Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 36/23

TRAINING PROGRAMME ON TECHNOLOGIES INNOVATIONS IN WEATHER FORECASTING, EARLY WARNING

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India in collaboration with the State Disaster Management Authority, Meghalaya organised a three days Training Programme on Technologies Innovations in Weather Forecasting, Early Warning and Last Mile Connectivity from 14th 16th March 2023 at the Lecture Hall, Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute (MATI), Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.

In the inaugural session held today, Smti M. War Nongbri, Executive Director, Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority graced the programme as the Chief Guest. Speaking at the programme Smti M. War Nongbri, said that such training is very important as of late the state has witnessed the impact of disasters on the life of the people, the economical status of the state and the country as a whole and how disasters have affected the people in the long run. She expressed hope that the training will enable the state to combat the onslaught of any natural disaster on the availability of the technological innovations in weather forecasting and early warning systems like the other states. Dr. Rajnish Ranjan, Senior Consultant, NIDM New Delhi presented a briefing about the programme.

The aims and objectives of the training programme are to sensitize the trainees about the fundamental concept of weather forecasting, early warning and last mile connectivity. It also aims to acquaint them about the technological innovations being used by agencies, state governments and local bodies to disseminate early warning information of inclement weather and other hydro-meteorological hazards at the community level. Enabling them to understand their roles and responsibilities in dealing with the weather information and data. To get the trainees aware of various guidelines, Acts and provisions of the Government of India and how these provisions and advisories can be effectively utilised at the ground level. To equip them with related case study and best practices of forecasting and early warning with special reference to the Automated Weather Station network and to also make them become a master trainer in their respective domains.

Press Release No. 37/23

1ST MEGHALAYA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL KICKS OFF

In a first of its kind, Meghalaya witnessed its first International Film Festival which was organised by the Meghalaya Filmmaker’s Association in collaboration with Meghalaya Tourism. The opening ceremony of the festival was held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong in which Tourism and Arts and Culture Minister, Shri Paul Lyngdoh graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

While delivering his address Shri Lyngdoh stated that Meghalaya apart from being known as abode of clouds, it is also an abode of talents and creativity. He said that the international film festival is the celebration of Meghalaya’s potential in producing artists and arts in the form of films which will enable the state to compete on the national stage and beyond.

Shri Lyngdoh said that the international film festival is a great opportunity to showcase a unique and rich culture and tourism potential basket of the state. He also encouraged the youth to learn and be inspired through the film festival, which can go a long way in transforming the film industry in the state. He also emphasised that the government is committed to setting up state of the art cinema halls which will further boost the film industry in the state. The minister further added that the sparks lit today will eventually lead Meghalaya to be an inferno of talent, creativity and huge potential.

It may be mentioned that the 1st Meghalaya International Film Festival will continue for 5 days across 4 venues in which over 40 films will be screened.

Press Release No. 38/23

HEALTH MINISTER TAKES STOCK OF SITUATION

The Meghalaya Health Department apprised the Honorable Health Minister, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh about the various ongoing developments in the department aimed at improving the health of citizens in the state on the 13th of March, 2023.

During the meeting, the Health Department officials briefed the health minister on the progress made in the implementation of various health programs and initiatives. The officials highlighted the key achievements of the department in the past years, including the inclusion of coverage for outpatient departments (OPD) under the Megha Health Insurance Scheme, the launch of the Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project, MeghalayanMedical Drugs and services, MeghalayaMedical Services Recruitment Board, Rescue Mission, and Digitization and Technology in health.

Shri. P. Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary,informed that the health department is guided by a 3-dimensional framework for universal health coverage as per the Meghalaya Health Policy, 2021. The three dimensions include 1) Preventive care - which includes Demand and supply side interventions, 2) Curative Care - which include Health institutions such as CHCs, PHCs, Sub Centres and 3) Enabling - which includes Policy and Measures.

Through their efforts, the health department is expecting to increase i) the lifespan of the people, ii) health-seeking behavior by the citizens, iii) preventive care and decrease i) out-of-pocket expenses, ii) mortality rate, and iii) curative care and to balance the total fertility rate. The Health Department officials also informed the Minister about the challenges faced by the department, such as the shortage of healthcare professionals, providing quality healthcare to hard-to-reach areas, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases due to several risk factors such as smoking, substance abuse, and others.

Speaking after the briefing, the health minister expressed her appreciation for the department’s efforts in improving the health of the people and providing quality health services to all citizens of the state. Assuring the health officials of the government's support, the Minister also encouraged them to consider taking suggestions and recommendations from local MLAs who represent their constituencies, as well as focusing on the well-being of the health workers.