Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 173/13

ENROLMENT OF BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE MEGHA HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

Shillong, April 1, 2013: The MHIS enrolment in Golf Links, Shillong, started on 1st April, 2013 in the presence of Shri. A.L. Hek, Minister Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya and MLA of Pynthorumkhrah constituency.

Shri A L Hek, who is also the Health Minister, addressed the public on the occasion. He briefly spoke about the scheme which is available for all the residents of the state of Meghalaya except State and Central government employees. The Scheme will have coverage of up to 1, 60,000 rupees per household at the nominal registration fee of Rs 31 per family. He urged the people to enrol themselves under the Megha Health Insurance Scheme which has been introduced by the government of Meghalaya, in order to reap the benefits of the scheme. This insurance can be claimed for hospitalisation at any empanelled MHIS hospital in the state and outside the state, and he urged the public to utilise the card once they have enrolled themselves. The Policy period will commence from 01st May 2013 till 30th April 2014 and will be renewed thereafter.

Others present were Shri M.R. Synrem, Secretary Health and Family Welfare and Chief executive Officer, Megha Health Insurance Scheme, members of the State Nodal Agency, MHIS, members of ICICI Lombard general insurance and headmen of Pynthorumkhrah along with other members of the locality. The meeting started at 10 am and was chaired by Bah Jacob, Secretary of the Pynthotumkhrah Dorbar Shnong.

Press Release No. 174/13

STATEMENT BY THE HOME MINISTER, GOVERNMENT OF MEGHALAYA

Shillong, April 1, 2013: Attention of the Government has been drawn to the recent cases of crimes against women, and more particularly the rape case. The Government has taken serious note of it and the Police authorities have been advised to assign the highest priority to expeditious and objective investigation of all such cases and take firm action against the accused.

Various measures have been taken by the Government to deal effectively with the problem of crimes against women and children. Women Police Stations have already been set up at the Headquarters of the seven older Districts, and the move is already afoot to set up these in the newly created Districts as well. Special Juvenile Police Units have been constituted in all the eleven Districts.

Three Fast Tracks Courts have been set up at Shillong, Tura and Jowai. A Special Court to try cases relating to rape alone has been set up at Nongstoin. Special Public Prosecutors have been appointed to pursue cases in each of the aforesaid four Courts. All these courts are fully functional at present. In respect to Tura Court, The previous Judge had tendered resignation and new Judge has already been appointed and he has assumed charge on the 1st April 2013. Therefore, there was no break in the incumbency of this court.

Some new measures are also on the anvil. A separate Directorate of Prosecution has already been sanctioned by the Government. The Recruitment Rules are being framed in order to ensure that the best talent gets selected for the job. This will go a long way in improving the way the cases get pursued in the courts. In the long term, this would also help in improving the quality of investigation.

It also proposed to separate investigation from the other functions of the Police. There will be a dedicated team of officers to deal with investigation alone. With proper training and experience over time, this should lead to faster investigation, better investigation and higher convictions. Then only the deterrent effect of law would become visible. This would also help in ensuring greater accountability on part of the police officers. To begin with, this will be attempted in Shillong. Based on the experience gained, it would be extended to other areas.