Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 584/17

DISTRIBUTION OF WHOLE-MEAL ATTA

The Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has informed that Whole-meal Atta (Tide Over) for the month of April, 2017 is being distributed through Fair Price Shops at the scale of 1 kg 920 grams per head and at the rate of Rs. 8.00/- per kg. Any non supply or overcharging of the rate by the Suppliers may be brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong.

Press Release No. 585/17

AWARENESS ON NALSA TO SENIOR CITIZENS HELD

Considering the need to protect the rights of senior citizens and the right to live with dignity as guaranteed by the constitution of India under Article 21, different Ministries under the Central Government have come up with different schemes for senior citizens. The provision of the scheme was sensitized during an awareness programme on National Legal Service Authority (NALSA), (Legal Services to Senior Citizens) Scheme, 2016 held today at the Office Chamber of District and Session Judge, West Garo Hills Tura. The first of its kind being held in the District would be expanded to block and village level later on. In his speech, Mr. I Rymbui, Chief Judicial Magistrate cum Secretary highlighted the background, legislative framework, objective and plan of action about “NALSA (Legal Services to Senior Citizens) Scheme, 2016”. He further informed that as per the scheme the persons above the age of 60 years have been considered as senior citizens and are entitled to obtain various facilities as per the provisions of the scheme. Several necessary provisions of the scheme such as rebate in income tax, deduction in respect of medical insurance premium up to Rs 30, 000/- under 80D of Income Tax Act, 1961, deduction under section 80D for treatment of specified ailment is Rs. 60,000/- for senior citizens, “Senior Citizens Saving Scheme” offering an interest of 9 per cent at post office, Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, discount on basic fare for domestic flights in economy class and priority in boarding the flights, concession for purchase/ booking or cancellation of railway tickets, priority for lower berths, reservation of two seats in front rows of buses of State Road Transport Undertakings and even fare concession for senior citizens, separate counters for senior citizens in hospitals, banks and other department or institutions, priority to expedite court cases of senior citizens was emphasized for the benefit of the senior citizens. Mr. Rymbui have urged all departments especially, service providers to implement the scheme by organizing orientation programmes in order to ensure access to basic rights and benefits accorded to senior citizens. President, Senior Citizens Forum Tura, Mr. W G Momin had also raised various issues and concerns faced by senior citizens while availing their entitlements and day to day activities. He felt it necessary that the concept of senior citizen and their rights should be sensitized first for successful implementation of the scheme meant for senior citizens. Earlier in the programme, District and Session Judge cum Chairman, District Legal Service Authority (DSLA), Tura Shri A M Ripnar gave the introductory and welcome speech while Smti. J Chetry Public Prosecutor and Member, DLSA proposed the vote of thanks. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tura Smti. A V D Shira, Additional Superintendent of Police, Shri B A Sangma, Non Official Member, Smti Viola K G Momin, Senior Advocates Shri. S Tulshyan, Shri A Thomas, Shri M Chakravarty, Shri U Rimsu, Shri K R Khan, Shri M L Thangal, Shri L G Momin, Members of Bar Council, Tura, Representatives from Senior Citizens Forum and officials from various government departments including banks and other public service providers were present at the programme.

Press Release No. 586/17

WORLD MALARIA DAY CELEBRATED AT BAGHMARA

The District Medical & Health Officer, South Garo Hills District, Baghmara, observed World Malaria Day at Rangku Memorial Secondary School, Baghmara on 25th April 2017 under the theme ‘End Malaria for Good’. Smti S.N. Marak, Deputy Commissioner, South Garo Hills District graced the occasion as the Chief Guest in the presence of Dr. Bijoy Deb Barma, District Tuberculosis Officer and Dr. Prabir D. Sangma, DVBDC among others. On the occasion, quiz competition and interactive session on Malaria were also held where the children of various schools of Baghmara town participated.

Press Release No. 587/17

ORDER UNDER SECTION 144 CRPC

The District Magistrate Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh has imposed Section 144 CrPC prohibiting all unauthorized persons along with their private vehicles from stationing/loitering in and around the 13th mile, Tamulkuchi weighbridge. Diversion of coal trucks away from the designated route viz. National Highway-6 without mandatory weighment shall likewise be deemed illegal and violators/offenders, if any, shall be prosecuted under the relevant section of the law. This order is passed ex-parte.

Press Release No. 588/17

ONLINE GRAMIN DAK SEVAK RECRUITMENT IN MEGHALAYA

The Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Meghalaya has informed that online applications are invited for the posts of Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) recruitment in Meghalaya Postal Division. The educational qualification for the various posts is Class X passed or equivalent from any recognized Board of Examination State/ Central with two months Diploma Computer Certificate. The starting date for submission of online application is 25-04-2017 and the last date of submission of online application is 24-05-2017. For details i.e. vacancies of various posts, eligibility criteria, how to apply, selection procedure etc. interested candidates can visit website http://appost.in/gdsonline/Home.aspx and www.indiapost.gov.in

Press Release No. 591/17

WORKSHOP ON DIGITAL PAYMENT INITIATIVES

As part of promoting cashless transactions and converting Meghalaya into cashless society, a State level workshop on Capacity Building of Small/Medium Businesses and Traders on Digital Payment Initiatives was conducted today by the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) at Yojana Bhavan, Main Secretariat, Shillong. The workshop was inaugurated by the Meghalaya Minister for IT, IPR, etc. Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Shri. P S Dkhar, SIO, NIC Meghalaya, Shri Timothy Dkhar, Director in-charge NIELIT, Shillong, Shri. S Borgohain. In her inaugural address, Dr. Lyngdoh said that Digital India is a flagship programme of the Government of India with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society. Against this backdrop, the Centre is making a big push for online and card-based transactions in the country to achieve its target of becoming a largely cashless economy, she informed. Stating that cashless transaction is an important intervention with long term benefits for businesses, traders and citizens and the economy of the State, Dr. Lyngdoh called upon the traders to embrace digital payment and encourage customers to use various modes of digital payments available. She expressed hoped that with the collaborative effort of all stakeholders, Meghalaya will join the rest of the world to absorb in the system and excel in that. Lamenting on the rise of cyber crime in the State, Dr. Lyngdoh said that it is duty bound for the government to tighten the system and restore the trust of the public. She also felt the need for creation of digital financial hubs in all localities of the State for easy access of the public. The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Shri. P S Dkhar, in his address, said that digital payment in all aspect is the talk of the day and it is the duty of the government to ensure that all kind of payment go digital. This aspect has been partially achieved in some sectors, he said adding that we should create awareness and encourage citizens to develop new culture to go digital. All stakeholders should have knowledge and equipped themselves, said Shri. Dkhar adding that urban sector like Shillong should be the trendsetter and start the journey towards digital payment. He called upon the NIELIT, who has been shouldered with the responsibility to create awareness on all aspects of digital payment, to travel the State far and wide and educate the people, especially in the rural areas, about the advantages of digital mode of transaction. Others who spoke on the occasion were Shri. Timothy Dkhar, SIO, NIC Meghalaya and Shri. S Borgohain, Director in-charge NIELIT, Shillong.

Press Release No. 592/17

CLEANING DRIVE

The Deputy commissioner cum Chairman Nongstoin Town Committee (NTC),West Khasi Hills District Nongstoin has informed that the Nongstoin Town Committee (NTC) in collaboration with the village Durbar of New Nongstoin and Upper New Nongstoin will organize a cleaning drive on the 29th April, 2017 (Saturday) from 8.00 AM onwards from the main station in front of the Nongstoin market. Prior to the cleaning drive, awareness programme will be conducted by officers from Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board. All Educational Institutions, Colleges and Government Departments within the Town area are invited to attend the awareness programme and cleaning drive.

Press Release No. 593/17

MEGHALAYA FIFTH PAY COMMISSION VISITS NONGSTOIN

The Chairman of Meghalaya Fifth Pay Commission along with other members visited West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin with a purpose to interact with the officials. All the District Heads of West Khasi Hills District, South West Khasi Hills District and Mairang Civil Sub-Division including representatives of Service Associations, Groups of individual and individuals attended the meeting. Queries and hearings were also sought by the officials and staffs from various line departments where the Commission had noted each point that was raised before them.