Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 322/06

SEMINAR ON WOMEN'S RESERVATION IN LOCAL BODIES HELD AT TURA

A day-long Seminar on “Women’s Reservation in the Local Councils and Traditional Institutions” Union was held at Circuit House, Tura, West Garo Hills District on April 4, 2006.

Sponsored by the National Commission for Women, the Seminar’s main objectives, among others, were to bring women together, to create awareness to the issues that affect women and to become better equipped to fulfill women’s needs, according to the President, Mother’s Union, Mrs. L. Ch. Sangma. Most of the speakers in the Seminar stressed the need for women to assert their rights and for more participation in local governance and policy-making.

Speaking as the chief guest in the inaugural session, the Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women, Ms. Biloris Lyndem called upon the women Nokmas of Garo Hills to assert their position and not allow their husbands to officiate for them as is being done generally. Informing the gathering about the recent notification by the government for having more women members in the village development councils/committees (VCDs), she said that women’s organizations should go to villages and find out how many women members are there in such local committees. She also said more women, particularly, women of substance should come forward and have a place in decision-making and move ahead with positive attitude.

West Garo Hills, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. P. Sampath Kumar, while addressing the gathering as the guest of honour, said many women were now participating in the developmental process through formation of self-help groups (SHGs) and called for formation of more and more SHGs in all villages, as it was the only way of empowering women and upgrading the standard of living.

Former Minister, Mrs. M. D. Shira in her speech pointed out that it is always the menfolk who come in droves to attend Nokma’s meetings when women are the real nokmas and also questioned absence of women representatives in the District Council.

In the first session, resource persons gave talks on topics, such as “Powers and functions of A•king Nokma”, “ Empowerment of Women in Village Councils” and “ Property and Rights of Garo Women”, while in the second session “Women’s Role in the changing trends of society” and “ Women in policy making in local councils/traditional institutions” were taken up for deliberations. The resource persons were Head of English Department, Tura Government College, Mrs. VSB Sangma, Headmistress, Christian Girl’s School, Tura, Mrs. B. G. Momin, Dr (Ms) K. R. Marak, Mrs. A. M. Momin and Mr. Awenson Marak.

Chief Executive Member, GHADC, Mr. E. A Sangma, DSP Ms. C. D. Shira, President Mother’s Union, Mrs. L. Ch. Sangma, Vice President Mrs. S. N. Marak and its Secretary-in-charge Dr. (Mrs.) A. K. Marak were among others who also spoke on the occasion.

Press Release No. 323/06

INTENSIFIED PULSE POLIO PROGRAMME IN RI BHOI DISTRICT

The District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh has informed that Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization 2006 would be held on April 10 and May 10, 2006 for all children of the District below 5 years of age. The DMHO has also urged upon the parents to bring their children to the P P I booth set up in their respective villages.

At the same time, the DMHO has requested the headmen, NGOs, Church leaders, anganwadi workers to cooperate so as to make the programme a success and to eliminate the disease from the district.

Press Release No. 324/06

GBHSS ANNUAL SCHOOL SPORTS INAUGURATED

Meghalaya Minister for Agriculture, etc. Mr. Kyrmen Susngi today inaugurated the annual school sports of the Government Boy’s Higher Secondary School, Jowai at Jrisalein playground.

In his inaugural address as the chief guest, Mr. Susngi lauded the effort of the school managing committee for organizing the sports meet for the benefit of the students. He also said that the Government has taken special attention for promoting sports activities in the State. Mr. Susngi also called upon the youth to take keen interest in sports activities so that they can achieve their goals. He then urged upon the students not to procrastinate their time in useless activities but to be serious in there studies for a bright future.

The function was chaired by Mrs. V D Kynjing, Principal of the Government Boy’s Higher Secondary School, Jowai.

Press Release No. 325/06

CHIEF MINISTER EXPRESS SYMPATHY TO CYCLONE VICTIMS

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D D Lapang has expressed his sympathy to the victims of the cyclone affected areas of West Khasi Hills, Nongstoin and South Garo Hills, Baghmara that lashed both the District on April 3 and April 1, 2006 respectively.

Dr. Lapang also expresses his condolences to the bereaved families who have been affected by the natural calamity.

In Baghmara about 70 villages is affected and about 1000 families are displaced. No report of lost of human lives except for the lost of properties.

Dr. Lapang has informed that the respective District Administration has been instructed to provide relief materials to the affected families and extend all possible assistance.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lapang will visit West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin on April 10, 2006 to assess the damage caused by the cyclonic storm and meet the affected people.

It may be mentioned that Home Minister, Mr. H D R Lyngdoh has visited Nongstoin to assess the damage on April 4, 2006 while Mr. B K Sangma, Minister has been deputed to visit Baghmara and assess the damage caused by the cyclonic storm.