theme of the Science Centre which is 'Water' is very appropriate as it would create awareness among the people about the importance of water conservation. He urges the students to take full advantage of the facility and enjoy learning science in a more practical way. He said that the presence of the Science Centre would also attract more tourists to the State. Dr Lapang felt that such Science Centres should also be set up in other regions of the State particularly in the rural areas for the benefit of the rural community and the students in particular.

Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Donkupar Roy in his speech said that the Science Centre is an important facility for the students in learning science the simple way. He hopes the centre would create scientific temper among the students.

It may be mentioned that the Shillong Science Centre is located inside the NEHU permanent campus with an area of 2.5 acres and was built at a cost of Rs. 2 crores. 90pc of the project cost is borne by the Government of India while 10pc by the State Government. The Centre has been conceived, designed and developed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India with the support of the State Government. The NCSM administers 27 science centres and museums throughout the country.

The facilities offered by the Shillong Science Centre are the Water Gallery, the Fun Science Gallery, the Mini Planetarium, the Butterfly Enclave, the Science Park and the activities for students in the form of experiments, demonstrations, quizzes and others.

Among others who spoke in the inaugural function were Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs D C Marak, Chief Secretary, Mr P J Bazeley, Chairman, Governing Body, NCSM and Vice Chancellor, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Prof. R S Sirohi and Director General, NCSM, Mr Ingit Mukherjee.