Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 482/05

FOUNDATION STONE FOR EXTENSION OF THE TGC LAID

The foundation stone for the construction of the Phase-II building of the Tura Government College (TGC), the premier college in Garo Hills was laid by the Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma on July 13, 2005. The project of Rs. 2.68 crores was accorded sanction by the State Government from the Additional Sanction Assistance.

Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone, Dr. Sangma said that the Government has taken the initiative of providing infrastructure for all educational institutions, including the Tura College which can make the students feel at par with other students. He also said that while the job market in the Government sector was fast shrinking, the job market was expanding in the private sector and if the students are equipped with proper education they could get jobs in any corporate sector. It is a matter of great pride that the youth from the Northeast are most wanted in the IT sector in the country, he said adding that it should be a motivating force for the students of this region.

The Deputy Chief Minister also reiterated that development is a continuous process, adding that in order to meet all the needs and aspirations of the people of the State while formulating development programmes, the Government has constituted the Regional Planning Commissions, one for Garo Hills and the other for Khasi and Jaintia Hills, to ensure that there is no feeling of neglect among the people. Regarding the MBOSE issue, Dr. Sangma informed that the Government has taken positive steps on the issue and has identified reasons for the shortcomings in the Board, adding that the Government would transform the Board into one of the best in the country.

Meghalaya Minister for Transport, etc., Mrs. Debora C. Marak who attended as the Guest of Honour, appealed to the students and the people in general to extend their support to the Government in its endeavour to improve the educational system and hoped that the new extension to the college would open up more avenues to the students in the field of education.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Parliamentary Secretaries, Mr. Billykid A. Sangma and Mr. Sengran R. Marak, Chief Executive Member, GHADC, Mr. E.A. Sangma.

The welcome address was delivered by the Principal of the College, Mr. D. Roy.

Press Release No. 483/05

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING TO BE OBSERVED

The Meghalaya Forum on Aids and Drugs (MeFAD), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, will observe the International Day Against Substance Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on July 18, 2005 at the State Central Library Auditorium, Shillong from 11.00 A.M. The Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Donkupar Roy will be the Chief Guest at a function which will include speeches, testimonies and special songs from various local artistes.

As part of the observance, a football match between Recovering Drug Users from Jowai and Shillong will be held on July 15, 2005 at the St. Edmund’s football field at 1.00 P.M.

It may be mentioned that MeFAD is a forum consisting of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in the field of Drug Use and HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya. The Forum has members from Kripa Foundation, Hope Foundation, Manbha Foundation, New Hope Centre, Chduh Dei Maya, Mar Chaphrang, NEIDAC, VHAM, etc.

Press Release No. 484/05

KJP HOSPITAL CONTRIBUTES TOWARDS TSUNAMI RELIEF FUND

The Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Synod Hospital, Shillong has donated an amount of Rs.20,600/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand Six Hundred) only towards the Prime Minister Relief Fund for Tsunami victims today through the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong. The cheque was handed over by Mr. E. W. Mairom, Administrative Officer, KJP Synod Hospital.