Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 127/12

SURRENDER BOGUS RATION CARDS

Shillong, April 13, 2012: The Sub-Divisional Officer (Supply), Khliehriat Civil Sub-Division, has informed all residents of the Khliehriat Sub-Division having Bogus Ration Cards should surrender the same to the office of SDO (Supply), Khliehriat.

The SDO (Supply) Khliehriat has requested all the FPS Dealers to have a proper check of Rations Cards, if found any person with bogus Ration Card to report to the office concerned with full details.

Press Release No. 128/12

CHIEF MINISTER ADDRESSES THE 9TH WORLD BAMBOO CONGRESS AND INVESTORS MEET AT ANTWERP, BELGIUM

Shillong, April 13, 2012: The 9th World Bamboo Congress at Antwerp, Belgium was opened on 10th April 2012 and continues till 15th April 2012. The Congress is being organized by the World Bamboo Organization for the first time in Europe, where a major interest in bamboo and its applications is emerging. The Congress is being attended by experts from all over the world, like Dr. Jan Oprins, CEO,Oprins Plants N. V., Belgium, Jean-Luc Kouyoumji, Bamboo Sciences & Innovation, France, Dr. Arne Svinningen, CEO, Fibre Strength, USA, Dr. Fu Jinhe, International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), among many other experts, scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs.

A high level delegation from the Meghalaya, led by the Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma, along with Minister of Forest and Environment, Mr. Prestone Tynsong, Mr. P. B. O. Warjri, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Mr. T. T. C. Marak, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (T) and Dr. Manjunatha C, Divisional Forest Officer, Silviculture Division attended the Congress.

Bamboo experts and bamboo enthusiasts across Asia, Europe, Africa and North and South America attended the Congress sharing their knowledge and ideas on bamboo development and utilization. Several eminent scientists and entrepreneurs are delivering lectures on the whole range of subjects covering bamboo culture, technology and uses, like bamboo biology and physiology, bamboo treatment, bamboo as a construction material, bamboo tissue culture, bamboo-based industries, bamboo for transportation industry and use of bamboo for waste water treatment. The Investment Meet and Awareness Programme was chaired by Prof. Dr. Walter Liese, an eminent bamboo scientist and co-chaired by Dr. Victor Brias from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization(UNIDO) was organized by the South Asian Bamboo Foundation, headed by Mr. Kamesh Salam. This investment meet was organized to create awareness about bamboo resources in South Asia and South East Asia in order to attract investment in the bamboo sector in the region. This Investment Meet was attended by the Ambassador of Indonesia to Belgium, Luxemburg and EU, Mr.Arif Havas Oegroseno, Mr. Hyung-sik Choi, Mayor of Damyang, South Korea, Dr. Cooje, Director General of International Network for Bamboo and Rattan and bamboo entrepreneurs from across the world.

Dr.Mukul Sangma, who was the chief guest in his address at the meet, invited the investors and scientific community to Meghalaya to partner with the people of Meghalaya and explore investment opportunities in the bamboo sector and help the State in conducting scientific studies in the field of bamboo utilization and development.

The Chief Minister called bamboo the “wonder grass” which would improve the livelihood of the people with the available technological interventions and investments. He said that bamboo has traditionally been an integral part of life of the people of the North Eastern Region of India from birth till death. He noted that bamboo cultivation is presently not seen as a profitable venture as compared to other cash crops hence farmers may even destroy bamboo to switch over to other remunerative crops. He emphasised on the need for making bamboo cultivation more remunerative through technological intervention for value addition and market support. Value addition to bamboo in the state will create employment opportunities and improve the livelihood of the people. He was of the opinion that diverse bamboo products developed through technology adoptions in the state should meet the quality standards prescribed by EU in order to tap the market in Europe. He said that nanotechnology is being used to segregate bamboo fibres to make superior quality fabrics, which can be an alternative to cotton fabrics.

He informed that Meghalaya Government has launched nine missions under the Integrated Basin Development Project under which bamboo, as one of the renewable resources, will play an important role in creating more opportunities for improving the livelihood of the people. During the interaction, many entrepreneurs and experts in bamboo expressed their interest to visit the state and to explore the possibility of investing their technological knowledge and resources in the state.

The South Korean delegation led by the Mayor of Damyang invited the Chief Minister to his country to explore the technological tie-up for bamboo end-products

Press Release No. 129/12

PERSONAL INTERVIEW CHANGED

Shillong, April 13, 2012: The Director, Employment & Craftsmen Training, Shillong has informed that the date of Personal Interview for the Selection & Screening of Candidates for undergoing the Skill Development / Skill Upgradation Courses sponsored by the Directorate of Employment & Craftsmen Training, Labour Department, Government of Meghalaya will be held on 17th & 18th April, 2012 instead of 16th & 17th April, 2012 at ITI, Rynjah, Shillong, from 9 am to 6 pm on account of 16th April being declared State Holiday by the Government on the occasion of Shad Suk Mynsiem.

List of applicants with the Interview date will be posted at the venue and online at www.meghalaya.gov.in on 14th April, 2012.

Applicants are to report for the Selection Interview at the venue as per the list.

Press Release No. 130/12

WALK IN INTERVIEW CHANGED

Shillong, April 13, 2012: The Employment & Craftsmen Training Director, Shillong has informed that the date of Walk-in Interview for the Selection of 25 students under the scheme “Skill Development for Potential Migrants from North-East India” sponsored by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India for the Hospitality Courses at the Skill Training & Resource Centre (STCRC), ITI, AK Azad Road, Guwahati will be held on 17th April, 2012 instead of 16th April, 2012 at ITI, Rynjah, Shillong, from 9 am to 6 pm on account of 16th April being declared State Holiday by the Government on the occasion of Shad Suk Mynsiem.

Press Release No. 131/12

PUBLIC HEARING OF UMNGOT HEP

Shillong, April 13, 2012: The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District informs the general public that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Shillong will be conducting Public Hearing on the proposed implementation of Umngot HEP (3x80 MW) at Siangkhnai Village East Khasi Hills District and Moosohkhia Village Jaintia Hills District for obtaining Environment Clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India, New Delhi.

The Summary of the draft on Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan Including Rehabilitation and Resettlement Report both in English and Khasi is available in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Shillong Room 209 for inspection during office hours.