Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 78/17

CHIEF MINISTER INAUGURATES SOHIONG BLOCK

Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma today inaugurated Sohiong C & RD Block at Sohiong in the presence of Minister, C & RD Department, Sniawbhalang Dhar and also laid the Foundation Stone for Sohiong Rural Market at Sohiong Market. Speaking at the Inaugural Function, Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma said that Sohiong C & RD Block is the first block out of the newly inaugurated blocks to become functional from the day of its inauguration and expressed happiness that the beautiful asset will be utilized to serve the people more efficiently. He added that such inaugurations in serving the people are humble beginnings to accelerate progress and prosperity in the state. “The agenda of development and prosperity in the state is the shared agenda of the people of Meghalaya and there is a need to ensure that no one dislocates this momentum of growth and development,” he said. The Chief Minister also said that all blocks need to work aggressively with Village Employment Councils (VEC) and that the government has decided to spend 1000 crores through MGNREGS by engaging with the VECs by utilizing some component of MGNREGS for livelihood programmes and activities. He further added that every village in Meghalaya is unique and exclusive and should work in convergence and partnership to ensure that the aspirations of the people are fulfilled and a sense of well being and hope prevails in the state.

Later, the Chief Minister also handed over work orders under MGNREGS to VECs of four villages under the newly inaugurated Sohiong C & RD Block. Dr Mukul M Sangma also expressed his gratitude to North Eastern Council (NEC) for fast tracking the project of Rural Market at Sohiong. Sohiong Rural Market is a project of 11 crores and 50 lakhs out of which NEC will fund 10 crores and 35 lakhs. The project is expected to be completed by October 2019. Among others who spoke at the inaugural function were Minister, Home etc and MLA Sohiong, H D R Lyngdoh who chaired the function, Minister, C & RD, Sniawbhalang Dhar, Kennedy Khyriem, MLA, Mawphlang, Secretary, NEC, Ram Muivah, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, P S Dkhar, Sirdar, Marbisu Sirdarship , Syiem Hima Nongspung, Syiem, Hima Mylliem and Lyngdoh, Sohiong Lyngdohship.

Press Release No. 79/17

CHIEF MINISTER ATTENDS INTERACTION ON GREEN ECONOMY

Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma today participated in an Interactive Discussion on ‘Green Economy: Promises and Pitfalls’ organized by Asian Confluence and Heinrich Boll Stiftung, India at Asian Confluence Centre at Laithumkhrah, Shillong. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma said that the present generation has deviated from the time tested practices of the forefathers and deforestation with its loss of rich biodiversity is the biggest challenge today. He added that Green Economy must be in a broader concept engaging people and community to preserve and protect while formatting livelihood opportunities ensuring sustainable ecology. The Chief Minister also highlighted various initiatives of the state government in promoting a greener and sustainable economy and later answered to various questions and queries of the gathering. Chief Secretary, Meghalaya, K S Kropha in his address said that Meghalaya is one of the states that have contributed in maintaining carbon emissions by improving its forest cover over the years. He added that the lifestyle and values we adopt will determine what kind of Earth we will leave behind for future generations. The concept of Green Economy attempts at reconciling ecology and economics. The interaction while discussing the necessity for a greener cleaner economy also discussed the impacts of the global ‘brown’ industrial dictates that have for so long driven the world’s economy. Discussions were also made in the context of development in the North East, the region being rich in mineral and natural resources but not yet significantly developed in heavy industries. Growing issues related to mining, deforestation and water pollution, resulting in considerable ecological destruction, climatic imbalance, social inequality, community involvement and participation formed the core points for deliberation and debate giving scope for making informed choices on the direction for the future and set the paradigm of growth for the region.