Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 112/22

JAN BHAGIDARI PROGRAM ON IMPACT OF PMGKAY IN GARO HILLS HELD ON 25.04.2022

As part of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Campaign” Jan Bhagidari Programme on Impact of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was held for all the districts of Garo Hills region today at SMELC, Conference Hall, Dakopgre, Tura, where the Minister incharge, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, James P K Sangma graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The function was organised by Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Shillong and Tura.

Appreciating the contribution and selfless service of all the officers of the department including the Fair Price Shop Dealers in ensuring free rice distribution for the economically backward section of the society during the Covid-19 pandemic times, the Minister James P K Sangma stated that this National Food Security Scheme had reach the beneficiaries on time and also benefitted them immensely. Mentioning that the scheme was implemented by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi just after the lockdown was announced, he said that streamlining the availability of foodgrains in the region was challenging, but with the support and intervention of all concerned it was made possible and could distribute it to all beneficiaries successfully. Moreover, he informed that the scheme has been extended till September, 2022 and added that at present covid cases are reducing but hoped that if the scheme is continued further it would have benefitted the people at large. The Minister also mentioned that ePOS system have been implemented by the Government of India in order to maintain transparency in Public Distribution system and Fair Price Shop Dealers for the greater benefit of all.

In his brief address, Commissioner and Secretary, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Meghalaya Shillong Pravin Bakshi informed that the PMGKAY scheme is a national flagship and ambitious scheme which has provided free ration during the pandemic and added that people have said that the scheme is a life saver for most people at the time of pandemic and lockdown. He further stated that as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, this event is to showcase the positive impact of PMGKAY on beneficiaries and food safety during pandemic which calls for a celebration for the success story of the PMGKAY for ensuring nutritional and food security at the most difficult and challenging circumstances which have been able to perform well under the abled leadership and guidance of the Minister Incharge of Food and Civil Supplies department, he added.

The Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Tura Ram Singh also shared his experiences on how the district had responded during the pandemic including ensuring enough supply of essential commodities and foodgrains to the people of the region. He also expressed his appreciation to the district officials and hoped that the same to be continued in future for the benefit and welfare of the people in the area.

NFSA Ration Card holders of the district also spoke on the benefits of PMGKAY during the function.

During the function, the Chief Guest distributed the Appreciation Certificates to PDS Agents and Fair Price Shop Dealers in recognition for their excellent services provided to NFSA beneficiaries during COVID-19 pandemic and for timely lifting and distribution of NFSA and PMGKAY foodgrains to the Card holders even in the midst of many challenges and constraints.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, incharge (Supply),West Garo Hills Dolrich B G Momin were among others who spoke on the occasion while Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Dadenggre Civil Sub-Division, Vibhor Agarwall, OSD, Directorate, FCS & CA Meghalaya Shillong S War, Member, State Food Commission Dr, G K Marak, Member, District Consumer Commission, Lunna A Sangma, Deputy Director, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Tura, West Garo Hills Nemson M Marak, Superintendent, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Tura Juniko K Marak, Secretary, Mothers Union, Sume B Sangma, Representative from Nokma Council, Tura, Officers and staff, Suppliers and beneficiaries from all five districts of Garo Hills were present at the function.

Press Release No. 113/22

STATE RECEIVES AWARD FROM MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE FOR REDUCTION OF MALARIA BURDEN

The State of Meghalaya under the National Vector Borne Disease Programme - Malaria, under National Health Mission, Meghalaya received an award from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on 25th April, 2022 on World Malaria Day. Meghalaya has reduced the malaria burden from Category 3 i.e. Intensified control phase - States/UTs (10) with an API of 1 case per 1000 population at risk or above 1 to Category 1 i.e. Elimination phase States/UTs (15) including their districts reporting an API of less than 1 case per 1000 population at risk. Dr. Biba, State NVBDCP Programme Officer accepts the award on behalf of the State.

Press Release No. 114/22

SHRI. COMINGONE YMBON DISTRIBUTE CHEQUES TO 175 PRODUCERS GROUP FALLING UNDER LASKEIN C AND RD

Local MLA Shri. Comingone Ymbon distributed cheques amounting 1.18 crore to 175 Producers Group falling under Laskein C&RD block today at Moosyiem ground, Shangpung. The programme was organised by Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA).

Speaking as the Chief Guest Shri. Comingone Ymbon encouraged the farmers to make use of the financial assistance provided by the government in a productive manner and to work collectively. He informed that the government through the FOCUS programme is helping the farmers to upscale farming activities and productivity. He encouraged the male farmers to take advantage of the scheme available and to form a group.

He lauded the contribution of the Self-Help Group in the Society, saying that since the inception of Self-Help Groups, so many changes have taken place in the villages such as maintaining cleanliness besides many other activities. ‘He also expressed his concern towards the plight of the authorities in not being able to use the land offered for the disposal of garbage as they were being objected to and obstructed by few sections of the society. He earnestly urged all sections of the Society to be open minded and to cooperate with the Government and work hand in hand as responsible citizens of the district with the concerned authorities in finding a place for the garbage to be disposed of which is for the overall betterment of the society and the district as a whole.

Dr. D.I Kjam, District officer A.H & Veterinary, Jowai in his speech encouraged the farmers to take benefit of the available schemes provided by the Government which will help them stand on their own feet. He informed that the Government through the department of A.H & Veterinary is providing a loan with free interest for any cooperative society who comes forward and register themselves as piggery society or multipurpose society. He also expressed his sincere assurance to the farmers saying that the department will always be there for them.

Smt. D. D Syngai, Additional Deputy Commissioner and DPO of Planning Branch, Jowai also spoke on the occasion. The vote of thanks was offered by Shri. Sywell Lyngdoh, District Project Manager, District Basin Development unit, Jowai.

Press Release No. 115/22

83RD SENIOR NATIONAL TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday attended the Closing Ceremony of the 83rd National Table Tennis Championships at SAI Centre, NEHU.

Speaking at the 83rd National Table Tennis finale, the Chief Minister expressed his condolence to the family of Late Vishwa Deenadayalan, promising national paddler, who died in a tragic road accident on his way to Shillong to participate in the games.

Expressing his thanks to the organizers of the 83rd National Table Tennis Championships in the capital city of Shillong the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of Sports in the life of youngsters. “For policy makers, Sports is more than just a game as we have to direct and channelize the energies of the youth. We understand that Sports play a very important role in character building,” he said. The values of hard work, team work, Sportsmanship are the values which are inherently shaped by Sports, he added.

“I truly believe that whenever there is an opportunity to provide a platform for youngsters to grow into the areas of Sports that they have passion for we must ensure that every step is taken to give them the push,” he said.

The Chief Minister also expressed happiness that the National Table Tennis Championships was held in the year when the State is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. “We have many more programmes chalked out to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the State and these programmes will not just mark the 50th Year celebrations but provide a platform for the youth to showcase and promote their talents in the Sports, Music or Arts,” he added.

The Chief Minister later distributed the awards to the winners of the Men’s Singles. The winners in this category were 1st Achanta Sharath Kamal, 2nd Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and 3rd Shah Manush and Shetty Sanil Shankar.