Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 224/10

REJOINDER

Shillong, May 25, 2010: The attention of the Housing Department was drawn to the newspaper item in the Meghalaya Guardian and Shillong Times etc., dated 5th May, 2010, where it has been alleged that a scam of over Rs. 9.00 crores, relating to purchase of CGI Sheets for the Rural Housing Scheme for the years 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 was unearthed by the MRTIM (Meghalaya Right to Information Movement). This has caused concern for the Department and immediately the Housing Department took steps to verify the facts.

Regarding purchase of CGI Sheets for the years 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06, the CGI Sheets were procured from Smti. O B Tariang (the authorized dealer of SAIL) as recommended by SAIL and in accordance with the prevailing rates of the materials of SAIL with the approval of Planning and Finance Departments. Agreement for the supply in P.W.D. H Form was also executed by the supplier, Smti. O B Tariang stipulating the terms and conditions for the supply of CGI Sheets with the then Director of Housing. Accordingly, CGI Sheets were supplied to the respective Deputy Commissioners (Housing) in all 7 (seven) Districts and the Director of Housing made payments for the supply based on the certified Challans authenticated by the Deputy Commissioner (Housing)/District Housing Officer showing the delivery of materials indicating quantity, quality and size. Sample check of CGI Sheets was also conducted by the Office of the Director of Housing before releasing 10 percent Security Deposit.

Allegation that there was a shortfall in supply of CGI Sheets indicated by the MRTIM (Meghalaya Right to Information Movement) in the local newspapers is not correct.

Further, as regard quality of materials supplied, no complaints regarding either poor quality of materials or shortage of materials have been received from any quarter. Annual Audit by the Office of the Accountant General (Audit) is being conducted and no discrepancy on the procurement and supply process of CGI Sheets has been detected.

In view of the facts stated above, the allegations that appeared in the local newspapers are unfounded and misleading.

Sd/- Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Housing Department.

Press Release No. 225/10

CM INAUGURATES SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF SNGAP SYIEM COLLEGE

Shillong, May 25, 2010: The six month long silver jubilee celebration of the Sngap Syiem College, Mawkyrwat, West Khasi Hills District was declared open today by the Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma in a meeting held at the College premises, Mawkyrwat in presence of the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Rowell Lyngdoh who also presided over the meeting, Mrs Ampareen Lyngdoh Minister of Education, Mr Francis Pondit R.Sangma, parliamentary Secretary and other dignitaries.

It may be mentioned that Sngap Syiem College which was established in the year 1985 and at present has a total enrollment of around 933 students in all stream which comprises of Degree courses in Arts, Commerce and Science with faculty strength of 29. The College is recognized by the UGC and also it is affiliated to the NEHU.

Speaking at the inaugural function as the Chief Guest, the Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma congratulated the college for having achieved the 25 years milestone which is an achievement for an educational institution in the area. He lauded the efforts of the founders of the college for their farsightedness in trying to bring about change in the society through education inspite of the hardships and hurdles they faced. Dr Sangma said that the State Government is according top priority to education in its efforts to bring back the past glory of Meghalaya as the important Educational centre in the country and the Northeast in particular. He said that Education has made Meghalaya proud and renowned all over the country. “We would like to bring back that glory to our State by improving the education sector”, he added.

“Youth population in the State are the raw materials for investment in different sectors of development”, said Dr Mukul while stressing upon the need to improve and provide quality education in the State. He said that the State have many untapped talents be it in the field of Academics, Arts, Music and Sports which he felt should be utilize to the maximum so as to create a vibrant youth force in the country. He said that the students of Meghalaya are one of the most sought after human resources in the country by virtue of their ability to communicate effectively and fluently in English besides their other abilities. “Education is the largest employment provider”, said Dr Sangma while stating that the youth should be provided ample opportunities so that they become valuable in the employment market. He said that the presence of educational institutions like Sngap Syiem College in the rural areas will reverse the migration trend of students from rural areas to Shillong and other urban areas which is an area of concern. He said that if the migration trend is reverse, it will clearly indicate that the education sector in the State is improving even in the grass root level. Dr Sangma said that this Government is committed in opening doors for community involvement in the programmes of the Government which he said is important to ensure transparency in the implementation of schemes and programmes. “We will accommodate the people’s participation in programme implementation”, he added.

Education Minister, Mrs Ampareen Lyngdoh in her speech lauded the Governing Body of the College stating that such inistitutions provides hope to the State in improving the education sector in the State. She however lamented that the State of Meghalaya have many children who are still not going to school and a good number of them especially in the rural area are being used as cowherds instead of them being in the classrooms. “This is an area of concern” she said while appealing to the parents, teachers and also the community to extend their cooperation in motivating the children to go to school and to bring about change through education. She said that it is very important to promote education through communitization of education which she feels that is more effective in the promotion of education in the area and the State as a whole.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were the Principal of the College, Mr S S Khongkliam who also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, Mrs Biloris Lyndem, Campus Director ICFAI University, Shillong and Dr Mrs B Marwein, lecturer of the College.