Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 110/22

MEGHALAYA GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE WINS UN AWARD

Planning Department’s key initiative of e-Proposal System, part of Meghalaya Enterprise Architecture (MeghEA) wins coveted UN Award – World Summit on the Information Society Forum(WSIS) Prizes 2022.

In the current digital era, there is a dire need for the IT- to not just innovate the digital services but also cater to the needs of the public andcreate inclusive societies. Taking cognizance of this, Hon’ble CM Conrad K Sangma in 2019initiated MeghEA, which is being implemented by the Planning Department, Government of Meghalaya.

Meghalaya was selected among the top 360 projects across the world, in the beginning of the year. Out of these, UN selects top 5 in 18 categories and award them as Champion Project. Meghalaya has been selected today by UN as Champion Projectin the category of – “The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development”, along with projects from Australia,China, Argentina and Tanzania. One among these top 5 will be declared Winning Project. Meghalaya e-Proposal System is poised to win the winner award also, for which the prize ceremony will happen on 31st May in Geneva, Switzerland.

e-Proposal system now automates sanctions & administrative approvals of all the departments & directorates in Meghalaya and delivers Government services with desired outcomes to all the citizens and other stakeholders across the State of Meghalaya in an integrated and seamless manner. It eliminates 75 percent of physical files in Government departments.

Earlier the sanctions and approvals would take more than months to be processed, but now with the automation, the process doesn’t take more than couple of weeks. This initiative has been supporting the State in seamless tracking and monitoring of the schemes and approvals, with the click of button. Additionally, integration with the Government’s Finance System to process cash transfers and benefits to citizens, has been a game changer in effective and efficient service delivery.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary of Planning Department, said that “We are thankful to all for voting Meghalaya’s Project into the top 5. We feel that the e-Proposal System will be a game changer in effective governance and would also inspire other states in the country to adopt similar initiatives”.

MeghEA is a flagship initiative of Government of Meghalaya, supported by National e-Gov Division (NeGD), a first of its kind in the country. KPMG is the consulting partner for MeghEA, while Humanitics, NIC and other are implementing agencies.

Press Release No. 111/22

STATE FUNERAL OF FORMER MEGHALAYA CHIEF MINISTER LATE J. D. RYMBAI HELD ON 23.04.2022

The State Funeral of (Late) J. D. Rymbai, former Chief Minister and Speaker of Meghalaya was held today at Mawlai Madan Heh, Shillong with all befitting honours. It may be mentioned here that (Late) Shri J. D. Rymbai, during his long political career as the MLA of Jirang Legislative Assembly Constituency held many important posts and portfolios and also served as the Chief Minister and Speaker of Meghalaya.

The dignitaries who spoke during the State Funeral were Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Shri Prestone Tynsong, Speaker Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shri Metbah Lyngdoh, MLA Jirang Constituency, Shri Sosthenes Sohtun and representative of the family Shri Norbert Pathaw. During the State funeral, the condolence message of the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma was read by the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District Smti Isawanda Laloo. The State funeral was also attended by Cabinet Ministers, Shri James P.K. Sangma, Shri Lahkmen Rymbui, Shri Hamletson Dohling, Shri Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma, MLAs, MDCs, Additional Chief Secretary, Shri D. P. Wahlang, senior government officials and family, friends and well wishers of (Late) Shri J. D. Rymbai.

Later, the mortal remains of (Late) J. D. Rymbai was laid to rest at the cemetery of the Mawlai Phudmuri Presbyterian Church, Mawroh, Shillong.

Shri J D Rymbai was born on the 26th October 1934 in Kdong Hulo, in Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya. From humble beginnings as a teacher in a BASIC school in Bhoirymbong, Ri Bhoi District. Shri J D Rymbai went on to leave an indelible mark as an illustrious and eminent politician. He has served the State as Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly from the 22nd of March 1988 to 22nd January 1990 and was elected as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly from the 12th of October 1993 to the 17th of April 1997. Shri Rymbai has also served in many capacities and in various Departments in the Government of Meghalaya as Minister. He served as the Minister in charge of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Dairy Development in 1992. Minister in charge Food and Civil Supplies in 1993, 1997 and 1998. Civil Defence and Home Guards, in 1993. Forest and Environment, Soil and Water Conservation in 1993. Transport in 1993 and 2005. Trade in 1993. He had also served as Minister in charge of Consumer Affairs in 1997. Minister in charge of Law in 1998. Parliamentary Affairs in 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2005. Minister in charge of PWD (R and B) and Re-organization in 1998 and 1999. Minister in charge of Agriculture (Excluding Horticulture) and Irrigation in 2001 and 2002. Minister in charge of C and RD in 2003. Minister in charge of Taxation in 2003 and 2005. Excise, Stamps and Registration in 2005. He went on to serve as the Chief Minister of the State from 19.6.2006 until March 2007.

Shri Rymbai leaves behind his wife Smti Peggymon Pathaw, five children and grand children.