Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 574/07

MEGHALAYA CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY

Along with the rest of the country, the 60th anniversary of Indian Independence was celebrated with fun and gaiety, amidst a large crowd turn out at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Polo, Shillong, on August 15, 2007.

The celebrations began with the hoisting of the tricolor in all government offices and institutions. The official ceremony was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Polo Ground where the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D. D. Lapang unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the marching contingents which comprises of GTC, BSF, CRPF, MLP Bn, Home Guards, NCC, Police Band, Scouts and Guides, St. George School, St. Joseph School, Kiddies Corner School, MLP Band, Laban Presbyterian School and Sacred Heart Boys School.

In his ceremonial address, Dr. Lapang recalled the sacrifices made by the great men and women of India led by Mahatma Gandhi who fought to achieve independence from foreign rule. He also recalled the sacrifices made by the patriots of the State – U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nongbah and Pa Togan Sangma. He informed that India has been growing in strength over the last 60 years and today the country is recognized as a major world power owing the achievement to the strength of the democratic institutions, the valiant armed forces, academics, scientists and researchers, the youth of India and the enterprising people of this country, he added.

Underlining that peace and stability are the pre requisites to achieve a standard level of economic growth and prosperity, he lauded the decision of the Chairman HNLC to renounce the path of violence and to join the national mainstream which will go a long way in bringing peace and development in the State of Meghalaya. After the Government initiates a peaceful negotiation with the ANVC in Garo Hills, he expressed hope that similar process will start soon for redressing the grievances of the HNLC. Therefore, he urged upon other members to shun the path of violence and to come for negotiation with the Government and work together to make Meghalaya an island of peace.

Dr. Lapang said that in the Agriculture sector, continued efforts have been made for proper management and development of the crop husbandry sector to increase food grain production. He also informed that the Government has initiated a scheme of “training for self employment for rural unemployed youths” from 5 districts in the State by helping them take up farm based activities adding that priority has also been given to popularize commercial floriculture and off season production of cut flowers as an avenue for self employment. Further the Government is looking into ways and means by way of providing the farmers with assured irrigation for wet cultivation and thereby halting Jhum Cultivation.

The Chief Minister also informed that the Government has made an effort to tackle rural poverty and upgrade the quality of rural housing through accelerated implementation of various programmes in the Central and State Sector. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act under which each rural household is guaranteed 100 days of employment in a year has been implemented in Meghalaya under which districts of South Garo Hills and West Garo Hills will be covered and the Central Government, on the request of the State Government has extended the coverage of NREGA Schemes covering three other districts of Meghalaya, namely, East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Ri Bhoi. The West Garo Hills district has been selected for implementation of Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana (RSVY) in the State as a Pilot Scheme which will help in removing barriers to growth and accelerate the development process.

With regard to the need of improvement of road connectivity in the rural areas and also the quality of rural roads, Dr. Lapang informed that out of 5782 numbers of villages in the State, 2971 numbers are connected by road. Dr. Lapang informed that the State Government has moved the Central Government for construction of four laning of the National Highway from Jorabat to Barapani. A new bypass for Shillong from Umroi to Mawryngkneng will be two laned in the first phase which will be widened to 4-lane subsequently. This, he hope, will help solve the traffic congestion in the National Highway and Shillong city.

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Press Release No. 575/07

MEGHALAYA CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY

Along with the rest of the country, the 60th anniversary of Indian Independence was celebrated with fun and gaiety, amidst a large crowd turn out in all the Districts, Civil Sub-Divisions and Administrative Units of Meghalaya on August 15, 2007.

At Tura, West Garo Hills District, the celebration was held at Chandmary Playground. Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Donkupar Roy unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute to an impressive parade of 35 marching contingents comprising of the police, Home Guards, Scouts & Guides and NCC Cadets of different schools. The parade was witness by a large crowd.

Adding to the colour of the celebration, dances depicting the culture of the State were presented. As part of the celebration Appreciation Certificates were distributed to 13 employees of different Government Departments in recognition of their dedication to service. Eight other individuals including Police personnel were felicitated for their selfless service during the recent flood in West Garo Hills.

In the March Past, NCC Cadets of Tura Government College bagged the 1st prize, the NCC Cadets of Don Bosco topped for Best Discipline, Command and Control while St. Xavier’s School topped for Best Turnout.

At Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. J. A. Lyngdoh hoisted the Tricolor and took the salute of the 20 marching contingents comprising of Police, Scouts and Guides and students at the ceremonial parade held at St. Peter’s Higher Secondary School playground.

Other highlights of the day included free cinema shows, cultural programmes presented by different schools, distribution of sweets to children, food packages to patients of Civil Hospital, T.B. Hospital, Nongstoin and orphans of the Orphanage at Pyndengrei. A basketball match was also played between Nongstoin Circle and Mawkyrwat.

At Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District, the C & RD Minister, Mr. Charles Pyngrope unfurled the tricolor at Pahamsyiem NSCA Mini Stadium and took the salute to the 18 marching contingents including Police, NCC Cadets and students of different schools. A large crowd witnessed the celebration which also included a friendly football match between officers of different government departments and DIET, cultural programmes and prize distribution ceremony to the winners of Best Marching contingent and Best Cultural Programme presentation.

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Press Release No. 576/07

OFFICE SHIFTED

The Secretary, Meghalaya Information Commission has informed that the office of the Meghalaya State Information Commission has been shifted to its new premises at Lower Lachumiere (Administrative Building) Meghalaya, Shillong-793001.

The telephone and fax numbers of the Chief Information Commissioner, Mr. G P Wahlang is 0364-2500160 and his e-mail address is gp.wahlang@nic.in while the telephone number of the Secretary, Meghalaya Information Commission is 0364-2500179 and her e-mail address is lkharkongor@nic.in

Press Release No. 577/07

POLICE OUT POSTS UPGARDED TO POLICE STATIONS

With a view to provide public all the convenience and better administration, the Government of Meghalaya has creates a new Police Station at Ranikor, West Khasi Hills District while Shella Out Post at Shella, East Khasi Hills District has been upgraded to Shella Police Station. Amlarem Out Post at Amlarem, Jaintia Hills District to Amlarem Police Station. Rongara Out Post at Rongara, South Garo Hills District to Rongara Police Station. Tikrikilla Out Post at Tikrikilla, West Garo Hills District to Tikrikilla Police Station and Songsak Out Post at Songsak, East Garo Hills District to Songsak Police Station.

This was informed by the Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya Home (Police) Department.