Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 46/11

AREAS OF OPERATION OF LPG DISTRIBUTORS RE-DEMARCATED

Shillong, February 4, 2011: In partial modification of the earlier order and in view of the appointment of a new Gas Agency at Nongshiliang Nongthymmai, Shillong by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited, the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District has informed that the areas of operation of the respective LPG distributors has been re-demarcated with immediate effect.

The Echcloy Gas Agency will cater to the entire Malki area including Dhankheti, Barik, Kharmalki, Nongthymmai area including Lawjynriew, Springside, Rngijynriew, Madanryting, Happpy Valley, Demthring, Nongkrem, Laitkor, Smit, Lachumiere, Lummawrie, Bhati Colony, Nongrim Bah, Motinagar, Firebrigade, Mawryngkneng and Sohryngkham.

The Mecofed Gas Agency will cater to the Nongthymmai area including Pohkseh, Pohktieh, Rynjah, Lapalang, Jingkieng, Nongshiliang, Nongrah and Nongrim Hills while Sunny Indane Gas Agency will cater to the consumers residing in Wahthio, Dum Dum, Lumiablot and Jylli Shop.

Customers of Wahthio, Dum Dum, Lumiablot and Jylli Shop who have registered their names earlier with Mecofed/Echcloy Gas Agency will be transferred to Sunny Indane Gas Agency electronically to avoid inconvenience. Consumers of these agencies can contact the concerned agency with regard to this matter.

Press Release No. 47/11

2 DAY NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF INDIAN COLLEGES FORUM CONCLUDED

Shillong, 4 February, 2011: The 17th National Conference of Indian Colleges Forum (ICF) conducted at Union Christian College, Umiam concluded today the 4th February, 2011. The two Day Conference themed, “Higher Education in India: The Developing Dynamics” was organized by the Meghalaya Colleges Principals Council (MCPC) in collaboration with the New Delhi-based Society for Economics and Educational Development (SEED).

Dr Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya graced the occasion as Chief Guest, Smt. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Education Minister as guest of honour. Other special guests include Oscar Fernandez, MP and Chairperson of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Dr. V. Kharmawphlang, Coordinator, MPCC, Dr. C. Massar, Principal, Lady Keane College and Coordinator, MPCC, Dr. D. Chaudhury, Principal, Women’s College, Prof. G. D. Sharma, Chairperson, SEED, Shri P. P. Shrivastava, Chairperson, NERCC, Principals of various colleges from different parts of the country, professors, students and many more.

Speaking in the occasion Dr. Mukul Sangma highlighted the importance to ensure stability in the educational sector and provide education to every child. He stated, “today with the openings in the economic front many opportunities are made available to the unemployed youth especially in a country like India where the population of youth is larger than any other country. He further highlighted the constraints in the educational sector in which the availability of quality teachers is very less. Therefore he stated infrastructural policy and training programme is the need of the hour and will prove successful. He laid emphasis on the need to commercialized education as a way to generate revenue to fund education.

Oscar Fernandez stated the Central government’s effort is to wipe every tear from every eye by taking education to every child. He further expressed his concern to restore India’s reputation as one of the World’s sought after educational destination. He praised the efforts of the Education Minister under the leadership of Dr. Mukul Sangma for pledging to regain back its reputation. He further expressed his concern over the students going elsewhere for higher education and said, “brain drained needs to be monitored and retain.” he also stated that the reports of the deliberations will be taken to the committee for discussions and will revert back to the forum on what is to be done.

Smt. Ampareen Lyngdoh stated that the meeting will go a long way for the betterment of education and the country as a whole. She also highlighted on the public funding for education according to the 11th Plan and on how to reform higher education enhancing the coverage of education.

The conference adopted several resolutions which will be forwarded to the Union HRD Ministry for consideration.