Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 560/17

NEHU VARSITY FEST 2017 CONCLUDES

The NEHU Varsity Fest, 2017 organised by the North Eastern Hill University Students’ Union (NEHUSU) concluded today at the Convention Hall, NEHU Campus, Shillong. Chief Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Dr. D. D. Lapang graced the closing function as Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. D. D. Lapang said that the students studying in the university should feel blessed to be able to avail the educational facilities provided by NEHU, which is among the best universities in the country. He said that the students should become the change and make efforts to root out the social problems that are ailing the society and urged the students to cultivate discipline and good work culture and strive ahead with determination in order to achieve greater goals and success in their lives. Dr. Jemino Mawthoh, MLA and Prof. S. K. Srivastava, Vice-Chancellor, NEHU also spoke during the function. It may be mentioned that during the Varsity Fest, NEHUSU organised various competitions among the students on both academic and co-curricular activities. As part of the fest, a NEHU Fest King & Queen Competition was also organised on the concluding day.

Press Release No. 561/17

SDRC HOLDS REVIEW MEETING AT TURA

The State Development Reforms Committee (SDRC) held a review meeting on the implementation of schemes and programmes by various Departments in West Garo Hills District on 18th April, 2017 at Circuit House, Tura. Mr. Sengman R. Marak, Ex-MLA and Co-Chairman, SDRC, Mr. S. B. Thapa, Co-Chairman, SDRC, Mr. Vijay Raj, Member, SDRC, Mr. F. M. Dopth, Member Secretary, SDRC, Mr. D. D. Shira, Additional Deputy Commissioner and DC incharge, West Garo Hills, Block Development Officers and Heads of various Departments in West Garo Hills District were present at the meeting. It may be mentioned that State Development Reforms Commission which was constituted in March 2000 has the role to examine the parameters of ongoing developmental programmes from time to time with a view to determine whether such programmes have been or are achieving the desired results, if not, to suggest suitable modifications with a view to ensure their effectivity. It also examines the need for undertaking new programmes for accelerated development of the rural areas with particular emphasis on poverty alleviation and to suggest working parameters if necessary. During the meeting, as per the presentation made by the District Horticulture Officer, West Garo Hills, Mr. C. K. Marak, the Citrus Model Nursery at Waribokgre under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) has been accredited and hopes to facilitate marketing linkages with other countries. Budget provision of the current financial year and previous years pertaining to the district office, functioning, programmes and activities of the District Head Office both completed and ongoing, state and centrally sponsored schemes taken up for the last one year and previous year long with budget allocation, relevant acts and rules followed by the district head office in the implementation of schemes, status on utilization certificates by district head offices, problems faced by the beneficiaries in the implementation of the scheme were some of the agendas discussed during the meeting.

Press Release No. 562/17

GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM

The Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District Nongstoin has informed that the District Administration has set-up public grievance redress mechanism which is based on WhatsApp application. The hallmark of this mechanism is its simplicity. These days majority of the people have smart phones and WhatsApp. The citizen having any complaints may drop a text message, an audio message or a video message on WhatApp to this special BSNL number +91 94363 94363. The complaints may pertain to delay in obtaining various certificates, localities not getting electricity, water, non removal of garbage etc. If any citizen comes across a poor quality mid day meal being served in any government school she/he may attach a photo of the meal and send it to the number. The same applies to substandard works in any government building construction or rural roads/highways construction works, the citizen may make video of the potholes in any roads and send it across. Citizen may also upload the newspaper item/clipping pertaining to any specific department. A police constable taking money from truck driver on the national highways, absenteeism in government offices/schools/hospitals, gas agencies delivering cylinders on point locations so on and so forth. If there are any discrepancies in the National Food Security Act ration cards, he may upload the photos of the ration card and the supporting documents. If found correct, a new card will be issued. When a citizen sends a complaint message, it will be forwarded to a closed group called “DCC WKH". All the members of the District Coordination Committee are the members of this group. When a message is sent to this group, the concerned line department officer shall take action and shall update the Deputy Commissioner on the action taken. The same will be informed to the complainant. Efforts will be made to address the issues in a time bound manner and fix responsibility on the line department. Citizens can lodge their complaints in any language Khasi, Garo, Hindi or English. Citizens may use other Instant Messaging applications also viz Telegram and Hike messenger. Those people who do not have smartphones may choose to send a simple SMS as well. In order to prevent some people misusing this system, by repeated vexatious complaints by spamming by sending -good morning/goodnight wishes, their numbers will be blocked. Call facility is also not available on this number. The WHATAPP can also be used to suggest ways and means to improve the public delivery system in government departments. In other words it acts as a virtual suggestion box. For those who want to lodge complaints through Facebook, The District Administration has an official Facebook page “Deputy Commissioner Nongstoin”. Exemplary work done by the line departments of West Khasi Hills will be regularly updated on the Facebook page. This mechanism will eschew the need for the citizens to come to DC Office. Sitting at home they can get their grievance redressed. The Deputy Commissioner requests all citizens/netizens of West Khasi Hills District to take benefit of this mechanism initiated by the District Administration.