Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 202/10

NOMINEES INVITED FOR ASHOKA CHAKRA SERIES OF GALLANTRY AWARDS

Shillong, May 11, 2010: The Government of India will announce the Ashoka Chakra series of Gallantry Awards and these awards are given in three categories namely Ashoka Chakra which is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent velour of self service, Kirti Chakra, awarded for conspicuous gallantry and Shaurya Chakra, awarded for gallantry.

The award will be announced on Independence Day 2010. Persons of either sex in all walks of life are eligible for these awards. Besides Defense personnel, members of the Police forces are also eligible for these awards.

The award can also be conferred posthumously. Intending individuals from East Khasi Hills District who desire their names to be recommended to the Government for the Award are required to send their nominations to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong on or before the 18th May 2010.

Press Release No. 203/10

REVISED RATES FOR MID DAY MEAL SCHEME

Shillong, May 11, 2010: The Government of India, Ministry of Human Resources Development, Department of School Education and literacy, Meghalaya, Shillong has informed all concerned and general public the revised rates of cooking cost and transportation cost under Mid-day Meal Scheme. The revised rate of cooking cost for Primary Schools is at the rate of Rs. 3.75/- per child per day and for Upper Primary Schools at the rate of 4.03/- per child per day. The transportation cost of food grain (Rice) will now be at PDS rate prevailing in the State but delivery of food grain (Rice) by Government Nominees will have to be up to the door steps of schools. The actual distances of schools from the nearest FCI godowns are being collected in order to arrive at the actual entitlements for reimbursement. The Ministry has also made provision for the appointment of Cooks-cum-helpers as per entitlement. Kitchen sheds-cum-stores are also being provided on a cost of sharing basis of 90:10 between the Central Government and the State Government and proposal are under submission to the Government of India. The entitlement of rice per child per day remains at 100 gms for Primary Schools children and 150 gms for Upper Primary school children. The above revision has been made to ensure that cooked mid day meal is served every school working day. The active cooperation of all parents and community members is sought for the successful implementation of the scheme which benefits our children.