Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 457/07

MEGHALAYA DAY AWARD

On the occasion of Meghalaya Day Celebration, 2008, the Government of Meghalaya will confer the Meghalaya Day Awards for outstanding achievement in the field of Art & Literature, Social Services and Sports. The U Tirot Sing Award for Art & Literature, Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Services and U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports will carry a cash prize of Rs. 50,000/- each.

Intending individuals from East Khasi Hills District who desire their names to be recommended to the Government for the Award are required to send their nominations to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong with the citation latest by October 25, 2007.

Individuals have to fill up bio-data giving full name, date of birth or age, profession or occupation of the person recommended (designation of Office held to be given in case of person in the employ of the Government, etc, full address with telephone number, award recommended, field of activity/activities and name of the award conferred recommended in the past with year along with citation.

Details can be obtained from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong.

Press Release No. 458/07

MESEB NEW DISTRIBUTION SUB-DIVISION CREATED AT AMPATI

The Newly created Distribution Sub- Division of the MeSEB at Ampati was inaugurated by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister i/c Power, Dr. Mukul Sangma amidst fanfare at Ampati Civil Sub-Division on July 4, 2007.

This new Distribution Sub-Division has been carved out of the existing Sub-Division in West Garo Hills and would cover 96 villages of the area. With its creation, the workload of the Garobadha Sub-Division would now be eased to a great extent.

Dedicating the new asset to the people of the area, Dr. Sangma said that the step to create this Sub-Division has been taken with a concept of bringing administration closer to people’s doorsteps and to look after the needs of the people in terms of power supply. Stating that there is reduction in the capacity of power if we depend only on single source, he said that there is a need for generating both thermal and hydel power, which is what the State Government is trying to do.

Informing the people about projects in hand for Garo Hills like the Thermal Plant at Nongalbibra through NEEPCO and the 22.5 MW Ganol project, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed hope that with many power projects coming up in the State, MeSEB would be able to compete with major players of the world in power sector. He also informed that discussions are on with the Central Government for railway connectivity in Meghalaya and said that people need not fear infiltration and illegal migrations if railway is brought to the State, since we already have Land Transfer Act.

On the development of roads, he informed that Perspective Plan has been on the road sector and roads that are economically viable have been identified and a scheme for creating a circuit throughout the State would be from next year. He further informed that the first sanction has been allocated for construction of Tura-Nongstoin Road. He highlighted on several other developmental projects for which the State was working closely with the Central Government.

Deputy Commissioner, Mr. P. Sampath Kumar in his brief address, said that that power sector can contribute immensely and bring a turnaround in the development of the region. There is lot of demand for power in other States, he said, informing that in some parts of the country people get power only six hours. He added that the State is fortunate to have plenty of resources for generation of power and hoped that with proper use of these resources, Meghalaya would become a power surplus State.

Press Release No. 459/07

VEHICLES HANDED OVER TO 7 HEALTH CENTRES IN WEST GARO HILLS

As part of the Mobile Health Care Programme in West Garo Hills, seven vehicles acquired under RSVY Scheme were handed over to the different Hospital Management Societies of the District by the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma, Health Minister, Mrs. Debora C. Marak and other dignitaries at a meeting at the Circuit House, Tura on July 3, 2007.

Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, Dr. Sangma said RSVY Scheme has enabled us to identify critical gaps in terms of development, adding that West Garo Hills is a model district in implementation of RSVY where we can witness convergence of sources. While admitting the constraints faced by doctors working in remote areas, he however urged upon them to make an effort to get the cooperation of the people. Regarding the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), the Deputy Chief Minister said that any programme which is to be taken on a mission mode requires the participation of the people, so that it becomes people’s movement.

Health Minister, Mrs. Debora C. Marak, while speaking as the Guest of Honour, expressed her gratitude to the initiative of the District Administration for giving such assistance to the Health Department through RSVY Scheme. She also exhorted the doctors to take up the challenge of working at the grassroot level to ensure that basic health facilities reach the unreached, the poor and the downtrodden sections of the society.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner West Garo Hills, Mr. P. Sampath Kumar informed the gathering that since the implementation of NRHM and through the involvement of the ASHAs, the District has been able to achieve 90p.c immunization coverage of all the villages that were never covered before. He said that West Garo Hills is the only district that has registered all its PHCs and CHCs as societies.

Press Release No. 460/07

WORKSHOP TO OBSERVE YEAR OF THE FARMER

To commemorate 2007 as the “Year of the Farmer”, the District Agriculture Officer, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh will organize a one day workshop on rice, maize and citrus fruit, etc at the office of the District Agriculture Officer, Umling Block on July 11, 2007 from 11.00 AM to 5.00 PM. Altogether 100 farmers of the District will be allowed to take part in the workshop.

Farmers who are willing to participate on the workshop may register their names at the office of the District Agriculture Officer, Nongpoh.

Meanwhile, the office of the District Horticulture Officer, West Khasi Hills, Nongstoin will organize a workshop on Specific Crops in all the C & RD Blocks of West Khasi Hills District from 10th to 31st July, 2007.

Interested farmers who cultivate crops suitable in the area are to meet or contact their respective C & RD Block Officers for details and registration.