Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 201/14

SAND MINING RESTRICTED IN MAIRANG SUB DIVISION

Shillong, June 3, 2014: In has come to the notice of the Sub-Divisional Office, Mairang Sub Division that some unscrupulous elements are indulging in rampant sand mining from the river bed of Kynshi within Mairang Civil Sub Division. This is having an adverse impact on the river bed resulting in environmental degradation and is a threat to the bio-diversity. Since the water is used for drinking purpose in the downstream villages, the water is not suitable for drinking because of the washed off sand particles and contamination which is detrimental to the health and safety of human beings and animals alike.

Therefore, in compliance to the direction issued by the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mairang Civil Sub-Division has imposed Section 144 CrPC restricting sand mining on either side of the rivers, upstream and in-stream in the entire Mairang Civil Sub Division without obtaining Environmental Clearance from the Ministry of Forests or State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Meghalaya and license from the competent authorities.

If anybody violates this order, they shall be prosecuted under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and under specific acts governing the above mentioned provisions. This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force for 2 months unless modified or rescinded earlier.

However, anyone aggrieved by this order may approach the competent authority for modification/ waiver/alteration/rescission of the order.

Press Release No. 202/14

NOTIFICATION

Shillong, June 3, 2014: The Urban Affairs Department, Government of Meghalaya, is revising the Schedule of different activities of Socio Economic & Caste Census 2011 (SECC-2011) in respect of Shillong Cantonment Board as per dates given below.

The Draft List was published on 26.5.2014 and holding of Gram Sabha/Village meetings was completed on 30.5.2014. The receipt of claims & objections applications in prescribed forms will be on 20.6.2014, the last date of disposal of claim and objections is 11.7.2014, final list publication will be on 25.67.2014, receipt of appeal petitions by authority at District Level designated for the purpose is on 1.8.2014, last date for disposal of appeal is on 8.8.2014 and publication of addendum of final list is on 14.8.2014.

Press Release No. 205/14

MUKUL LAYS BASE FOR DISTRICT HQ OFFICE BUILDING AT AMPATI INAUGURATES UN LIBRARY AND VOCATIONAL TRAI

Shillong, June 3, 2014: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma laid the foundation stone for the new District Headquarters Office complex of South West Garo Hills at Ampati near Deputy Commissioner’s office in the presence of the Chairperson of Meghalaya Employment Regeneration Council, Dikkanchi D. Shira, UN officials, Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh, Superintendent of Police, R. Muthu and other district officials on 31st May, 2014. The two-storey building which is being constructed at a cost of about Rs. 6 crore, would house all the district offices that are yet to have their own establishments, including the District Treasury office.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated the United Nations Library and Vocational Training Centre under UN Resource Centre in the office building of the Employment Exchange, Ampati. The training centre, which is the first of its kind in the whole of the country, would impart training courses designed on the needs and potentialities of the youth of the region.

An impressive function was held at the Multi Facility Centre, Ampati to mark the occasions, which was well attended by the district officials, local leaders, NGOs, nokmas, gaonburas, teachers and students. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Dr. Sangma that the intention of the government was to create wider social network around the youth to enable them to keep up with the changing needs of the new age.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need to bring about change in the mindset of the youth, inculcate in them the dignity of labour and an enterprising spirit. He informed that some of the few initial courses to be conducted in this centre would be fashion technology, apparel making, masonry, carpentry and scientific horticultural gardening and urged all the young boys and girls of the district to come forward and avail the opportunity. He also expressed his gratitude to the UN officials present for their efforts in setting up the library and the training centre in the area.

The Chief Minister also reminded the officials of the district that their foremost duty is to serve the people and that they should be willing to learn new ideas in sync with the changing times.

Others who also spoke on the occasion include the NIO, United Nations Information Centre for India & Bhutan, Rajiv Chandran, Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh and Additional Deputy Commissioner, P.K. Boro.

Later, in the evening the Chief Minister held a meeting with the district officials and discussed at length the priorities and requirements for the new district. Awareness programme on Food Craft Institute and observation of World No-Tobacco Day were also organized at Ampati during the day.

Press Release No. 212/14

FOUNDATION STONE LAID FOR DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE COURT AT WEST KHASI HILLS

Shillong, 3 June 2014:In an historic event in the annals of the Judiciary in West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma alongwith the Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court Justice P C Pant inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for the District and Sessions Judge Court of West KhasiHills in the presence of Rowell Lyngdoh, Deputy Chief Minister, Meghalaya High Court Judge Justice S R Sen Mr. S M Sangma, Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. W Mawsor, MLA, Mr. K. P Pangniang, MLA, Additional Chief Secretary, Mr. K S Kropha, Syiem of Nongstoin, Mr. E P Syiem,, Syiem of Khadsawphra, Mr. P Syiemlieh, Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills, Nongstoin,, Mr. S Kharlyndoh and host of other dignitaries at the function held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex, Nongstoin.

Chief Justice, Justice P C Pant in his brief speech said that the separation of the Judiciary from the Executive is a step towards fulfilling the constitutional mandate and building confidence among the people. He said that this will facilitate the speedy delivery of justice without unnecessary delay in the process.

Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Rowell Lyngdoh in his speech said that the separation of the Judiciary from the executive is a relief to the executives as it will enable them to function more effectively and is is also a relief to the litigants as it would enable them to get faster justice.

Dr Sangma while addressing the gathering emphasized on the importance of the complete separation of the Judiciary from the executive to create a conducive atmosphere for the justice delivery system to flourish effectively. Elaborating the Government’s efforts in establishing the District and Session judge Court Dr Sangma said that the court would be able to accelerate legal proceedings thereby delivering prompt justice and at the same timehelp the understaffed Police Department who are weighed down with their duties in solving cases, investigation and maintaining law and order. He also assured that the Government would equip the Court with the necessary infrastructure.

Terming the occasion as a historic milestone, Dr Mukul said that it is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that the provisions as enshrined in the constitution of the country is fulfilled. He said that the District and sessions court will ensure access to equal opportunities and justice and will facilitate expeditious administration of justice.

While stressing on the need to create awareness about the legal system among the people, Dr Mukul said that it is very important that the people are made aware of their rights and it is imperative upon the Government to sensitise the people and reach out to all the stakeholders. He also urge the youth to take up legal studies as one of the options so that they can contribute towards effective legal system and get an opportunity to serve the people.

"I appeal to the Bar to make Legal support more affordable to the common man" said Dr Mukul Sangma while concluding his speech stating that in many occasions people were discouraged to take legal support due to exorbitant charges for legal support. Among others who spoke at the occasion were Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Rowell Lyngdoh, Mawshynrut MLA, Mr. Witting Mawsor and Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills, Mr. S Kharlyngdoh.