Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 337/06

WORKSHOP ON IMPLEMENTATION AND USE OF LIBRARY APPLICATION SOFTWARE HELD

“Computers, Information and Communication technologies have become part and parcel of our daily lives”, says Smti. Deborah C. Marak, Meghalaya Minister, Arts and Culture, while inaugurating a three-day workshop-cum-demonstration on Implementation and use of Library Application software (e-Granthalaya/NEWSNIC) held today at the Conference Hall of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Shillong. The inaugural function was also attended by Mr. W. M. S. Pariat, Principal Secretary, Information Technology. Librarians from Government libraries, Colleges, Universities and other organizations participated in the workshop organized by the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with NIC Library Division New Delhi and NIC Meghalaya State Centre.

Asserting the importance of library services in the State, Smti. Marak, in her speech, said that it is high time to introduce information technology tools for providing better services to the citizens, where people can make use of these tools for communicating and resource-sharing, thereby enhancing the quality of their personal and public life. Acknowledging that information leads to knowledge and knowledge to empowerment and enlightenment, she said that the most important goal of automating the library system is not only to increase the productivity and efficiency but also to get up-to-date information in an easy and timely manner, which in turn helps people take correct decisions.

Lamenting on the fact that most of the important information reside on the bookshelves of libraries and are not accessible to all, Smti. Marak expressed hoped that the library software, designed and developed by NIC librarians-cum-IT professionals, who have both the necessary domain knowledge as well as the technical skills, will immensely benefit the libraries in the Government, Colleges, Universities and other organizations. Therefore, she encouraged the librarians to take full advantage of this workshop and get to know how this software can help them in automating their libraries.

Mr. W. M. S. Pariat, Principal Secretary, IT, in his speech, said that the objective of computerization the library system in the State is to make things easier for people particularly those who are in the other end of the spectrum to get access to important information, adding that this initiative will materialized only if the end-users, i.e., the general public and scholars gain access to these information available in the State and private libraries. He expressed his confidence that the NIC and IT Department shall be trying to provide assistance and help in this attempt and hoped that it will continue in a successful manner.

It may be mentioned that the NIC has designed and developed a library automation software called “e-Granthalaya” which is a Digital Agenda for Library Automation and Networking. This software is a user-friendly IT solution from NIC to computerize any Library. It also provides Web-enabled OPAC to publish library databases on Internet. In addition, NIC has also designed new application software for “e-News Clipping” services called “NewsNIC” which provides a web-based, full-text access to News items using web interface. It has been packaged with an easy user interface for clients to prepare news items and to upload these news items to a web server.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Mr. T. Dkhar, Technical Director and State Information Officer and Mr. R. K. Matoria, PSA. Smti. E. Rumnong, Librarian State Central Library, Shillong delivered the welcome address while Mr. M. Nongkhlaw, SSA offered the vote of thanks.

Press Release No. 338/06

ADMISSION TO CLASS XI IN SAINIK SCHOOL GOALPARA DURING ACADEMIC SESSION 2006-07

The Principal, Sainik School Goalpara, P.O- Rajapara, Goalpara District, Assam has informed that prospectus and application forms are available for admission of boys to Class XI. The admission will be based on the performance in Class X Board Examination. Forms can be collected on payment of Rs. 300/- in cash for General/Defence category and Rs. 200/- fro SC/ST category from the School office from 8 A.M. to 1 P.M or by IPO/ Bank Draft of Rs. 340/- (General/Defence) and Rs. 240/- (SC/ST) respectively drawn in favour of the Principal, Sainik School, Goalpara payable at SBI, Mornoi (Code 9148) if desired by post.

The Last date of sale and receipt of filled application form will be on May 28, 2006.

Boys whose age are between 15-16 years as on 1st July , 2006 who have studied in an English medium school affiliated to CBSE, ICSE or State Board with a minimum 60 p.c. marks in aggregate and more than 50 p.c. in each subject in the X Board Examination can apply for admission.

Press Release No. 340/06

CLOSURE OF MEDICAL BENEFIT SCHEME OF ARMY GROUP INSURANCE FUND

The Secretary Rajya Sainik Board, Meghalaya, has informed that Medical Benefit Scheme (MBS) through Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF) is closed w.e.f 1st April 2006. However, all Ex-Servicemen of Meghalaya are advised to join the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). Forms and necessary help are available at the Station Cell (Help Line), Shillong as well as Rajya Sainik Board and Zilla Sainik Board/ Welfare Organizer, Shillong/Tura.