Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 367/05

FOUNDATION STONE FOR 100 BEDDED HOSPITAL LAID

The Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Donkupar Roy unveiled the foundation stone of a 100 bedded hospital on May 18, 2005 at Ialong, Jowai in the presence of the Meghalaya Health Minister, Mr. Sayeedullah Nongrum, Parliamentary Secretary Mr. R.L. Tariang, and Co-Chairman, Meghalaya Resource and Employment Council, Mr. S. Mulieh.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Mr. Roy said that the dreams of the people of Jaintia Hills will soon be realized with the construction of the new hospital and expressed hoped once completed, the hospital will cater to the requirements of the people of the District in order to achieve “Health for all”. Stating that the Government craved for peace and cooperation of the public, Mr. Roy urged upon the people to work hand in hand with the Government for the all round development of the District and the State as a whole.

While addressing as the Guest of Honour, Mr. Nongrum expressed hoped that the new hospital at Ialong will be completed within three years. He also informed that the present Civil Hospital at Jowai will soon be upgraded for the benefit and well being of the people of Jaintia Hills District.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Mr. R.L. Tariang, Mr. B.B. Challam, Mr. P. Lyngdoh, MDC, Mr. S. Choudhury Executive Engineer (Bldg), Mr. Comet Rymbai, Dolloi Elaka Jowai and Headmen of Mihmyntdu and Ialong. While Dr. P.Chyne, District Medical and Health Officer, Jaintia Hills District delivered the welcome address, Mrs M. Rynjah, Director Health Services (MI) Shillong and Mr. Pyrkhat Shylla President Sein Raij offered the vote of thanks.

Other highlights of the day were the cultural programme presented by Raij Ialong and Soo Lyngdoh Elaka Jowai.

Press Release No. 368/05

ANTI-TERRORISM DAY OBSERVED

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr D D Lapang led the pledge taking ceremony against terrorism in an impressive and well attended function to observed Anti-Terrorism Day held today at the premises of the Meghalaya Main Secretariat, Shillong. Dr. Lapang was accompanied by the Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma and Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. P J Bazeley. Though the day falls on May 21 every year, it has been observed a day earlier since May 21, 2005 is a non working day.

In his speech, Dr. Lapang recalled the day when late Prime Minister, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi became a victim of terrorism in the form of a human bomb at Sriparambaddur, Tamil Nadu. He further stated that terrorism has done a lot of destruction to the people at large. He called upon all the citizens of the State to condemn any act of terrorism in order to bring peace, prosperity and overall development in the State, adding that law and order in the State should be maintained at all cost.

Dr. Mukul Sangma in his brief speech stated that terrorism is the greatest threat to modern civilization and called upon the peace loving people to fight against terrorism. He also urged upon the people to support the Government in fighting this menace, adding that the misguided youth should return to the mainstream as terrorism and development doesn’t go hand in hand.

Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. P J Bazeley presided over the function.

The impressive function was attended by senior Government officials and staff of various Departments.

Press Release No. 369/05

CURTAINS DRAW ON PEAS CONFERENCE

The 6th National Conference on the Programme for Environmental Awareness in Schools (PEAS) drew to a close today at the old NEHU campus, Mayurbhanj Shillong. The concluding function was graced by the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D. D. Lapang and the Chief Secretary, Mr. B. J. Bazeley.

In his brief speech, Dr. Lapang expressed happiness on the enthusiasm shown by the school students in deliberating upon an issue of such crucial importance – the environment. Terming students as “gems of society”, he said that their active involvement augers well for the future of environmental protection and preservation. Further, Dr. Lapang also urged upon them to inculcate three important principles of discipline, acceptability and dependability in their day to day life, which will hold them in good stead for the future. While stating that the young students have a long way to go in their journey of life, Dr. Lapang inspired them not be daunted by the possible obstacles that they may face along the way but to aim high and always endeavour to be the best that they can be.

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Bazeley lamented over the current environmental status of Meghalaya in particular and the world in general. Adding that human avarice and carelessness attitude is largely responsible for the environmental degradation that we see around us, he expressed hope that the young students, who are the future of the world, will bring about positive changes through their active involvement in all matters relating to the conservation of the environment.

As part of the function, Mr. Bazeley also gave away prizes to the winners of the song and skit competition. The awards in both categories were bagged by Kiddies Corner Secondary School, Shillong.

Earlier, articulating their experiences on the four day programme, the participating students from different schools of Meghalaya, Mizoram and South India described the event as a great learning experience where friendships were forged and cultures were exchanged. They also vouched to take back and put into action the knowledge received in the Conference to create awareness on the importance of preserving the environment in their respective hometowns.

It may be mentioned that the Conference organized by the Programme for Environmental Awareness in Schools and co-sponsored by Forest Department, Government of Meghalaya aims at fostering eco-culture as a lifestyle and at the same time encourage schools to take up environmental related activities through out the year.

Press Release No. 370/05

175TH MID TERM COUNCIL MEETING OF THE INDIAN ROAD CONGRESS TO BE HELD

The 175th Mid Term Council Meeting of the Indian Road Congress will be held at Shillong on May 21-23, 2005 at the State Central Library Auditorium, Shillong. The Inaugural function will be held on May 22, 2005 at 12:00 Noon.

The meeting will be attended by high officials of the M.O.R.T.H., Government of India, the delegates and Council Members of the Indian Road Congress from different parts of the country.

Press Release No. 371/05

36,731 CHILDREN VACCINATED IN RI BHOI

The District Medical and Health Officer, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh, has informed that 36, 731 children had been vaccinated in the District during the 2nd round Intensive Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) which ended on May 18, 2005. At the same time, he expressed his gratitude to the Headmen, Health workers, NGOs and parents for their cooperation in making the programme a success.