Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 219/11

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

Shillong, May 4, 2011: The Chief Minister, Government of Meghalaya, Dr. Mukul Sangma, has condoled the tragic death of the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Mr. Dorjee Khandu. In his condolence message to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. Sangma said that Mr. Khandu was a popular leader and able administrator much loved by the people of his State and a leader well regarded all over the North East. He also said that his death is a deep personal loss and a great loss for the country as a whole.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister also sent his condolence to Mr. Khandu’s wife and his family members and said that the people of Meghalaya join hands in extending heartfelt condolences to the family members and pray that the Almighty grant them solace and strength to bear this loss.

Press Release No. 220/11

THE 25 NORTH EAST GAMES

Shillong, May 4, 2011: The 25th North East Games that was held at Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh from 25th April to 30th April, 2011. 11 disciplines were conducted at 3 different venues, Dirang, Rupa and Bomdilla. Dirang being the main venue of the games hosted 6 disciplines, weight lifting, taekwondo, football, badminton, judo and karate. Rupa hosted athletics and wushu while Bomdilla hosted archery, boxing and table tennis.

Meghalaya state comprising a total of 121 players, 80 men and 41 women took part in all the discipline except weight lifting. The state contingent was led by Shri Jasper R Marak as the Chief-de-Mission and supported by team manager and coaches from various State Sports Associations.

Meghalaya bagged a total of 34 medals, 4 gold medals in boxing and karate, 8 silver medals in boxing, karate, archery and athletics and 22 bronze medals in table tennis, boxing, taekwondo, karate and wushu. The state also was the runner up in the women karate event.

The entire expenditure on participation of state team in 10 discipline in the North East Games is sponsored by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Meghalaya, including the coaching camps, equipments and the coaches.

Press Release No. 221/11

MEETING HELD BETWEEN THE MEGHALAYA CM AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN PLANNING COMMISSION

Shillong, May 4, 2011: The meeting between Dr. Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister, Meghalaya and Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission was held on 3rd May, 2011 at Yojana Bhavan, New Delhi to discuss and finalize the size of the Annual Plan of Meghalaya for the year 2011-12. In the meeting, a Plan size of Rs. 2,727 Crore was fixed for 2011-12 as against a Plan size of Rs. 2,230 Crore for the preceding year, i.e. 2010-11 which is an increase of 22 percent.

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya was assisted by Shri Bindo Lanong, Deputy Chief Minister, Mining and Geology, Shri Rowel Lyngdoh, Deputy Chief Minister, PWD (Roads), Shri Prestone Tynsong, Minister, GAD, Shri W.M.S. Pariat, Chief Secretary, Shri B.K. Dev Varma, Additional Chief Secretary and other senior officials of the State Government. The Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission was assisted by Dr. B.K. Chaturvedi, Member, Dr. Saumitra Chaudhuri, Member, Dr. (Ms.) Syeda Hameed, Member, Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Member, Smti Sudha Pillai, Member Secretary and other senior officials of the Planning Commission including the representatives from the Ministries of Finance and the Development of North Eastern Region (DONER).

During the discussions, the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission congratulated the Chief Minister of Meghalaya for significant achievements made by the State particularly during the last one year. He also appreciated the State's new initiative in promoting horticulture, livelihood programmes, PPP interventions, convergence initiatives and several innovations.

During the discussions, the various members of the Planning Commission indicated their concerns relating to the implementation of NREGA, drop out rates, health care indicators, etc.

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya while presenting his case before the Deputy Chairman expressed his gratefulness to the Planning Commission for assistance and guidance to the State. He stated that during the year 2010-11, the State Government had undertaken a number of new initiatives such as the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme, setting up of the Institute of Governance and the Institute of Entrepreneurship, Value Chains in horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and sericulture & weaving sectors.

The approved Plan size of Rs.2,727 Crore includes an amount of Rs. 600 Crore as Special Central Assistance and Rs. 100 Crore as Special Plan Assistance for implementing several important projects of the State.

The Chief Minister highlighted the need for Additional Central Assistance for 5 special projects namely, Integrated Basin Development & Livelihood Programme, Assembly Building, Government Medical College at Tura, New Shillong Township and completion of last mile projects. The Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission expressed the hope that the momentum built up during the previous year in the utilisation of funds will be maintained in the current year and based on its performance, the State could come up again for additional funds particularly for special projects during the course of the year.

Press Release No. 222/11

MEGHALAYA CHIEF MINISTER MEETS PRIME MINISTER

Shillong, May 4, 2011: The meeting between Dr. Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister, Meghalaya and Hon’ble Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, was held on 3rd May at 7, Race Course Road (Prime Minister’s residence) in New Delhi. During the meeting Chief Minister highlighted the need for completion of all pending projects of Meghalaya.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for Additional Central Assistance for 5 special projects which include Integrated Basin Development & Livelihood Programme, Assembly Building, Government Medical College at Tura, New Shillong Township and completion of last mile projects. The Chief Minister extended a warm invitation to the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to visit the State.