Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 78/10

NATIONAL LEVEL ART WORKSHOP AND EXHIBITION TO BE HELD

Shillong, March 11, 2010: The Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture, Meghalaya will organize a National level Art Workshop and Exhibition from the 15th to 21st March, 2010 in the Conference Hall, Hotel Polo Towers. The Inaugural function will be held on March 15, 2010 at 4:30 PM.

The National Arts Festival will be on view from Marc h 16- 21, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Conference Hall, Hotel Polo Towers, Shillong.

Press Release No. 79/10

MEGHALAYA STATE EX-SERVICEMEN RALLY HELD

Shillong, March 11, 2010: The Directorate of Ex-Servicemen Welfare held the Biennial Meghalaya Ex-Servicemen Rally at 58 GTC Shillong on March 11, 2010. The Governor of Meghalaya who is also the Patron-in-Chief and Chairman of the Rajya Sainik Board, Mr. R S Mooshahary was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Meghalaya Chief Minister and President of the Board, Dr D. D. Lapang, GAD Minister Mr. Paul Lyngdoh, senior officials of the government and the Rajya Sainik Board were also present on the occasion. Also in attendance were nearly 1000 ex-servicemen, widows and dependents from all over the State.

Mr. R S Mooshahary, speaking on the occasion drew attention to the sacrifices made by the Ex-servicemen (ESM) and at the same time requested the Government to look into the proposal regarding re-settlement of ESM into security related jobs in the Government and also requested the Services for placement for contracts with units and formation in Meghalaya as this would benefit ESM to get employment closer to home. Since nearly 60,000 ESM retire annually, the Governor stated that this was a disciple, trained and experienced human resource which could be suitably utilized by the State.

Dr. D. D. Lapang assured the ESM of the Government’s commitment to all proposals put forward by the Directorate especially regarding the construction of Sainik Rest House at Shillong and Tura as well as establishment of their offices and jobs for them. He requested the Army authorities to re-allocate the land in the same survey number at the earliest to facilitate construction, since the construction was delayed for over a year. He also commended the ESM of the State who have provided several highly decorated soldiers like (Late) Capt. Clifford Nongrum.

The Secretary Rajya Sainik Board Brig. William Sturgeon gave the latest details regarding the welfare package and proposals from the Central Government and the State Government as well as the Directorate. Some of the major issues to benefit the State ESM Welfare would be the 90 by 10 funding pattern, likely to be sanctioned by the Centre wherein the Centre would fund 90 per cent of salaries, welfare projects etc for the Sainik Welfare Department of the State.

On the occasion, the Governor also gave away gifts to 60 deserving ESM and widows, some of whom were rewarded for excellent work done. A Barakhana was also organised on the day.

Press Release No. 80/10

NOTIFICATION

Shillong, March 11, 2010: The Government of Meghalaya in a notification issued on March 10, 2010 has appointed Mr. P R Kyndiah, Ex-Union Minister as Chairman of Infrastructure Development Committee with the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister in category “A”.

Press Release No. 81/10

ANGANWADI CENTRE INAUGURATED

Shillong, March 11, 2010: Mr. D Khymdeit, local MLA and Chairman of MCCL inaugurated the Anganwadi Centre building at Kdoh Hati on March 10, 2010 in the presence of Mr. L Lyngdooh, CDPO Umsning, staff of ICDS Umsning, the Headman and local residents. The building was sanctioned at an amount of Rs. 1.75 lakhs.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Khymdeit lauded the Social Welfare Department for its successful implementation of the scheme. He said that the Anganwadi Centre is the foundation school that train children and prepares them to enter formal schooling. Through the Centre, basic health education is also imparted to the students as well as parents. Mr. Khymdeit further urged the people to properly utilize the schemes and projects given to them by the Government for their upliftment and that of the society as a whole.

The meeting was presided by the headman of Kdoh Hati.

Press Release No. 82/10

STATE EMPLOYMENT GUARANTEE COUNCIL MEETS

Shillong, March 11, 2010: A Meeting of the Meghalaya State Employment Guarantee Council was held on the March 11, 2010 at the Committee Hall, Secretariat, Shillong amidst the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. D. D Lapang, Shri. J. A Lyngdoh, Minister I/C Agriculture, Shri. W.M.S Pariat, Chief Secretary, Shri C. D Kynjing, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, C&RD Department, Principal Secretaries of different department and other officials.

The meeting was convened to review progress of implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) in Phase I, II and III districts. The meeting also discussed on issues related to the amendment of guidelines of NREGS in the State, review and consider improvements in the monitoring and Grievances Redressal Mechanism, the approval of the Annual Report under NREGA for the year 2008-09 for placing in the state legislature and other matters.