Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 76/24

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY CELEBRATED IN EAST JAINTIA HILLS

International Women’s Day 2024 carrying the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ was today celebrated in East Jaintia Hills District at a programme organized by Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society(MSRLS), NRLM, East Jaintia Hills District at Khliehriat West Community Hall, Khliehriat which was attended by Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri A. Baranwal as Chief Guest in the presence of Additional Deputy Commissioner & Project Director, District Rural Development Agency, (DRDA), East Jaintia Hills District, Shri G. Warjri, District Mission Manager, NRLM, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri K. Slong, other government officials and Self Help Group (SHG) members.

In his speech as chief guest of the programme, Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Kliehriat Shri A. Baranwal appreciated the contributions made by women in the development of society and acknowledged the key role played by the District Mission Management Unit (DDMU) in further amplifying the strength of women in economics activities.

Shri Baranwal also stated that women are responsible members of the society and took the occasion to applaud the efforts taken by them in alleviating poverty and maintaining stable income for their family through the Self Help Group (SHG) movement. Further, the Deputy Commissioner, in his speech stressed on the need to empower women through functional literacy apart from economic empowerment particularly for those who cannot read and write.

Additional Deputy Commissioner & Project Director, District Rural Development Agency, (DRDA), East Jaintia Hills District, Shri G. Warjri in his speech stated that the program is being organized to acknowledge the contributions made by women in the development of society even as he encouraged women to come forward and contribute in different developmental activities.

Press Release No. 77/24

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY CELEBRATED IN SHILLONG

Joining the global celebration of International Women's Day, Social Welfare department Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with State Hub for Empowerment of Women and Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society celebrated the International Women’s day at State Convention Centre, Shillong.

On this day the Social Welfare Department government of Meghalaya felicitated the Women achievers from different fields, sharing testimonies, and advancing empowerment initiatives.

Addressing the gathering Cabinet Minister Smti. M Ampareen Lyngdoh said today is a day for celebration because we are now at the juncture as women, we have received necessary attention, it's no longer in such a critical situation when we talk about assigning attention to women’s needs, we have achieved that.  We are indented to all the policy makers, indented to all the international agencies that have continuously fought for our rights.“We need to celebrate together, women in their homes, the girl child celebrates this important day because today the government across India is in line with the International Theme,” She added. Lyngdoh further said the Government of Meghalaya has allotted a highest budget ever for gender Rs 5271 crore, we most recalled and give credit to the entire predecessor who have worked hard. 

She also said we have to make sure that we allow women to participate in various empowerment programs of livelihood, we believed that if we strengthen our livelihood as the mother we will strengthen our family, through the state rural livelihood society large amounts of funding will be dedicated to women and women oriented livelihood investment programs. “The Government is going to invest 18 percent from the 5 thousand plus crore for health care for women,” she added. Lyngdoh further said the state of Meghalaya had indicated that SHG is predominantly women oriented and it is this SHG which is investing adequately and correctly.

The event witnessed the presence of Ampareen Lyngdoh, Health Minister, and Smt. Santa Mary Shylla, Chairperson of Handicraft and Handloom, Shri Pravin Bakshi Commissioner & Secretary Social Welfare Department and other dignitaries.

On this special day outstanding women achievers, including Smt. Nambi Jessica Marak (culinary), Smt. Kmoin Wahlang and Smt. Bonifilia Shullai (sports), Smt. Sidalin Marbaniang (innovation), Smt. Ratna Rai, and Smt. Pdiangsngewbha Pohti (SHG), received well-deserved recognition.

In a significant move towards skill development, sewing machines are distributed to the Superintendent of Training for Women in Need of Care & Protection, Social Welfare Department. 

Press Release No. 78/24

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY CELEBRATED AT MAWSMAI

As part of the International Women’s Day, Lawei Ban Phyrnai Cluster Level Federation Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Ltd. today organised the 2nd Annual General Meeting cum International Women’s Day celebration on the theme “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress” at Mawsmai Durbar Hall under Sohra Civil Sub Division.

Smti Saloni Verma, SDO (C), Sohra Civil Sub Division attended the programme as the Chief Guest in the presence of Shri R. Hajong, BDO, Shella Bholaganj C and RD Block, Smti Teihun Kshiar, President CLF, Smti Pyntip Thabah, Secretary CLF, Shri Kenessing Khongwar, Sirdar Mawsmai Nongthymmai, Smti L. Basaiawmoit, District Mission Manager, NRLM, East Khasi Hills and members of Self Help Groups from 14 villages under Shella Bhologanj Community and Rural Development Block.

In her brief address, Smti Verma stressed the importance of educating daughters and children in general and sending their daughters to pursue higher education and encouraging them to have goals and ambitions in their life and to fulfil their dreams so that in future they can in turn contribute positively to society.  

Press Release No. 79/24

SWGH CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY

With a focus on celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness on women’s health and wellness and action against discrimination, South West Garo Hills joined the rest of the world in celebration of International Women’s Day at Baispara village under Betasing C&RD Block and other part of the district on Friday.

The celebration themed Invest in Women Accelerate Progress, was spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare, South West Garo Hills Ampati and participated by officials of various departments, units, women entrepreneurs, womens groups and other selfhelp groups with the support of the village Nokmas among others.

Attending the celebration at Baispara as the chief guest and resource person, Sr.MHO in-charge Betasing PHC, Dr.Midrose R. Marak underlined the importance of health and wellbeing of women as they are the pillar of families as well as the society, saying that a family or society can crumble if the pillar is weak. She highlighted various health issues affecting women, ways to prevent them and urged all women to have at least a few hours of physical activity and go for periodic health checkups at their nearest health facility.

Earlier, the District Social Welfare Officer, Z.R. Marak in her introductory address, said that the celebration was about women supporting and upholding each other to build better and stronger societies and raising awareness to various challenges faced by women as the weaker gender to forge an equitable and inclusive society free from decimation.

Legal-cum-Protection Officer, DCPU Ampati, Tanya D. Ch. Marak dwelt on issues related to domestic violence, reasons for violence against women and ways to prevent them. She also highlighted on various rights & privileges of women and the existence of One-Stop Centre at Ampati to help and provide shelter for women in distress.

The DPC of District Hub for Empowerment of Women, S.J.R. Marak highlighted on various welfare schemes for women, particularly, PMMVY and how pregnant women can avail the scheme, while Simre Ch. Momin, a young successful woman entrepreneur from Ampati, shared her personal experiences of her journey to becoming a fashion designer, how she pursued her passion despite challenges and urged the womenfolk to use their talents and skills for self-reliance as well as to help others.

Gifts and mementos were also distributed to all the participants as part of the celebration.

Press Release No. 80/24

GOVERNOR GRACES THE AIR DISPLAY AT UMIAM

The Hon'ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Phagu Chauhan, graced the Air Display at Umiam Lake organized by the Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force, Shillong today as the Chief Guest.

The Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) captivated the audience with a stunning Air Show over Umiam Lake. Alongside, various other fighter aircraft and helicopters showcased their aerial prowess.

Formed in 1996, SKAT stands as one of the very few nine-aircraft aerobatics teams globally and uniquely, the only one in Asia.

The event also saw the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma, along with several civil and military dignitaries, students, and members of the public.

Press Release No. 81/24

WJH CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY

The office of the District Social Welfare Officer, West Jaintia hills celebrated International Women’s Day today at Raitsylia Mihmyntdu Community Hall. The awareness programme was organised for Self Help Group leader from Mihmyntdu Village on the year’s theme, "Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”

Smt. R. Passah, District Social Welfare Officer in her introductory speech brief on the history of International Women’s Day, emphasizing the significance of the day as a platform celebrating the achievements of women across the globe.

Dr. J.N Shullai, Director of Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association, highlighted the sub-themes related to this year's focus on addressing economic disempowerment and stressed the importance of empowering women economically.

During the event the resource persons discussed various topics related to women's health, schemes and services for women, the Domestic Violence Act of 2005, and women's laws and schemes under the District Hub.

The District Legal Service Authority, West Jaintia Hills in collaboration with the office of the One stop Centre, WJHs and Barato Police Outpost also celebrated International Women’s Day at Barato Village.

Press Release No. 82/24

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOSPITALITY COMPLEX AND TOURISM AT MAWLYMDEP

The Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma today the 8th March laid the foundation stone for the construction of Development of Hospitality Complex & Tourism infrastructure at Mawlyndep village, a village which had adopted by the MP Rajya Sabha under the flagship programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This project sanctioned under the Meghalaya Eco-Tourism Infrastructure Development Project (New Development Bank) at a cost of 28.89 crore. This Complex will includes 30 rooms, hotels, club house, spa and wellness centre, swimming pool, staff quarter, compound wall and fencing etc and the target of completion will be 24 months. The Chief Minister was also accompanied by Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Tourism, Dr W.R Kharlukhi Member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha, Dr Celestine Lyngdoh MLA, Shri CVD Diengdoh, IAS Director of Tourism and others. The programme was attended by the officials, students and teachers, headmen, village elders and residents of Mawlyndep.

Conrad K Sangma while speaking appreciated and lauded the effort rendered by the Member of Parliament for have chosen Mawlyndep as one of the adopted village in the state under the flagship programme. He said that this particular project Hospitality Complex is part of the New Development Bank Project which is an externally aided project. He said that while availing funds from any international institution for any proposed project in the state there was a subsidize rate of 72 percent by the government of India and the remaining borne by the State government. He also informed that a part from this project, there were also many other projects are being taken up by the state through this externally aided project. He added that the state government is one of the highest beneficiaries of externally aided project almost closed to 7500 crore worth of infrastructure projects that are in the process of implementation in the state and these different externally aided projects are all falling under a subsidize 72 percent.

Moreover, in regard with the tourism, the Chief Minister said that tourism is the key economic driver in the state and hence the state has to go all out by taking initiatives to ensure that full effort is made to push and boost tourism to a new level. He stated that the state government have  a target of investing approximately 4000 crore in the next 4 years into a tourism sector, and this includes infrastructures and projects funded by the state government as well  as investment from the private sectors and more importantly  said that the government is expecting to generate the additional of 50000 jobs in tourism sector in the next 4 years. He therefore, said that it is a huge opportunity and it is important to the team work under the leadership of the Minister, officials and the departments as a whole  to ensure that not to miss out a single moment however to utilize it in the most productive way to enable to achieve the targeted goal.

On the other hand, he said that the development must reach to each and every nook and corner of the state, the initiative taken by the MP of Rajya Sabha for adopting Mawlyndep village to convert and transform it into a model village through various developmental project is an inspiration aspect he added. He reminded that this village will be a recipient of various developmental schemes and projects like the 6 crore project from the fisheries department, road connectivity projects which are under the pipeline and others projects invested through the Chief Minister Special Development Fund  etc, hence, the government is moving forward to ensure that none of the area, constituency, districts and people of the state who deserves and entitle for various benefits are left out,  Meghalaya will rise and progress only when we develop  villages, districts and constituencies he added.

He also asserted that Ri Bhoi District will be getting one track and field stadium at Nongpoh worth more than 12 crore besides the 11 crore Synthetic Artificial turf football which had recently laid the foundation stone.

He also elaborated on the concept of a Model village saying that to become as a model village it is not necessarily of just receiving development or infrastructure however, it is about the comprehensive behavior and attitude, team work, community participation, cooperation, and socio-economic lives of the people. Therefore, he urged the community of Mawlyndep to shine and set as an example for others adjacent villages so that others can learn and adopt the same.

Paul Lyngdoh Minister of Tourism in his speech said that tourism has the capacity to stimulate different sectors of the economy, generate employments and incomes for sustainable livelihood of the people.