Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 572/06

CRAFTS PERSON, ARTISANS, TRADITIONAL WEAVERS INVITED

The office of the Meghalaya Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited “Kismat”, Upland Road, Laitumkhrah, Shillong-3 invites deserving and recognized craftsperson/artisans and traditional handloom weavers of Meghalaya for participation in Crafts Demonstration Programme at National Handicrafts and Handloom Museum (Crafts Museum), New Delhi for the month of September, 2006. Interested persons may approach the officials of the Corporation within 10th August, 2006 along with sample of products produced by them.

This was informed by the Production Supervisor, Meghalaya Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited “Kismat”, Upland Road, Laitumkhrah, Shillong-3.

Press Release No. 573/06

CEASEFIRE EXTENDED

The State Government as per agreement, has extended the ceasefire with the ANVC for one year with effect from 23.07.2006. This was informed by the Officer on Special Duty, Government of Meghalaya, Political Department.

Press Release No. 574/06

DRIVE AGAINST ILLICIT LIQUOR

The Commissioner of Excise, Meghalaya has requested the Local Dorbars, Social Welfare Groups and NGOs within the State to inform him about the illegal sale of illicit liquor including illicit distillation and bootlegging so as to enable to root out sale of such liquors. He also appeals their corporation and assistant for achieving positive results.

It may be mentioned that the Excise Department as per provision of the Meghalaya Excise Act, Section 51, has been making all out efforts to contain this menace. Stressing that, to conduct regular raids and to check illegal trade of illicit liquors, Excise Departament and Local Dorbars, Seng Kynthei/Longkmie to work in tandem is a must.

Press Release No. 575/06

PRIVATE PLUMBING WORK PROHIBITED

The Chief Executive Officer, Shillong Municipal Board has directed that field staff such as Fitter, Lineman, Keyman and Mazdoor of the Water Work Branch, Shillong Municipal Board should not take up private plumbing works of private household which is against office conduct rules, and warned that if any one found indulging such activities will be dealt with drastic action. He also informed that such private plumbing work is to be taken up only by licensed plumbers registered and holding current license of Shillong Municipal Board. Tax payers are requested to cooperate with office of the Board and for such illegal activity should be brought to the notice of the Board.

Press Release No. 576/06

SCHOOL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

A three day Training Programme to sensitize the School Management and Teachers in Disaster Management was held from 24th to 26th July, 2006. The programme was organized by the Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute at Shillong. The Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Donkupar Roy was the Chief Guest. There were 75 participants consisting of Principals, Headmasters, Headmistress and Teachers from different private and government schools. In his address Dr. Donkupar Roy stressed on the need of every School to have a School Disaster Management Plan. He also emphasized the importance of being self reliant and being able to sustain one self during the occurrence of any disaster till communication is restored.

The participants were expose to various aspect of Disaster Management during the training programme, including providing of fast aid, methods of combating fire, search and rescue operation, besides being trained to prepare their own School Disaster Management Plan.

Press Release No. 577/06

ORDER

The Government of Meghalaya, Personnel & A.R. (A) Department has informed the appointment of Shri B. Purkayastha, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Printing & Stationery and Cummunity & Rural Development Department as Member Secretary, State Development Reforms Commission with immediate effect.

It is also informed that, the terms of reference of the Commission shall be, to examine the parameters of ongoing development programmes, from time to time with a view to determine whether such programmes have been/are achieving the desired results. If not, to suggest suitable modifications thereof with a view to ensure their effectively. It should also examine the need for undertaking new programme for accelerated development of the rural areas with particular on poverty alleviation and to suggest working parameters therefore, from time to time and any matters ancillary thereto.

Press Release No. 578/06

GOVERNOR MEETS TRADITIONAL HEADS

Meghalaya Governor, Shri M.M.Jacob met the 53 traditional heads of East and West Khasi Hills under Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council today the 28th July 2006 in a function organized by KHADC at Laitkroh village. Also present as the Guest of Honour was Meghalaya Minister for District Council Affairs, Mr.P.Tynsong, KHADC Chief Executive Member, Shri H.S.Shylla and other executive members of the KHADC.

The function was organized to discuss the KHADC Constitution and Administration of Community Development Bill, 2006 passed by the council recently. Altogether 53 traditional heads viz the Syiems, Lyngdohs and Sirdars of different Himas or kingships and lyngdohships of Khasi Hills attended the function. Shri F.M.Mawphniang, Executive Member, KHADC in charge Elaka Administration etc presided over the function.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Meghalaya Governor, Shri M.M.Jacob said that overall development in rural Meghalaya can be brought when developmental activities and its implementation is taken at the grassroot level which is possible through the active participation in the development process by the syiems, sirdars and lyngdohs. The welfare of the rural population is the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the framers of the constitutions and therefore he added that Article 40 of the Constitution of India has stressed for the development and the betterment of the rural inhabitants.

Mr. Jacob said that unless a systematic methodology is introduced in the state, the state of Meghalaya will be in a disadvantageous position as it will not be entitled to get most of the central financial assistance which most of the states in the country are getting. He therefore stressed upon the empowerment of the traditional heads so that the state will not be in a loss.