Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 363/10

DIGNITARIES TO HOIST THE NATIONAL FLAG AND TAKE SALUTE

Shillong, August 13, 2010: Together with the rest of the country, Independence Day will be celebrated on August 15, 2010 in all the District and Sub-Divisions of the State.

Dignitaries who will hoist the National Flag and take the salute in all the seven District Headquarters includes the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma in Shillong, Deputy Speaker, Mr. S S Shullai at Nongstoin, Mr. J A Lyngdoh, Minister, at Nongpoh, Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. B M Lanong at Jowai, Meghalaya Speaker, Mr. C Pyngrope at Tura, Mr. H D R Lyngdoh, Minister at Williamnagar and Mr. A T Mondal, Minister at Baghmara,

In the Sub-Divisions, Dr P W Khongjee, Parliamentary Secretary will hoist the Tricolour and take the salute at Sohra, Mr. L Rymbui, Parliamentary Secretary at Mawkyrwat, Mr. Remington Pyngrope, Parliamentary Secretary at Mairang, Mr. Shitlang Pale, Parliamentary Secretary at Khliehriat, Mr. S W Rymbai, Parliamentary Secretary at Amlarem, Mr. Augustin D Marak, Minister at Dadenggiri, Mr. Ismail R Marak, Parliamentary Secretary at Resubelpara and Mrs. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister at Ampati.

In the Administrative Units, Dr. A Pariong, Parliamentary Secretary will be the Chief Guest at Patharkhmah, Mr. Francis P R Sangma, Parliamentary Secretary at Mawshynrut and Mr. Sngiawbhalang Dhar, Parliamentary Secretary at Shangpung Elaka.

Press Release No. 364/10

SAAKSHAR BHARAT MISSION 2012 LAUNCHED IN WEST AND SOUTH GARO HILLS

Shillong, August 13, 2010: The Saakshar Bharat Mission 2012 was launched on August 12, 2010 for both West and South Garo Hills by Meghalaya Minister of Education, Ms. Ampareen Lyngdoh at the Don Bosco College Auditorium, Tura, West Garo Hills District.

Ms. Lyngdoh was accompanied by Mr. P S Thangkhiew, Principal Secretary, Education, Mr. F R Kharkongor, Secretary Education, Mr. W Synrem, OSD, Education Department, Mr. E P Kharbhih, Executive Chairman, MBoSE.

Before the launch of the Mission, Mr. Sanjay Goyal and Mr. B D Tiwari, Deputy Commissioners of West and South Garo Hills respectively, gave a brief report on the status of the percentage of literacy in their respective Districts and also summarized certain activities and programmes initiated to eliminate illiteracy in their Districts.

Ms. Ampareen Lyngdoh addressing the gathering said that the Saakshar Bharat Mission was aimed specially at the female populace but not excluding the male populace of the country, considering that the female literacy rate was not at par with the male literacy rate of the nation. She added that the selection for the Saakshar Bharat Mission was based on gender equity and therefore bearing in mind the low literacy rate of women in the two Districts, it was imperative to implement the Mission in the above Districts. Reflecting on pertinent health issues relating to infant mortality rate, Ms. Lyngdoh said that she believe literacy plays a major role in emancipating people in life. The pertinent health issues in the State have made imperative the launching of the Mission, she added.

It may be mentioned that the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh launched the Saakshar Bharat Mission for Female Literacy on International Literacy Day at New Delhi on September 8, 2009.

One-third of India’s population still continues to be illiterate and about half of the women cannot read or write. The number of illiterates in India is probably the highest among all nations of the world. Therefore the persistent illiteracy, particularly among women, Scheduled Castes, Schedule Tribes and other backward classes is a challenge the government is committed to providing good quality education to each and every child of the country. The Mission that is being launched in West and South Garo Hills reaffirmed the national commitment to literacy. The mission seeks to raise literacy levels, especially among women in a phased manner.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Mr. P S Thangkhiew and Mr. Sanjay Goyal who elaborated on various literacy programmes implemented in the State such as the total Literacy Campaign (TLC) and the Post Literacy Programme (PLP) to eradicate illiteracy in the State.

Press Release No. 365/10

GOVERNOR PROHIBITS STRIKES BY SMBEA

Shillong, August 13, 2010: In exercise of the power conferred by Sub-Section (1) of Section 3 of the Meghalaya Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1980 (No. 23 of 1980) read with the Meghalaya Essential Maintenance (Amendment) Act, 2003, the Governor of Meghalaya has prohibited strikes by the Shillong Municipal Board Employees Association under Urban Affairs Department within the State of Meghalaya. This order comes into immediate effect and will remain in force for a period or six months.

Press Release No. 367/10

APPLICATIONS INVITED

Shillong, August 13, 2010: The Government of India, Ministry of Environment & Forest invites applications to conduct NEAC on the theme “Biodiversity Conservation”. Interested persons may contact the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Meghalaya, Shillong or Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry & Environment), Meghalaya, Shillong on any working day during office hours. Last date of receipt of applications is 20.08.2010.