Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 331/10

WORKSHOP ON STATE HEALTH POLICY HELD

Shillong, July 26, 2010: A workshop on State Health Policy was held at the auditorium of the Yojana Bhavan, Shillong today July 26, 2010. The workshop was organised by the Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) and sponsored by the Health Department, Government of Meghalaya. Meghalaya Chief Minster, Dr. Mukul Sangma, graced the inaugural function as the Chief Guest. Also present on the occasion were Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister in charge Health, Mr. R. Lyngdoh, Chancellor of MLCU, Dr K M Shyamprasad, Vice Chancellor of MLCU, Dr. G C Kharkongor, Commissioner and Secretary, Health, Mr. D. P. Wahlang, medical practitioners and NGOs working in the health sector.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that it was high time for the State to have its own Health Policy. Once the State Health Policy is in place, Dr Sangma opined that through community participation, successful implementation of the Policy will take place. He further stressed that the outlook of the State Health Policy should lay focus on preventive and investigative measures rather than curative. The Government is also contemplating making Health Insurance packages available to the weaker sections of society and BPL families, he added. Dr Sangma also urged upon all stakeholders to contribute their inputs so as to ensure that the State is equipped with comprehensive Health Policy.

It may be mentioned that the Health Department has entrusted Martin Luther Christian University to work out the modalities of drafting the State Health Policy and the aim of the Workshop was to solicit views and inputs from all stakeholders towards achieving this end.

Press Release No. 332/10

CHILDRENS PARK CUM VIEW POINT INAUGURATED

Shillong, July 26, 2010: The Children’s Park-cum-View Point constructed by the Soil and Water Conservation Department at a cost of Rs. 2.85 lakhs at Chilliang Raij, Jowai, Jaintia Hills District was inaugurated today, the 26th July, 2010 by the Meghalaya Minister of Soil and Water Conservation, etc., Dr. R C Laloo. The inaugural function was also attended by the Director of Soil & Water Conservation, Mr. A Syiem, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. T Dkhar and other Government officials of the District.

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Laloo lauded the initiatives and efforts taken by the Soil and Water Conservation Department to construct the view point cum children’s park saying that such activities of the Department will not only preserve the environment but it could also be one of the main tourist attractions of the District. He also called upon other localities of the District to approach the Department if they have the land for construction of such view point and park.

The Director of Soil and Water Conservation, Mr. A. Syiem in his welcome address suggested that Self Help Groups should also take necessary steps to preserve the aquatic life of the Myntdu river, so that be one of the tourist spot he added. After the inauguration ceremony, the view point-cum-children park was handed over to the Chilliang Raij locality for maintenance of the part.

Press Release No. 333/10

INTER-DISTRICT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT KICK OFF

Shillong, July 26, 2010: A Six-Day Inter-District Knock out Football Tournament organised by the 120 Battalion C.R.P.F under Civic Action Programme 2009-2010 in association with the District Sports Office, Tura was inaugurated today at Tura, MP Stadium, Dakopgre.

Mr. F. D. Sangma, DIG, Western Range graced the opening ceremony of the Tournament as the Chief Guest and kicked off the opening match between Tura Government College and Western United Club. Mr. Vishnu Gautam, Commandant 120 Battalion, CRPF in his welcome address welcomed everybody to the inaugural ceremony. He informed that as requisition by the Meghalaya Government six companies of the 120 CRPF Battalion were deployed in and around the region and therefore the tournament was being organised with an aim to foster affable relationship between parliamentary forces and the public of the region. He advised all the twelve teams participating in the tournament to maintain the highest order of sportsmanship. Mr. Gautam informed that cash prizes, trophies and certificates world be given out at the closing ceremony of the tournament.

Addressing the gathering Mr. F. D. Sangma commended the organisers of the tournament and expressed his happiness for being invited to the Tournament. He further expressed his gratitude and thanks to the organisers and the Commandant for inviting. Stressing on the importance of maintaining discipline in any sport Mr. Sangma said that one should always maintain some amount of discipline if one wants to excel in life and abstain from intoxicants which are detrimental to health. Later, Mr. Sangma saying, “I believe this tournament will cement the relationship between the police and the public” declared the tournament open.

Among others present at the inaugural ceremony of the tournament were, Mr. Dalton P. Marak, Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills District, Mr. D. Dann, District Sports Officer, West Garo Hills and Commandant and Officers from the CRPF and BSF.

Press Release No. 334/10

LADY KEANE COLLEGE CELEBRATE PLATINUM JUBILEE

Shillong, July 26, 2010: Meghalaya Governor, Mr R S Mooshahary today inaugurated the year long Platinum Jubilee celebration of Lady Keane School and College, Shillong in the college auditorium in the presence of the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma, Education Minister, Mrs Ampareen Lyngdoh, Padmashree Mrs Queenie Rynjah, President of the College Governing Body, Mrs Roshan Warjri, President of the School Managing Committee, Mr Manas Choudhuri and the Pro-Vice Chancellor, NEHU, Prof. V Lalthantluanga among others.

It may be mentioned that Lady Keane School and College, the premier institution of Meghalaya and the first Lady’s College in the Northeast was started way back in 1935 in a rented building in Laban, Shillong and on 25th July 1936 Lady Keane, the wife of the then Governor Sir Michael Keane, laid the foundation stone of the school and college in the 8.3 acres of land allotted by Sir Michael Keane to a few men who took up the challenging task of establishing a women’s college in Shillong.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mooshahary while congratulating Lady Keane school and college for achieving the Platinum jubilee milestone said that the people should acknowledge the contribution made by the Keanes and by those farsighted individuals of Shillong who conceived and pursued the idea of founding the first women’s college in the Northeast. “Irrespective of how old the college is, it thrives on its renewal year after year with the joining of new students keeping the college youthful and vibrant where new ideas resonate with aspirations”, added the Governor.

Mr Mooshahary stated that the primary objective of education is to inculcate universal core values of love, honesty, trust, truth, tolerance and togetherness and equip the individuals to be self reliant, adaptable and conscientious. He said that education empowers individuals with the skills and techniques, knowledge and wherewithal to lead a decent and fulfilling life. He said that many things are to be learnt along the journey of life and an educated person can be a better learner than the one who is not and who lacks confidence to face the challenges ahead of him. Education builds opportunity and its deprivation is a major handicap in life, he added.

Mr Mooshahary also said that the affirmative actions by the Government and the awareness of the civil society have made it possible to throw open the gates of opportunities in an equitable manner to all section of the society irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and sex. He said that it is imperative that no one is deprived of education and every individual must have the opportunity to pursue learning according to one’s preference and ability.

While lauding the efforts of the teachers of the institution, Mr Mooshahary said that the college has produced many prominent personalities with recognition and as teachers they have every reason to be proud because they could instill in them the finer qualities of head and heart. He look forward that Lady Keane School and college would do well to prepare an action plan and when it celebrates the centenary year in twenty five years from now it must be in a position to proclaim its achievements in qualitative and quantative terms as it is doing now.

Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma in his brief speech as the guest of honour on the occasion congratulated the Lady Keane School and College for achieving the milestone. He said that Lady Keane school and college is one of premier institutions in the region and one of the most sought after by the parents of the aspiring students. He lauded the efforts of the past and the present faculty and the management for maintaining the status and prestige of the institution. He also said that the institution have made enormous contribution towards the providing quality education in the State and the region as a whole. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Education Minister, Mrs Ampareen Lyngdoh, Padmashree Mrs Queenie Rynjah, President of the College Governing Body, Mrs Roshan Warjri, President of the School Managing Committee, Mr Manas Choudhuri and the Pro-Vice Chancellor, NEHU, Prof. V Lalthantluanga.(mipr)