Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 576/15

MEGHALAYA CELEBRATES 69TH INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH NATIONAL FERVOR

Shillong, August 15, 2015: Meghalaya joined the rest of the country in the celebration of 69th Independence Day with full national fervor and gaiety on August 15, 2015. Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute during the ceremonial parade held in the morning at the Polo Ground here. A helicopter from Eastern Air Command flew past the parade ground showering petals as soon as the Tricolor was unfurled during the ceremonial programme. The parade of 22 marching contingents, including 58 GTC, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, Meghalaya Police, DEF, Home Guards, NCC, Bharat Scouts & Guides, school contingents and the combined Brass Band, was led by Parade Commander Major T. Shengboi Singh from 58 GTC. The Horse contingent from Assam Rifles Public School Laitkor added grandeur to the parade. The names of the recipients of President’s medals and awards were also announced during the celebration. They are Deputy Superintendent of Police, Meghalaya, T.C. Chacko, recipient of President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, recipients of Police Medal for Gallantry UBSI Goera T. Sangma, BNC/314 Probinstar Kharbani, BNC/2273 Dressing K Shabong, BNC/584 Pyrkhat Minot Nongsiej, BNC/2784 Sanjay Kumar Ray, BNC/598 Sushil Mahato, BNC/512 Tushar F N Marak and recipient of Police Medal for meritorious service Havildar Novelson Lyngdoh of 1st MLP Bn, while Margrecia Thangkhiew, Compounder (CTI) and Ricoverstar Lyngdoh, Peon, are the recipients of Home Guards & Civil Defence Medal for meritorious service.

The Chief Minister in his address said it was time “to walk down memory lane and recapitulate the unfolding of our tryst with destiny when we not only achieved independence from foreign rule but also consciously resolved to choose the path of democratic governance anchored on the pillars of liberty, equality and fraternity”. The Chief Minister asserted that the Government was committed to fulfill the promises made to the people and live up to the “expectations and aspirations, we generate through our promises, particularly of the youth. “We will strive with sincerity and commitment to respond to and overcome all challenges that will come on the way of generating and sustaining the momentum of growth-the growth that is needed to create sustainable opportunities for our youth and generation next”, he said. He said that although law and order situation in the State is well under control, the situation in the Garo Hills districts continue to remain a cause of concern as militant and criminal outfits continue to engage in anti-national and criminal activities. Besides indulging in abduction of civilians to financially sustain themselves with ransom, frequent bandh calls by such groups have disturbed the economic activity and pace of normal life in Garo Hills, he added. He lauded the concerted and untiring efforts of the security forces against the terrorist outfits like GNLA ,which have resulted in the arrest of militants and their sympathizers, seizures of arms and equipment, busting of camps and hideouts and prevention of anti-social activities, due to improved real time intelligence gathering and its field level execution. He also added that the State Police is keeping a close watch on the trans-border movement of terrorists and have taken up the issue with the Centre.

He spoke of the Government’s initiative to address the concerns regarding the long pending contentious issue of illegal immigration and influx, saying effective engagements with all stakeholders and NGOs have enable the Government to put in place a comprehensive mechanism to deal with the issue. He said that directions have been issued to the District Administrations to proceed with necessary land acquisition process for establishment of facilitation centres along the entry and exit points in the inter-state borders, adding that due diligence for necessary legislative measures to deal with the issue have been taken and that a Task Force have been constituted to ensure proper monitoring of the implementation of all these measures on a time line basis. The Chief Minister in his course of speech informed that the areas of difference along the Assam-Meghalaya border are being monitored continuously and that ffforts are on to solve the issue and enabling mechanisms at the level of Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of both the States have been created for securing permanent resolution of the issue. In its continued efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution to the persisting inter-state boundary problem, the Government is also contemplating to constitute a Consultative Committee comprising of all the Political parties to deal with the issue and to engage with their counterparts in Assam, he added. “The adoption of reforms proposed by the 14th Finance Commission would have adverse impact on the resources of the State as the funding pattern of many Centrally sponsored schemes would undergo change with increase in the State share component. However, due to the relentless effort of the State Government, the Union Government has indicated restoration of 90:10 funding pattern for some of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme and that it would further take up with the Centre for restoration of Special Category States for the states of North East”.

The Chief Minister also said that the State Government has strategized its developmental investments to make the State capital, the district capitals and urban centres the most liveable cities, towns and urban habitations, adding that with this objective in mind the Government has initiated the creation of required infrastructure to facilitate natural expansion of Shillong and urban areas. Initiatives such as land acquisition for construction of 32 metres wide ROW, four laning road from Nongmynsong to Mawdiandiang , sanction for construction of parking bays for taxis and buses for embarkment and disembarkment o passengers, construction of new lay-bye and parking bay along Umiam-Shillong road for which work has been allotted, replacing the street lights with renewable solar energy, Safe and Secure City Programme for Shillong and all district capitals are a few of many programmes in pipeline to make our cities and towns most liveable, he said. “Our attention is drawn to the overcrowding of urban centres that result in traffic congestion which in turn compel us to breathe air which is increasingly getting polluted. This is being exacerbated by non-stop migration of our people from rural to urban. To reverse this phenomenon we created four new districts which besides enabling us to bring administration closer to people and furthering focus and effectively of governance is generating new job opportunities and entrepreneurship”. Access to quality education, quality health care, better road infrastructures and sustainable livelihood in the villages across the State is a must to ensure that people do not have to migrate from rural to urban, he said. Establishment of modern schools, 20 residential schools in rural areas for which construction work has started, initiative for establishment of semi-residential College of Science and Commerce at Mawphlang and Mahendraganj to start with are initiatives to ensure that students are not compelled to look at only Shillong and Tura for quality education, he added.

In the health sector, he said the involvement of private sector to bridge the critical gap in health care has become sustainable now with the introduction of the most innovative and inclusive Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) covering the whole population of the State. MHIS Phase II has been just launched under which now the insurance coverage has been increased upto Rs. 2 lakhs for each family, he informed and urged every family to ensure that they get their respective family registered under the scheme. Stating that the investment for upgrading road infrastructure in last few years have gone up by manifolds, the Chief Minister said that with the Shillong Bypass road completed and the four-laning of Jorabat-Umiam road now almost completed, “we are relieved of the earlier agony we were subjected to due to frequent traffic congestion and traffic standstill”. The travel time from Shillong to Nongstoin, Tura-Shillong, Guwahati-Tura, Guwahati-Williamnagar, Tura-Williamnagar have drastically been shortened and driving comfort increased, he added. He said that the implementation of the State’s flagship programme, IBDLP, has continued to make steady progress and spelt out the success of many missions under it including, Apiculture Mission, Aquaculture Mission and Mission Green that has brought transformative changes in the economic conditions of the people of the State. “Our multiple initiatives under Green Economy concept is designed to create more remunerative, attractive and sustainable livelihood options leading to huge entrepreneurship opportunities” he said adding that recent initiatives of eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture with Organic Mission, Organic Agar and Bamboo Plantation Programme, Ramie Plantation Programme, Apiculture Mission, etc are in sync with government’s approach to promote synergy between sustainable ecology and sustainable livelihood.

The Chief Minister also said that in order to brand build the State as a destination, various events are being promoted across the State. Construction of Shillong International Centre for Performing Arts & Culture (SICPAC) in New Shillong is aimed at promoting Shillong as a destination for regional, national and international events of various performing arts. Hosting of Indian Panorama Shillong Film Festival has enabled the State to create positive stories and helped connect with film and entertainment industries, he said adding, “Shillong and our State as a whole is now receiving a number of proposals for film shooting destinations both from Bollywood and Hollywood film production houses”. “I firmly believe in the strength of the people of the State particularly the youth and with the right development and policy support we can put our State at the highest pedestal in effectively contributing in the growth of the Nation”, the Chief Minister said and called upon the people to partner with the Government in all its development initiatives reap the benefits ensure that the benefits percolate down to the last citizen of the State. He also urged the educated youth to progressively take up responsible and challenging positions in different spheres of activities and counsel their peers, their less fortunate and less educated brethren to choose the path of peace and progress through dialogue and mutual understanding rather than resort to meaningless violence for resolution of their problems.

Others highlights of the celebration in the city include, Women’s final football tournament at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium played between Royal Wahingdoh F.C. vrs. San Bhalang F.C, Sit & Draw Competition and Fancy Dress competition for children, Rock show performed by 4th Elements, Symphonic Illusions, Kubicles, Colours, Light after Dark, differently abled children, Variety Show by Meghalaya Got Talent- Participants/finalists, Choir by Jyoti Sroat School, play corner for Children set up by Shillong Round Table, Food Court was also set up with 33 multi cuisine stalled and distribution of flags, sweets, caps, jalebies and puris. There were also free cinema shows at Payal, Bijou, Galleria and Gold Cinema for the public to mark the celebrations.

Press Release No. 577/15

69TH INDEPENDENCE DAY WAS CELEBRATED IN ALL THE DISTRICT SUB-DIVISIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE

At Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya Sports & Youth Affairs Minister, Shri Zenith Sangma unfurled the Tricolor and took the Rashtriya Salute of 30 strong marching contingent comprising of Meghalaya Police, National Cadet Corps, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and school students at Dikki-Bandi Stadium, Dakopgre. Other highlights of the day include cultural programme, sports for children and exhibition football match between Deputy Commissioners Office, Tura versus United Sports Association, Tura. At Jowai, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya Social Welfare Minister, Smti Deborah C. Marak unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute of 32 marching contingents comprising of State police, Home Guards, NCC and Guides, school and college students at Jrisalein Playground, Jowai. The highlights of the day included patriotic songs, dances and cultural programme. At Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya Home Minister, Smti Roshan Warjri unfurled the Tricolor and took the salute of the 25 marching contingents comprising of Police, Guides, school students at the NSCA Mini Stadium, Pahamsyiem. The day long programme includes songs and cultural dances performed by the students and prize distribution to the winners of march past and cultural programme.

At Williamnagar, East Garo Hills District, C&RD Minister, Shri Prestone Tynsong unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 28 marching contingents comprising of Police, Scouts and Guides and school students at Rongrenggre Higher Secondary School playground, Williamnagar. Other highlights of the day include prize distribution to the winner of the March Past competition, cultural programme, games and sports etc. At Nongstoin, Minister for PWD (R) Shri S. Dhar unfurled the National Flag and took the salute to the 38 marching contingents comprising of Police, NCC, Scouts & Guide and school students at St. Peter’s Higher Secondary School playground. The highlights of the day included cultural programme, football match between officers and headmen, distribution of open defecation free award, State and District Award for Aganwadi from all the development blocks, prize distribution and distribution of eatables to patients of Civil Hospital, T.B.Hospital, S.Wallington Children’s Children Home, Nongpyndeng. At Baghmara, South Garo Hills District, Minister for Urban Affairs, Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the 24 marching contingents from the Police, NSS, school and college students at Sports Playground, Baghmara. The day was also marked by the cultural programme, sports for children, exhibition football match were also held. At Resubelpara, North Garo Hills District, Minister for Transport, Shri H.D.R Lyngdoh unfurled the Tri Color and took the Rashtriya salute of the 21 parade contingents comprising of the police, Scouts and Guides and school students.

At Ampati, South West Garo Hills, Meghalaya Health & Family Welfare Minister, Shri A. L. Hek unfurled the Tricolor and took the Rashtriya Salute of 29 marching contingents which comprised of police, school students and Scouts and Guides at Ampati Mini Stadium. During the day, appreciation awards were given to 18 Government employees including teachers for dedicated service and outstanding performance in the discharge of duties. Other programmes include sports for children including an exhibition football match between DC XI and SP XI. At Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Prof. R.C. Laloo unfurled the Tricolor and took the salute of the 23 parade contingents comprising of police, NCC, and school students held at Maharam Government Secondary School Playground. Other highlights of the day included prize distribution to the winner of March past competition, cultural programmes, sports and games for children and distribution of open defecation free award to 22 villages. At Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri A. T. Mondal, Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the 18 march past contingents of police and students at Khliehriat Higher Secondary School playground. Cultural items, dances and songs present by students were the other highlights of the day. At Dadenggre Civil Sub-Division, the Meghalaya Parliamentary Secretary, Home Police and Education, Mr. W. D. Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute of the 9 marching contingents comprising of the police and students.

Other highlights of the day included cultural programme, sports for children and football exhibition match. At Mairang, Parliamentary Secretary incharge Tourism and Arts and Culture, Shri Kennedy Cornelius Khyriem unfurled the National Flag and took the salute to the 20 marching contingents comprising of Police, NCC and school students at Dommawlum playground. Other programme of the day includes tableaus presentation by different departments, culatural items, prize distribution and distribution of gifts to the disabled persons. At Amlarem Civil Sub-Division, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Rowell Lyngdoh unfurled the Tricolor and took the salute of the 9 parade contingents comprising of school students at an impressive function held at Amlarem LP School playground. The highlight of the day includes cultural programme, dances, songs and fancy dress. At Sohra Civil Sub-Division, CEM, KHADC Shri P.N. Syiem unfurled the National Flag and took the rashtriya salute of 19 marching contingents comprising of the police, NCC and school held at Sohra Stadium, Saitsohpen. Other highlights of the celebration included cultural programme and distribution of gift packages to patients of Sohra CHC and St. John Orphanage, Maraikaphon. At Patharkhmah Administrative Unit, the Independence Day celebration was graced by the Parliamentary Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs and Co-operation, Shri Stephanson Mukhim where he unfurled the National flag and took the salute of the 6 marching contingents of police and school students at Patharkhmah Stadium. Other highlights of the day included cultural programme by the school children and the local residents and ended with the prize distribution. At Mawshynrut Administrative Unit, Shri Justine Dkhar, Parliamentary Secretary Education and Social Welfare unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the 13 marching contingents comprising of Police and school students at Riangdo playground. Other programme included the cultural items prize distribution and distribution of the gifts to the disabled person. At Ranikor C&RD Block, Local MLA, Shri M.M. Danggo unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of 10 parade contingents comprising of police and schools at Amarghat, BSF Camp, Nolikata. Others highlight of the day include cultural programme.