Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 81/23

BETI BACHAO BETI PADHAO PROGRAMME HELD

The Office of the Block Development Officer, Sohiong C and RD Block today conducted a programme on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao cum Social Mobilization Campaign (SMC) at Madan Umsaw, Sohiong. East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, R M Kurbah attended the programme as the Chief Guest.

During the day-long programme, various resource persons spoke on a wide range of topics relating to Child and Women health, Child and Women safety, awareness on POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice Act, awareness on career counselling, gender equality, etc.

During the programme, the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries felicitated the awardees comprising of Best ASHA, Best Anganwadi worker, Best SHGs, VECs, IVCS, VOs, DDUGKY and Best women employee in the office of the C&RD Block, Sohiong.

Press Release No. 82/23

MEGHALAYA STATE TOBACCO CONTROL CELL RECEIVES WHO AWARD FOR EXEMPLARY EFFORTS IN TOBACCO CONTROL

The State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC) of Meghalaya has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its outstanding tobacco control efforts. Each year, the WHO recognises exceptional individuals and organisations from each of the six WHO regions for their significant contributions to the fight against the dangers of tobacco use. This year the prestigious WHO Director-South-East General Asia Region Award was bestowed upon the State Tobacco Control Cell.

The anti-tobacco campaign has reached remarkable milestones, including the active participation of approximately 7,975 schools across the state. 4,9 lakh students have enthusiastically supported the campaign, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to the cause. With a reach of more than 3,500 villages, the campaign has successfully increased widespread awareness and participation. In addition, a total of 7,388 rallies have been held, mobilizing communities, and generating considerable momentum in the fight against tobacco. The impressive signature campaign conducted over the past several months is further evidence of the campaign's success, representing the widespread support and commitment to a tobacco-free society.

Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma, stated, that we are immensely proud of Meghalaya State Tobacco Control Cell for their exceptional efforts in tobacco control, which has now been recognized by the WHO Award. This accolade is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our dedicated team as well as the importance of sustained efforts in promoting public health and preventing the harmful effects of tobacco use. This recognition inspires us to continue our endeavours and create a brighter, healthier future for Meghalaya.

Lauding the dedicated efforts of all the stakeholders involved in the tobacco control initiative, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Health and Family Welfare Department stated, that our state stands tall today, adorned with the prestigious award from WHO, a testament to our unwavering commitment to tobacco control. With collective efforts and unwavering determination, the Departments of Health, Education, Home (Police) and our community have triumphed over the tobacco epidemic. Let us extend heartfelt congratulations to every school and its students that embraced the call to action, organising rallies and spearheading signature campaigns. Your invaluable contributions have paved the way for this remarkable achievement. As we revel in this victory, let us not rest on our laurels. Together, let us forge ahead, united in our mission to foster a healthier, tobacco-free environment for our communities. May this award inspire us to reach greater heights and continue making strides towards a brighter, cancer-free future.

The State Tobacco Control Cell, in collaboration with the Education Department and the Police Department, has implemented a comprehensive Tobacco Control Program that has earned this esteemed recognition from the WHO. This program has demonstrated remarkable success in creating awareness, inspiring action, and fostering community engagement in the fight against tobacco.

These outstanding results exemplify the State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC) unwavering commitment to making a significant impact in tobacco control. The Government of Meghalaya recognizes the hard work and dedication put forth by the STCC, schools, students, and all those involved in the campaign.

Press Release No. 83/23

DISTRICT LEVEL YUVA UTSAV HELD AT KHLIEHRIAT

The Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan(NYKS), Shillong (Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport , Government of India) today organized a one-day District Level YUVA UTSAV under the theme, Panch Pran and India at 2047 at Jaintia Eastern College, Khliehriat. The Member of Parliament, Shillong (Lok Sabha), Shri. Vincent .H. Pala, attended the programme as the Chief Guest, Shri Kyrmen Shylla, Minister of Excise, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Government of Meghalaya as the Guest of Honour and Shri. A. Baranwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat as the Special Guest

The main objective of the programme is to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in the spirit of Yuva Shaktis, to spread the ideals and values of India’s Freedom Struggle, and to generate appreciation of the diverse spiritual and cultural heritage amongst the masses. Students from different schools within the district participated in different activities like Young Artist – Painting, Young Writers-Poetry, Mobile Photography, Declamation Contest and Cultural Festival. Youth between the ages of 15 and 29 were allowed to participate in the programmes and contests at the district level with winners moving on to the state and national levels.

While addressing as the Chief Guest in the programme, Shri. Vincent H. Pala, Member of Parliament, Shillong (Lok Sabha), informed that the NYKS is an organization that has been functioning for 51 Years and it aims at empowering the youth of the country in different fields. He stated that youth plays an important role in society, taking part in various developmental programmes and nation-building. He also said that with the advancement in technology, the youth of today have many platforms to learn, update and enhance their skills and talents to prosper in the right direction. He also elaborated on the Panch Prans of the NYKS which is the goal to develop India, to remove any trace of the colonial mindset, to take pride in our own heritage and legacy, to promote unity and solidarity, and to inculcate a sense of duty amongst citizens. He calls upon the youth to take part in the process of nation- building by developing their skills and values so that they can become responsible and productive citizens, to work together, help and respect one another, follow socially acceptable behavior and morally correct actions, as well as performing the duties and responsibilities to take the nation forward.

Shri Kyrmen Shylla, Minister of Excise, Revenue, and Disaster Management Department in his address said that as responsible citizens our main aim should be to contribute to the progress of the nation from the grass root level. He also stressed on the need to established coaching centers for the youth to develop their skills and talent in the different fields as well as providing them the platform to showcase skills and talents. Speaking on the problems of unemployment, he stated that the Government of India is focusing on empowering the youth of the country through various skill training programmes to provide adequate skill sets to the youth that will enable their employment in different sectors. He also appealed to all the youth of the district to work together with the government to achieve a positive outcome for the overall development of the district, the state and the country as a whole.

Earlier in his speech, the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat, Shri. A. Baranwal, IAS, informed that the Government of India has embarked on the mission to celebrate YUVA UTSAV in Every District with the objective to mobilize youths in a positive direction. Yuva Utsav is an effort to channelize youth synergy towards positive endeavors like sports and other curricular activities to help them build their character as well as their personality. He appealed to the students to utilize their time to develop themselves as much as possible by engaging in whatever learning capacity they can to become more skilful so that they will have a bright future.

Press Release No. 84/23

PHE MINISTER REVIEWS SCHEME IMPLEMENTATIONS IN EAST GARO HILLS

Meghalaya minister for PHE, Soil and Water Conservation, etc. and the Chairman, District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC), East Garo Hills, Marcuise N Marak, reviewed the scheme implementations of various departments in the presence of GHADC CEM, Albinush R Marak, GHADC EM and Rongjeng MDC, Henen R Sangma, Deputy Commissioner, Vibhor Aggarwal and the SP, Siddhart Ambedkar at the conference hall of Williamnagar Circuit House on 26 May. The DPDC review meeting was organized by the District Panning Investment, Promotion and Sustainable Development Department of the district.

The review of scheme implementation included the MPLAD which should be completed within June 15 next, National Assistance Program, SRWP and Chief Minister Special Development Fund by the DRDA, physical achievement against approved labour budget and average employment provided per household under MGNREGA and the minister urged the BDOs to monitor properly the implementation of PMAY-Grameen (PMAY-G) in the district and to create proper awareness and impart training to the beneficiaries.

While reviewing the scheme implementations by the Agriculture department, the minister urged the department to encourage the farmers to grow more vegetables along the Simsang river and also to increase millet production in the district. The Horticulture department, on the other hand, informed the minister that potato farmers in the district are doing well.

During the course of review meeting, the fisheries officials apprised the need to install extra power transformers for running the feed mill and the minister urged the officials of the department to provide assistance to one Jongrin Marak, a fish farmer from Doktilgre village under Samanda C and RD Block.

The officials from the PWD (Roads) informed the DPDC that the black topping of Rongjeng-Mangsang-A.dokgre road has completed up-to Mangsang market. The minister urged the officials to have a meeting of PMGSY contractors with the Deputy Commissioner and to warn the erring contractors so that construction of roads can be completed in time. The minister also urged the PWD (Building) to expedite the construction of Williamnagar Polytechnic and construction of residential school at Nongchram.

The officials representing the DIET informed that the land acquisition for establishment of DIET at Samgong have been completed and the minister assured to take up the issue with the department concerned. While reviewing the scheme implementation, the minister congratulated the officials of the PHE department for success of Free Household Tap Connection in the district.

The other departments, covered in the review of scheme implementations included ATMA, Mechanical Wing of the Agriculture department, Water Resources, Cooperative Societies, Health and Family Welfare, DCIC, Forest and Environment, Soil and Water Conservation, Wildlife, MePDCL, Education, AH and Veterinary, Sericulture, Handloom, Urban Affairs, Social Welfare, ICDS, Tourism, MGCC, MBDA and Supply.