Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 288/11

NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF DEAFNESS LAUNCHED IN EAST KHASI HILLS

Shillong, June 13, 2011: The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD) was formally launched on June 10, 2011 in East Khasi Hills District by the Parliamentary Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. P W Khongjee. To mark the launching of the programme, an awareness-cum-screening & detection camp was held at Sohra Community Health Centre, Sohra.

Keeping in mind that hearing/speech impairment is one of the most common but preventable cause of disability, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has launched the NPPCD with the objective to prevent avoidable hearing loss and to ensure early identification, diagnosis and treatment of ear problems responsible for hearing loss and deafness.

In a meeting held at the Saitsohpen Community Hall, Sohra, Dr. Khongjee lauded the efforts of the staff of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) for taking the initiative to organize the programme in the area which would immensely benefit the people especially those in the rural areas. He expressed hoped that deafness could be controlled and prevented if people cooperate with the government in the implementation of the programme.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr. R Nongbet, ENT Specialist-cum-Nodal Officer, NPPCD, East Khasi Hills, Dr. I Gatphoh, State Nodal Officer NPPCD and Mr. F Syiem, Syiem of Sohra.

Press Release No. 289/11

SELF SUSTAINING MEDICAL COLLEGE A BOON FOR GARO HILLS

Shillong, June 13, 2011: Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma today said that the establishment of a quality medical college in Tura would be a boon for the region in particular and the state in general. He observed this while visiting the site of the proposed Tura Medical College at Jewilgre Aking located eighteen kms from Tura along the Tura-Ampati road. Dr. Sangma was accompanied by State Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Minister, Saleng A Sangma.

Dr. Sangma informed that an amount of Rs 20 crore has been sanctioned under the Special Plan Assistance (SPA) for the year 2010-11 and that additional funds would be sanctioned “as and when the need arises.” He added that the entire process taken up as per international finance corporation guidelines is almost complete and that the identified consultant would shortly be preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for executing the project. “It is the government’s sincere desire that this endeavour fructifies in a time bound manner without any time or cost over run,” he asserted.

To be constructed over 150 acres of land donated by the Chambugong clan, the college would be self sustained in terms of availability of all basic amenities. “In order to attract quality human resource, the establishment would have all required amenities for the faculty and staff so that they can deliver service to the fullest without having to worry about their own needs and requirements,” Dr. Sangma said while indicating that amenities such as a proper school, commercial complex amongst other amenities would be available in the sprawling complex.

The CM also observed that the site perched atop a hillock was ideal for harnessing green energy. “The site is suitable for generating green energy and as you can see, solar and wind energy can easily be generated here,” Dr. Sangma told accompanying journalists while adding that the government has already received several expressions of interest by established private players which would be studied and perused in the near future to explore the possibilities.

Another positive aspect of the location for the medical college which would be the first premier medical institution in Garo hills was that it was surrounded by numerous habitations. “For such an institution to develop and progress, adequate intake capacity and absorption is required by way of people needing medical attention and this institution is expected to render quality medical intervention when the need arises,” stated Dr. Sangma. He elaborated that it would initially have an intake capacity of 200 to 300 outdoor and up to 500 indoor patients.

Agreeing with the chief minister on the benefits that would accrue to the people of the area, the Nokma (chieftain) of the Chambugong clan – Harison R Sangma expressed optimism that “with the establishment of such a medical institution, the area in particular would reap huge benefits and Garo hills in general,” even as he assured the government of all support and assistance to ensure that the project becomes a reality within the stipulated period.

Press Release No. 290/11

INDO-BANGLA JOINT BORDER HAAT COMMITTEE MEET HELD AT KALAICHAR

Shillong, June 13, 2011: The Haat Management Committees (HMCs) of both India and Bangladesh held a meeting on Thursday to discuss issues pertaining to the opening of Border Haat at Kalaichar, West Garo Hills district of Indian Union and Baliamari, Kurigram district of Bangladesh.

The meeting was attended by 11-member delegation led by Additional Deputy Commissioner i/c Ampati Civil Sub-Division Mr. Abhishek Bhagotia, who is also the chairman of the Haat Committee from India and six-member team from Bangladesh led by Md. Manzarul Manran, Additional Deputy Magistrate, Kurigram district.

Regarding the inauguration of the border haat, the ADM of Kurigram district informed the meeting that inauguration of the Haat would not be feasible on June 23, 2011 due to the Union Parishad Elections in Bangladesh, so the it was decided that a suitable date would be fixed for the inauguration after consultations with the governments of both the countries.

On the Haat timings, the HMCs of both the countries concurred that the Border Haat would function once a week every Wednesday. The Haat timing during summer would be from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (IST) and in winter the timing would be from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm (IST). An alarm would be sounded one hour before the closing time of the Haat to ensure adherence to the prescribed timings.

The HMCs of both the countries decided to exchange list of vendors,vendees as well as the list of dignitaries who would attend the inaugural function in their next joint committee meeting. On the day of the inauguration of the Border Haat, it has been decided by the HMCs that both the countries would present their respective National Anthems and cultural programmes.

Both the HMCs have entrusted their local magistrates, namely, the Extra Assistant Commissioner, Ampati Mr. Reuben C. Momin and the Upazila Nirbhai Officer of Kurigram Mr. Mohammad Abdul Quader with the responsibilities of joint maintenance of law & order in the Haat premises.

The HMCs of both the countries would request their respective treasury banks, i.e, the State Bank of India and the Sonali Bank Limited to handle the matters relating to foreign currency exchange in the Haat. Regarding maintenance of hygiene and sanitation in the Haat, one person each from both the countries would be appointed to clean garbage and toilets and these cleaners would be paid by their respective HMCs by charging Rs. 10 / 10 Takas from the vendors. They HMCs would also arrange for dustbins for disposal of garbage.

Press Release No. 291/11

NEC CHAIRMANS SPORTS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Shillong, June 13, 2011: The North Eastern Council (NEC) Chairman’s Sports Award for Excellence, given in recognition of the hard work and achievements of the sports personnel in the international level and also for encouraging promising athletes from North East Region, will be given on June 16, 2011 during the 60th Plenary NEC Meet under the Chairmanship of Union Minister DoNER and Chairman NEC, Mr. B K Handique at the Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

It may be mentioned that the cash award for gold medal winners in the Olympics is Rs. 40 lakhs, Asian Games Rs. 10 lakhs, Commonwealth Games Rs.10 lakhs and National Games Rs.3 lakhs. For silver medalist in Olympics, the award carries a cash prize of Rs. 20 lakhs, Asian Games Rs. 5 lakhs, Commonwealth Games Rs. 5 lakhs and National Games Rs. 2 lakhs. For Bronze medalist, the cash award for Olympics is Rs. 10 lakhs, Asian Games Rs. 3 lakhs, Commonwealth Games Rs. 3 lakhs and National Games Rs. 1 lakh.

The NEC Chairman’s Sports Award is given in Archery (individual), Athletics (individual & relay), Badminton (individual & doubles), Boxing (individual), Cycling (individual & team), Fencing (individual), Gymnastic (individual), Karate (individual), Judo (individual), Shooting (individual & team), Swimming and Diving (individual & team), Table Tennis (individual & team), Taekwondo (individual & team), Weight Lifting (individual), Wrestling (individual), Lawn Tennis (individual & team), Sepak Takraw, Hockey, Football and Wushu.

Gold Medalists winners in the Commonwealth Games 2010 included Somdev Kishore Dev Varma (Tripura) in Lawn Tennis (men’s single), M. Suranjoy Singh (Manipur) in Boxing, Ms. Y Renubala (Manipur) in Weight Lifting and Ms. L Bombayala Devi (Manipur) in Archery (team). Silver medalists included Ms. Ng. Sonia (Manipur) in Weight Lifting and Tarun Deep Rai (Sikkim) in Archery and Bronze Medalists are Jayanta Talukdar (Assam) in Archery and Men’s Recurve Team Archery, Ms. Kh Bheigyabati (Manipur) in Archery, Ms. A Sandhyarani (Manipur) and Ms. L Monica (Manipur) in Weight Lifting.

Medal Winners in the Asian Games 2010 included Somdev Kishore Dev Varma (Tripura) who won the gold medal in Lawn Tennis (Men’s single and men’s double), silver medalists Ms. W Sandhyarani (Manipur) and Tarun Deep Rai (Sikkim) in Wushu and Archery respectively. Bronze medalists included Somdev Kishore Dev Varma (Tripura) in Lawn Tennis (team), Jayanta Talukdar (Assam) in Archery, M. Bimoljit (Manipur) in Wushu, M Suranjoy Singh (Manipur) and Ms. M C Mary Kom (Manipur), both in Boxing.

Press Release No. 294/11

PROHIBITORY ORDER

Shillong, June 13, 2011: The Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District has prohibited collection of toll/taxes/royalty from the vehicles/products/outlets like vehicles plying on public roads, (i.e., PWD Roads and roads constructed with financial assistance from the Government through any Government Department), vehicles carrying/transporting industrial products (raw materials as well as finished goods) or from the industries/factories/warehouses by any agency/organization/ individual without the permission of the State Government.

Any person or persons found to be indulging in or carrying out such activities either in his private or collective capacity shall be prosecuted as per law. Meanwhile, the local police have been instructed to arrest and prosecute such collectors.

Press Release No. 299/11

STATE GETS MAXIMUM ROAD LENGTH IN NE FROM CENTRE

Shillong, June 12, 2011: Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Meghalaya chief minister Dr. Mukul M Sangma said that it was a matter of pride for the state to receive the maximum accord of funds for road projects in the north east region. Dr. Sangma elaborated that recently the Union Cabinet has approved the sanction for 93 kms of road length for the state to be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

“This by far is the longest stretch accorded to any state in the Northeast by the Centre and it is our privilege to receive it,” stated the CM while adding, “It will be the government’s endeavour to ensure that all road projects are completed within the stipulated time frame.”

Dr. Sangma said this while laying the foundation stone for construction of the 28 km long Ampati-Purakhasia all-weather road under the Special Plan Assistance (SPA) yesterday in the presence of state PWD minister Saleng A Sangma and other guests. Accorded an initial sanction of Rs 35 crore, the road is likely to benefit over 50 villages in the area and the government has set a two-year time frame for its completion.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PWD minister Saleng A Sangma observed that the road would go a long way in mitigating the problems of the people while transferring their agricultural produce to the market. “There are so many phaltu (illegal) check gates along the present route and this is the primary reason for hike in prices of agricultural products,” Saleng said adding, “Imagine farmers are taxed up to Rs 10 per pumpkin no wonder it is so expensive in the market,” even as he affirmed “I want to make it my mission to end such illegal practices so that the common man is relieved of this burden once and for all.”

Further asserting that the present government is keen on developing every nook and corner of the state, Saleng Sangma said residents of the Ampati-Purakhasia area who have been using this road daily would know how important this road project is for them. “Any such project can lead to improvement in people’s lives in other spheres of life,” he added.

Following the foundation stone laying, a public meeting was held at Anangpara village to mark the occasion. Dr. Sangma told the gathering that this is the first road in the state to be constructed using a new technology from Germany. He added that under the Special Plan Assistance, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 350 crore for improving, black-topping and widening of existing roads in the state to convert them to all-weather roads using the German technology while explaining that this technology would not only save time spent on collecting stones but also help prevent environmental degradation. Opining that it is vital to address the infrastructural gaps for all-round development, the CM informed that Rs 50 lakh has been sanctioned for every block towards black-topping of roads constructed under MGNREGS.

Remarking that the Ampati-Purukhasia road would definitely be a catalyst towards expansion of trade and commerce with neighbouring Bangladesh, Dr. Sangma announced that the government has tentatively fixed the July 4, 2011 for opening of the Indo-Bangla Border Haat at Kalaichar, adding this would boost the economy of the people living in the border areas. Others who also spoke on the occasion included Co-Chairman, State Planning Board Zenith Sangma, Executive Member of the GHADC Kredithson Marak, Nokma (chieftain) of Anangpara H Sangma and West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal, who also chaired the function.