Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 400/11

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED AT SHILLONG

Shillong, August 16, 2011: Together with the rest of the country, the 65th Independence Day was celebrated with fun and gaiety, amidst a large crowd turn out in all the districts, civil sub-divisions and administrative units of Meghalaya. The day began with the hoisting of the tricolor in all Government offices and institutions. The official ceremony was held at the Polo Ground, Shillong where the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma unfurled the national flag and took the salute of the 15 marching contingents which comprises of Assam Regiment, BSF, CRPF, MLP Bn, District Executive Force, Border Wing Bn Home Guards, NCC Boys & Girls, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Assam Rifles Public School, BSF Senior Secondary School, Government Girls Secondary School and St. Margaret Higher Secondary School.

In his address on the occasion of 65th Independence Day, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma conveyed his greetings to the people of the State. Recalling the achievement of Independence from foreign rule, he said that the people of India not only achieved independence but also resolved to choose the path of democratic governance anchored on the pillars of liberty, equality and fraternity. Dr. Sangma said, today, there is a tendency to take both freedom and democracy for granted. It is important for all of us, especially the younger generation born in the post-Independence era to appreciate the historical importance of these developments.

He also underlined the need to be vigilant as some fissiparous tendencies are raising their ugly heads, and said that If there are genuine grievances, these can always be raised, discussed and solutions found through Constitutional means. Under no circumstances, their nefarious designs will be allowed to succeed. He also informed that the Government have strengthened and modernized the police force. He however cautioned the outfits that they should see the writing on the wall as there is no room for a violent movement in a democracy. He appealed the youth who have joined the organization under misconceived notions to think about the inconvenience their activities are causing to the community they are professing to serve, and the setback it is causing to the process of development in the region. He said, if they truly care for the interests of the community, then they should surrender and join the mainstream in finding solutions to the problems and difficulties of the society.

Dr. Sangma said that development offers solutions to all the socio-economic problems and challenges. We are now on the threshold of the 12th Five Year Plan and the approach for the State of Meghalaya is currently under preparation. Meghalaya is predominantly rural economy, therefore, the focus will be rural centric. The Government has recently launched the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme, which is also the Government Flagship Programme. The Programme seeks to promote optimum and effective utilization of basin resources for ensuring livelihood security and inclusive growth within the framework of sustainable development. Under the umbrella of this Flagship Programme, a number of Missions are being launched to realise the objectives of the programme. In the first phase, the Missions to be launched would be the Horticulture Mission, the Livestock Mission, the Aquaculture Mission, the Sericulture & Weaving Mission, the Water Mission and the Tourism Mission. In the next phase, the Missions envisaged are the State Mission on Science & Technology Applications, the Forestry Mission, the Energy Mission, the Apiculture Mission and the Skills Mission. To support the implementation of the Integrated Basin Development & Livelihoods Programme and other Missions, the State Government has set up the Meghalaya Institute of Governance and the Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship.

Dr. Sangma said that in order to manage the NREGA programme effectively, the State Government has created the Meghalaya State Rural Employment Society and a corpus funds would be placed at the disposal of this Society which will facilitate smooth transfer of funds to the Districts. Meghalaya has prepared a draft State Action Plan on Climate Change and set up the Meghalaya State Council on Climate Change and Sustainable Development under the chairmanship of Chief Minister and a Steering Committee on Climate Change headed by the Chief Secretary has been constituted to oversee the implementation of the State Action Plan. He further said that absence of competent and skilled workforce is one of the critical bottlenecks faced by the State therefore Imparting of skills to the youth of the State is matter of urgent and immense importance. Therefore, the Government have decided to establish the Meghalaya State Employment Promotion Council and launch the State Employment Mission.

To promote and preserved the social and cultural heritage, the Government will invest substantially on the promotion of various folk art forms, festivals, folklore and dances in the State. Therefore, the Government will set up Arts & Culture Societies both at the State and the District levels. Further, amphitheatres will be constructed at Shillong, Tura and Jowai. To improved infant mortality and maternal mortality rate, to provide safe drinking water and sanitation facilities in all the schools over the next few years, a separate budget will be provided. The Government also introducing a new scheme under which financial assistance will be provided to the handicapped, infirm and widows from the current year. The other new initiative will be the creation of District Information Hubs, which will provide important information to the citizens of the State. The Government intends to try out some new innovative technologies which offer self-sustaining solutions. One such attempt would be the moisture-to-water project, where water would be manufactured from moisture in the atmosphere. The project will also have a component of power generation from bio-waste. Another one would be the community water purification project where purified drinking water will be supplied to the community at a nominal cost in the urban centres. The contentious issues of influx, inter-State and inter-national boundaries are being addressed by the Government. A number of measures were initiated from time to time to deal with the matter of influx. To oversee that these measures are taken to their logical conclusion and also to consider new initiatives, a high level Task Force to be headed by the Chief Minister has been constituted recently.

The differences over the inter-State boundary with Assam are being addressed through the process of dialogue between the Chief Secretaries of two States. In the meanwhile, we have requested the Central Government to constitute a boundary commission to deal with this long-standing problem. On the Indo-Bangladesh border, we have the issue of areas under adverse possession. We now have a friendly Government in Bangladesh and there has been significant improvement in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. This affords us a big opportunity to settle this issue. A joint survey of these areas is underway as present, and we have sought the intervention of the Central Government to secure a settlement of this matter. We have already made significant headway in building up trading and commercial relationships with Bangladesh. Through concerted efforts, the border hats are being revived. The Kalaichar border hat was inaugurated recently, and the second hat at Balat would become operational shortly. The land custom stations are being strengthened and modernized. All this will help the local people of border areas in a big way. The Chief Minister opined that the recently completed the census operations has shown shown some very encouraging trends. It is seen that the sex ratio in Meghalaya has increased from 972 in 2001 to 986 in 2011, as against the national average of 940. The literacy rate of Meghalaya has increased from 62.6 percent in 2001 to 75.48 percent in 2011. The increase in the female literacy has been very impressive, which has gone up from 59.6 percent in 2001 to 73.78 percent in 2011. The male literacy rate has also increased from 65.4 percent in 2001 to 77.17 percent. However, one worrying factor has been the high rate of decadal population growth rate. At 27.82 percent, the decadal growth rate of the State is one of the highest in the country. This needs to be addressed.

Press Release No. 401/11

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED AT THE DISTRICTS IN MEGHALAYA

At Tura, West Garo Hills District, The State Home Minister Mr, H. D. R. Lyngdoh unfurled the national flag and took the salute before a 44 strong marching contingent participated by the MLP, BSF, Home Guards NCC’s, and Guides and Scouts of various Schools and Colleges at the MP Stadium. A dazzling cultural programme was also presented by school and college students during the celebrations. Cash prizes and citations were given to students who topped this year’s HSSLC and SSLC examinations from Garo Hills. The winners of this year’s freedom run marathon which was held on 14 August 2011 were also given awards on the occasion of the Independence Day celebrations. Later an exhibition football match was played between the District Administration and a team led by Rev. Father Jimberth K. Marak

At Jowai, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. B. M. Lanong unfurled the Tricolor and took the salute of the 30 marching contingent of the State Police, Home Guards, NCC, Bharat Scouts and Guides and school students from different part of Jowai town at Jrisalein playground, Jowai. The other highlight of the day includes cultural Programmes and Mass Drilled presented by different Schools and localities located at Jowai. Certificate of merit by the Dr. Ambedkhar Foundation Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government Of India, New Delhi was awarded to Mr. T. F. Suting S/o E.A Suchen Rs. 40,000/ for attaining 3rd position among the students passing the Secondary Examination 2010 conducted by MBOSE and Mr. D.Nongpluh S/o R. Tariang special merit award of Rs. 10,000/ under Dr. Ambedkhar National Merit award scheme meritorious student secondary examination 2009 conducted by MBOSE.

At Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District, Dr. D. D. Lapang, Chief Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya and the local MLA unfurled the tricolor National Flag at Pahamsyiem NSCA Mini Stadium and took the Rashtriya salute to the 18 marching contingents including the Meghalaya Police, Scouts and Guides and students of different schools. Other highlights of the day included songs, cultural show and dances performed by different schools and prize distribution to the winners in the march past.

At Williamnagar, East Garo Hills District, Meghalaya Minister for Social Welfare Mr. J.A. Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag to the tune of the National Anthem and took the Rashtriya Salute of about 17 Parade Contingents including police, and school students. The highlights of the day includes cultural show by school children and other local talents, distribution of fruits, etc to hospital patients, jail inmates and destitute. In the afternoon sports programme for children and Independence Day League Final Football match were organized.

At Baghmara, South Garo Hills District, Meghalaya Urban Affairs Minister, Smti. Ampareen lyngdoh unfurled the tricolor and took the salute of the marching police contingents which included the police and school students at the Government Higher Secondary School.

Press Release No. 402/11

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED AT THE SUB DIVISIONS OF MEGHALAYA

At Ampati Civil Sub-Division, Meghalaya Minister for Power Mr. A. T. Mondal unfurled the National Flag before an impressive crowd at Ampati Mini Stadium and took the salute of the 16 marching contingents comprising of the Police, Scouts and Guides, NCC and school students.

At Dadenggiri Civil Sub-Division, the celebration was marked by Flag hoisting ceremony by C&RD Minister Saleng A. Sangma at Dadenggre public playground. Highlights of the day celebration in the sub-division were presentation of cultural programme by school students, sports and football exhibition.

At Amlarem Civil Sub-Division, Meghalaya Government Deputy Chief Whip, Mr. Metbah Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the 12 marching contingents consisting of the police and students at a function held at the Amlarem LP School playground. To add flavor to the function, sporting and cultural events like traditional dances, songs, a dance competition, tug of war competition and a football match for school boys were organized.

At Mawkyrwat Civil Sub-Division, Minister of PHE department Shri Shitlang Pale unfurled the tricolor of National Flag to the tune of National Anthem and took the Rashtriya salute at the impressive march past of 21 parade contingents comprising of police force, scouts and guides and school students at Maharam Secondary School Playground. Other highlights of the day included football match, songs and dances perform by the students of various school, tableaux presentation by departments of PHE, Health, Soil and Water Conservation and Agriculture, sports and games for children, cultural programmes, distribution of food items to patients in CHC Mawkyrwat, exhibition football match between the Mawkyrwat Sub-Division Officers Welfare Association and Mawlangwir Sports Club followed by the prizes distribution. At Sohra Civil Sub-Division, Meghalaya Minister for General Administration Department, Mr. A L. Hek unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the marching contingents comprising of the police and schools student at Sohra Stadium, Saitsohpen, Sohra.

At Resubelpara Civil Sub-Division, Minister for Forest and Environment Mr. P. Tynsong unfurled the Tricolor and took the salute of the 18 marching contingents consisting of Police personnel, Scouts and Guides, NCC and school students at Resubelpara Mini Stadium.

At Mairang Civil Sub-Division, Meghalaya Parliamentary Secretary for Transport department, Mr. Adviser Pariong unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the 11 marching contingents at Madan Dom Mawlum. Others highlight include cultural programme and football exhibition match between the Officers and Sordar Shnong.

At Khliehriat Civil Sub-Division, Meghalaya Parliamentary Secretary for Taxation Department, Mr.L.Rymbui unfurled the Tricolour to the tune of the National Anthem and took the Rashtriya Salute to the 14 marching contingents. Other highlights of the day include cultural programmes presented by the student of different School, sports and games. At Patharkhmah Administrative Unit, Parliamentary Secretrary, Mr. S. W. Rymbai, unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the 9 marching contingents consisting of school students led by the Meghalaya Police in an impressive function held at the Patharkhmah playground. Other highlights of the day included a football match and cultural programmes presented by different schools of the area.

Press Release No. 403/11

CM EXPRESSED GRIEF

Shillong, August 16, 2011: It has been reported by the District Administration of West Garo Hills District that because of heavy rainfall over the last few days, there were land-slides at a number of places in the Tura town, which, unfortunately, has resulted in the death of six (6) persons. The Chief Minister has expressed his sympathy to the bereaved families. The Deputy Commissioner has also been advised to pay ex-gratia of Rs. 1 Lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. The extent of loss of property would be accessed and reliefs as admissible are being provided.

The unprecedented heavy rainfall led to flash floods in the Garobadha area of West Garo Hills District including a breach in the embankment of Ganol River and in Chibinang area because of Jinjiram River . No loss of life has been reported so far from these areas. The people from the affected areas have been evacuated to safer places. The District Administration has taken immediate steps to provide relief to the affected people. Additional Boats were requisitioned from the Border Security Force (BSF). Six relief camps at Garobadha, Rangatpara, Garodoba, Hariogaon, Mukdagre and Sankargiri have been set up so far and about 500 persons have been provided shelter there. An amount of Rs Thirty Lakhs from the Calamity Relief Fund was already placed with the Deputy Commissioner as advance to meet such contingencies. Additional amount of Rs Ten Lakh is being released to enable the District Administration to organize effective relief to all the affected areas and people. The extent of damage to crops, livestock and property would be assessed once the floods recede. Personnel from the Home Guards and Civil Defence are being rushed from Shillong to assist the District Administration in the relief operations.

Roads communications between Tura and Baghmara and also between Tura and Williamnagar have also been disrupted and efforts will be taken to restore them at the earliest.

Press Release No. 404/11

CM LAUNCHED 7 ADDITIONAL EMRI AMBULANCES

Shillong, August 16, 2011: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma today launched 7 additional 108 Emergency Response Service Ambulances at a function organized by the Health Department and NRHM at the Directorate of Health Services complex, Shillong in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister incharge Health, Mr Rowell Lyngdoh, Chief Seretary, Mr W M S Pariat, Commissioner & Secretary, Health Department, Mr D P Wahlang and the Chairman and Managing Director of Global Group of Hospitals, Dr K Rabindranath.

It may be mentioned that the 108 Emergency Response Service have completed two years of free emergency service in the State. The present strength of ambulances operates from thirty bases all over the State. The launch of the additional 7 ambulances will enable NRHM to increase the area of coverage thereby attending to more emergency cases. With this addition, Meghalaya is amongst the first States where NRHM is operating to have a ratio of 1:55000 coverage which is close to the WHO standards.

Out of the 7 ambulances, 2 are equipped with Advanced Life Saving System which will be stationed at Shillong and Tura respectively for interstate transfer to Guwahati. The other 5 are equipped with Basic Life Saving System will be stationed at Shillong, Umsning, Baghmara, Dadenggiri and Rari Health centres. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mukul Sangma congratulated the NRHM for its dedicated service and he said that it should reaffirm its commitment to serve the people. He also said that NRHM provides opportunities to take new initiatives but the sustainability aspect should be considered while taking up new projects. He further stated that the Health delivery system needs good attitude people who are friendly, compassionate and dedicated so that the perception of the people on the service is good.

While expressing concern of the high Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in the State, Dr Mukul said that the target of the Government is to ensure 100percent institutional deliveries and the Government is engaged to achieve the target though it may have some hurdles.

Today the Health and Family Welfare Department has signed an MoU with the Women Taxi Drivers to ensure that all pregnant women delivering birth in Ganesh Das Hospital will be dropped back to their home and also from home to referral hospital for delivery free of cost. This was initiated in view of the difficulty being faced by pregnant women and parents of sick new born along with high expenses incurred by them on delivery and treatment of sick new born. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India under the scheme Janani Sishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) has taken a major initiative to evolve a consensus on the part of all State to provide completely free cashless services to pregnant women including normal deliveries and caesarean operations and sick new borns in Government Health Institutions both rural and urban areas. The major entitlements for the pregnant women under the scheme is Free transport from home to health institutions, between facilities in case of referrals and free drop back from hospital to home after 48 hours stay. Three women taxi drivers signed the MoU today and the taxis were flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Rowell Lyngdoh.

With a view to have better access to quality and State of the Art Health Care delivery service for treatment of Government employees and their dependents, the State of Meghalaya empanelled Global Hospitals as referral hospitals. In order to bridge the gap on specialized and super specialized man power besides technical staff in the State, the Health Department represented by the Commissioner & Secretary, Mr D P Wahlang today signed a MoU with Global Hospitals represented by Dr K Rabindranath, Chairman & Managing Director of Global Hospitals for conducting training programmes in Super Speciality free of cost, update in clinical areas, deputation of doctors from Global Hospitals to Shillong and vice versa for consultation in OPD services and other related medical assistances.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were Deputy Chief Minister incharge Health, Mr Rowell Lyngdoh, Chief Seretary, Mr W M S Pariat and Commissioner & Secretary, Health Department, Mr D P Wahlang.