Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 257/19

MEGHALAYA CHIEF MINISTER INSPECTS GANOL HYDEL PROJECT

Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma today inspected the ongoing construction work of the Ganol Hydel Project in the presence of Shri Thomas Sangma, MLA and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Selsella MLA, Smt Ferlene A. Sangma and officials from the department. The work on the on the 22.5 MW project started in 2014 and once completed will greatly benefit the power deficit State. Citing multiple reasons for the delay in the execution of the project including one of limited time and financial constraints, the Chief Minister said that necessary steps have been taken to iron out the issues being faced by the project and expressed hope that it can be completed by December next year. The Chief Minister also visited the site of the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) near Babadam in the outskirts of Tura. The project is being funded by the Government of India at the cost of 41 crores. A tribal museum and library of the District Council is also being constructed near the TRI. A Tribal University is also proposed to be constructed adjacent to it in the near future.

Press Release No. 258/19

CHIEF MINISTER INAUGURATES ZILA SAINIK WELFARE OFFICE

Chief Minister, Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma today inaugurated the Zila Sainik Welfare Office, Tura at Deputy Commissioner’s Office premises to look after the welfare of ex-servicemen, widows and their dependants of the five districts of Garo Hills. Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma, in his address said that the establishment of the Zila Sainik Welfare Office at Tura will be advantageous to the ex-servicemen, widows and their dependants of Garo Hills as it will obviate the need to travel long distance to Shillong to resolve their basic problems pertaining to pension and administrative work. “Keeping in mind the service rendered by our ex-servicemen, this is the least the government can do to the brave soldiers for their selfless service contribution in the service of the nation,” said the Chief Minister.” He also encouraged all ex-servicemen, widows and dependants to uphold the dignity of the office and take full advantage of the new office. He also appreciated GAD, Meghalaya and Directorate Sainik Welfare, Meghalaya who tirelessly pursued the matter for the welfare of ex-servicemen, widows and their dependants.

The Chief Minister also informed the gathering that the State government in tandem with the Directorate Sainik Welfare, Meghalaya is working on establishing the ex-servicemen Health Clinic and canteen so that the ex-servicemen, widows and dependants are not deprived of the benefits that they are rightfully entitled to. Also present during the inauguration was Minister, GAD, Meghalaya, Shri Comingone Ymbon who lauded that the establishment of Zila Sainik Welfare Office, Tura and said that it will go a long way in giving the much needed assistance to ex-servicemen, widows and their dependants of Garo Hills. He informed that the office will be fully functional once the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Meghalaya completes the staff recruitment. He also thanked the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills for all the assistance rendered in establishing the office at the premises. Also present during the Inauguration were Shri Thomas A Sangma, Adviser to the Chief Minister, MLA, Selsella, Smt Ferlene A Sangma, Chief Secretary, Shri P S Thangkhiew, Additional Chief Secretary, Smt R V Suchiang, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Shri Ram Singh and Director, Sainik Welfare.

Press Release No. 259/19

CM INTERACTS WITH SHGS OF GARO HILLS REGION

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma graced the function as Chief Guest organised to interact with the Self Help Groups (SHGs) of the region today afternoon at SMELC Conference Hall, Dakopgre, Tura. The programme was organised by National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) Shillong in collaboration with NRLM, Tura. “Meghalaya is a rural economy, and I believe an economy if it has to move forward, there should be a balance between growth and sustainability and utilisation of resources in balanced manner”, said the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma while addressing the group of SHGs of the region. Therefore, in order to promote rural economy there is a need to focus on the people living in these villages and thereby upscale the economic condition of the people of the region, he added. Stating that there is abundant availability of natural resources in the region, he said that we should practise what we are good at and also find out how to materialize the available raw materials of the area. Stressing on the importance of the SHGs, the Chief Minister said that these SHGs have the capacity to bring the effort of the individuals to collective responsibility and help each other in the group for greater interest of the members of SHGs of the region. Further, it could also help to mobilize more financial responsibility to the people, the Chief Minister said.

He also informed that from the time he joined as the Chief Minister of the State, out of 11000 SHGs, only 200 have bank linkages but at present there are about 4000 bank linkages among the SHGs in Garo Hills region. Emphasizing his desire to revolutionize the SHG Movement in the region, he directed the concerned Block Development Officers of the region to put their mind and heart in bringing the movement forward and also to be passionate and work with dedication to make a difference in people’s life.

Commissioner and Secretary, C and RD Department, Shri P Sampath Kumar highlighted the importance of the SHG Movement and the vision and mission of building this movement across the state in general and region in particular. He also informed that Revolving fund is also being given to the SHGs to maintain their activities of the group and also help to upscale the economic status of the people.

During the programme, Community Investment Fund (CIF), were also distributed to respective Village Organisations of the 5 districts of Garo Hills and selected Community Cadres were also awarded by the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Community and Rural Development, Smt I R Sangma, Commissioner and Secretary, Community and Rural Development Department, Shri P Sampath Kumar, CEO, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Shri Shantanu Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, WGH, shri Ram Singh, Deputy Commissioner, EGH, Shri Swapnil Tembe, members of SHGs of Garo Hills region were among others present at the function.

Press Release No. 260/19

CHIEF MINISTER HOLDS REVIEW MEETING WITH HEALTH OFFICIALS, FLAGS OFF FOOD SAFETY VAN

Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma, today had a meeting with health officials of Garo Hills in the presence of Minister, Health & Family Welfare, Shri A L Hek and Chief Secretary, P S Thangkhiew and other senior officers from the Health department. In his opening remarks, Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma said that health care is a primary service for the people and the government is moving forward to ensure better and effective health care services. “We have taken the necessary measures to move forward with the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in the State,” informed the Chief Minister. He also urged the health officials to find innovative solutions to tackle the various challenges that are present in the health department. The Chief Minister also instructed the department to streamline the procurement and distribution of medicines to different health care centres so that medicines are readily available to cater to the need of the patients. He also said that the important infrastructures like ambulance facility, power back up, water treatment plants and medicine storage facilities will be addressed in all health centres on a priority basis. “Improving rural health care infrastructure is our priority and we will make adequate investments to improve health care services,” said the Chief Minister. He also said that Food Safety is also a concern and directed the food safety officials to have regular testing of food and beverages in the State. The Food Safety van was also flagged off by the Chief Minister during the occasion.