Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 294/12

DR MUKUL SANGMA ADDRESSES INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION 2012 AT SHILLONG

Shillong 15th August 2012 - Speaking at Polo Grounds as the Chief Guest of the function to observe the celebration the India’s 65th anniversary of its Independence, Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma said, “We can grow as a strong nation only if we cherish and value our unity and integrity. Peace, order and respect for diverse identities of multitude of religious and ethnic communities that co-exist in our society are a pre-requisite in order to strengthen the unity and integrity further. Tendencies that question and threaten the integrity of our society needs to be countered with all the might at our command.”

Dr. Sangma said that though the overall law and order situation in Meghalaya has remained stable during the recent months, activities of banned militant outfits such as GNLA continue to be a cause of serious concern. Dr. Sangma reminded those in attendance of the courage displayed by the people of Garo Hills earlier this year when they came out boldly and in large numbers to defy the bandh calls given by the outfit. “I consider this as a watershed event in our history of fighting insurgency in the State and I congratulate our people for taking a tough and bold stand against militancy, as a result of which the outfit was forced to call off their bandh call. I firmly believe that it is the strong will of the people that will enable the Government in eradicating the menace of insurgency from the State,” Dr. Sangma said. Keeping in mind the reports of fresh efforts on the part of the erstwhile HNLC to indulge in extortion of money etc. and other criminal activities, Dr. Sangma said, “There is no room for complacency and I would call upon the State Police and the Security Forces to continue to be vigilant and ensure the safety and security of our people. Therefore, I call upon all these young men to leave the path of violence and join the fight against hunger and poverty rather than play into the hands of anti-national elements and foreign inimical forces. At the same time, I would also like to state that the Government shall continue to follow its policy of zero tolerance to criminal activity by any group, whether they be militant outfits or surrenderees.” Dr Sangma opined that if a fully professional, impartial and honest police service is to be built in Meghalaya, it is imperative that the recruitment process is totally insulated from extraneous interferences or subjective considerations. “Towards this end, the State Government has drawn up a new recruitment policy based on automated testing methods, to ensure transparency and efficiency in recruitment to these forces,” Dr. Sangma informed. With regard to development, Dr. Sangma said, “Inadequate development is seen also in terms of poor human development indicators, and significant inter-district difference in per capita district development product. This underlines the need to rework the strategy not only to accelerate growth but also to make it participatory and inclusive.” Dr. Sangma informed that during the 11th Plan, as the nation grew at an average rate of 7.9 percent per annum, Meghalaya also benefited and grew at the rate of 9.1percent per annum. In spite of growing faster than the national average, the per capita income in Meghalaya was lower than the national average by about 11percent. “Catching up with the rest of the country and bridging these gaps continue to be an unfinished agenda for the State for the 12thPlan,” the Chief Minister informed. “Based the Meghalaya Vision 2020 document, the Twelfth Plan of the State will focus on three broad areas: harnessing the State’s natural resources for sustainable livelihoods, expanding and strengthening the infrastructural base and building capacity among the people,” said Dr. Sangma.

Dr. Sangma said that in order to spread out economic development and address rural unemployment, it has become important to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities in the rural-based primary sector. In the primary sector, the priorities will be to lay the foundations for improved agricultural and horticultural productivity, setting up strong linkages with the markets, besides providing multiple non-farm rural livelihoods. The State has set up Missions on aquaculture, apiculture, livestock, tourism with a focus on eco-tourism, horticulture and forestry to promote these areas, and a central university for agricultural research will be established in Meghalaya during the Twelfth Plan. Horticulture and floriculture will emerge as the core of Meghalaya’s thrust in primary production, along with organic farming and plantation crops during the 12th Plan. Opening up the rural areas to the market through a network of rural roads, setting up a chain of warehouses and cold storage facilities to minimise wastage of perishable farm products and promoting marketing facilities are critical to agricultural transformation. The State will develop 108 traditional agricultural product markets, providing end-to-end infrastructure such as easy access, market facilities with high hygiene standards, financial inclusion through microfinance schemes for the sellers, especially women. The setting up of agro-processing facilities will also bring about rural transformation, especially with the development of regional markets along value chains. “Improving the connectivity within the State, region and with the rest of the country is a key to prosperity and growth. Development in the State has been hampered by the lack of physical connectivity. The roads have been in dire need of maintenance and repair, strengthening, widening, and in general bringing them up to the mark to meet the demands of the modern economy and society is absolutely vital,” Dr. Sangma opined. Large-scale up-gradation is necessary in improving the connectivity. Thus, significant increase in public investment is necessary in roads, rails, inland waterways as well as airways. Several plans are afoot to improve the condition of the national highways and bridges including NH 40, NH 44, NH 40E, NH 62 and so on. Other projects have been sanctioned with funds from the SARDP-NE, Ministries of DONER and Tribal Affairs, North Eastern Council, ADB-NESRIP and other schemes of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The proposed new bridge over the Brahmaputra river recently/newly notified NH127(B) connecting Dhubri-Phulbari would significantly improve the connectivity to north Bengal and Assam . The proposed Railway line along the South-Western/Southern slope of Meghalaya connecting the LCS for which pre-feasibility study by Railway Ministry has been completed shall boost up trade and commerce with neighbouring countries. The state will also be making significant investment from State Plan through Special Plan Assistance and the Non-Lapsable Pool of Central Resources. “Another major resource in the State that will be harnessed for development is its power potential,” Dr. Sangma said. The proper harnessing of its potential would result in generating surplus power which could be sold to neighbouring regions, which are power deficit. This would form an important revenue source for the State, which is characterised by a very narrow revenue base. Apart from being a pre-requisite for attracting investment to the State, increased availability of power has externalities across sectors, especially agriculture. It will help the state develop modern storage and warehousing facilities especially in the light of our strategy to focus on horticulture, floriculture and organic farming during the 12th Plan, he added.

With regard to international trade and commerce, Dr. Sangma said that opening up for trade with Bangladesh should be a priority and will be beneficial to both the countries. The latter can open up opportunities to the Southeast Asian countries if the Asian Highway is constructed and made operational. The two Border Haats with Bangladesh made operational recently represent a positive beginning. Conducting inland trade with Bangladesh also requires substantial improvement in border infrastructure. The Central Government has already approved considerable investment in land customs stations in Meghalaya, such as at Dalu and Gasuapara. Borsora, Dawki and Gasuapara are the three important border check-posts, which need to be upgraded to enable the movement of wide range of goods across the two countries. The land customs station at Dawki is proposed to be up-graded to an integrated check-post.

“Education and skill development will be the cornerstone of development in the Twelfth Plan, as these enhance people’s productivity and employability,” Dr. Sangma informed. Endowing the poor and vulnerable sections with human capital will empower them to gainfully participate in market activity. “The excessive dependence on the Government for employment has helped neither the people at large nor the Government,” he said. Further, a more rapid pace of industrialisation will call for a large skilled manpower base. Focus must be given to providing the youth strong training in information technology (IT) and IT enabled services, various aspects of hotel management and other skills that can provide them employment within the region or the country. “To this end, the State has established the Meghalaya State Employment Promotion Council (MSEPC) for comprehensive skill development and has also proposed setting up of a State Technical University through PPP to meet the professional, technical and vocational needs of the people. Additionally, two new polytechnics will be set up in the Districts, which do not have them, and an autonomous Indian Institute of Information Technology – all in the PPP mode. Several other innovative initiatives are envisaged for the 12th Plan which includes Enterprise Incubation Centres and a State Skills Mission. In the field of education, the State Government will be setting up at least one residential school in each block and hostels for students at district headquarters to facilitate quality education. To ensure availability of trained teachers, youth who are aiming to become teachers are being provided with scholarships at the rate of 5000/- for pursuing Diploma in teaching for Elementary Education. The Government has initiated steps for provincialisation of at least one college in each of the districts. Steps for provincialisation of all the deficit Primary Schools are also being initiated which will go a long way in addressing the grievances of the teachers of this category of schools. The Chief Minister’s Career Guidance and Counselling Scheme for providing coaching for students who are preparing for Union Civil Services and other exams including coaching for entrance exams for various courses is being initiated from this year.

The health policy initiatives of the Government aim at providing equity in health care throughout the State and considerable progress has been made during the past Plan. District-level proposals during the Twelfth Plan include the setting up of a 100-bed facility at Mawkyrwat, upgrading the CHC at Ampati to a 100-bed hospital, setting up of several new community health centres, primary health centres, and sub-centres, a District eye operation theatre with 10-bed ward at Nongpoh, and others. The Medical College cum Hospital is being developed in Shillong through a PPP which is a first of its kind in India. Another medical college will be set up in the Garo Hills, Dr. Sangma said. “The volume of investment required for Meghalaya to catch up with the rest of the country cannot come from the Central and State Governments alone, and will need to be augmented by the private sector,” said Dr. Sangma. “The State plans to leverage various sources of funding available over the next five years. These would include Central funding for telecoms, aviation, land customs stations and other centrally sponsored schemes in irrigation, urban development, education, health, etc., plan financing from NEC and NLPCR, Northeast-focused Externally Aided Projects especially from ADB, World Bank and IFAD, and large scale private investment in infrastructure, energy, tourism, agriculture, health and education,” informed the Chief Minister. “To achieve the 11 per cent growth rate needed to catch up with the rest of the country, we have proposed the 12th Plan size of Rs. 27,027 crore. While this is yet be finalised by the Planning Commission, in recognition of the need for higher investments and also better performance and improved financial management by the State, the Planning Commission has agreed to an outlay of Rs. 3,939 crore for the Annual Plan 2012-13, which marks an increase of about 44 percent over the plan size of 2011-12,” Dr. Sangma said.

With regard to the four new districts of the state which were inaugurated recently, Dr. Sangma said that steps for establishment of new district level offices, creation of posts, and procurement of immediate and essential requirements have been taken. “To facilitate provision of government services to the citizens at one common location, we propose to establish composite District Office Complexes in all the new Districts, where all the Government Departmental offices would be housed. Similarly, integrated residential complexes would also be set up to provide accommodation to the Government officials at one location. Adequate funds are being provided for these projects,” Dr. Sangma informed. With regard to Information and Public Relations, Dr. Sangma said that in order to facilitate prompt dissemination of information to the masses about the schemes and programmes of the Government, and also to enable people to register their grievances promptly, the Government has implemented the “Wireless Mass Notification System”. The Government is committed to disseminate information about the schemes and their implementation to the public on a real time basis through the Meghalaya Integrated Information System (MIIS). “Investment for providing appropriate platform for the youth of the State to grasp diverse opportunities with a special focus to bring out talents of the state in these fields of art, culture, music and sports is our of our identified priorities. To promote Shillong as a centre for art and culture, we propose to develop an International Centre for Performing Arts here. This would be a multi-purpose cultural centre where international level events of performing arts would be organised. Similarly, at the district level, the District Cultural Centres would be set up, with state-of-the-art auditoriums and other facilities,” Dr. Sangma informed. The Chief Minister appealed to all the citizens of the State to extend their full support and cooperation to the Government in its endeavour to maintain peace and harmony in the State and in implementing the developmental policies and programmes. “I am fully confident that with the cooperation of our people, the State Government will be able to successfully carry out all its programmes to serve the interests of the State and its people more effectively now and in all times to come,” he said. As part of the day’s celebrations, a march pass was also organised. Several schools of Shillong besides contingents from the armed forces participated in this march pass. The day also witnessed several awards being presented. Recipients of these awards are as follows: 1. Award of the Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service a) Shri Predish Monda Sangma, Administrative Subedar, District Training Centre, Home Guards, Tura b) Smt. Mainora Manda Sangma, Assistant Deputy Controller of Civil Defence, Tura c) Shri. Joseph Khyriem, Subedar, Border Wing Home Guards Battalion, Shillong 2. Police Medal for Gallantry a) Davis N. R. Marak, Sub – Divisional Police Officer b) Ringrang T. G. Momin, Dy. Superintendent of Police c) Sengsram Ch. Marak, Sub – Inspector d) Rajendra P Kahit, BN constable e) Riewsngewthuh, BN constable 3. Police Medal for Meritorious Service a) Shri. Kamakhya Prasad, Deputy Superintendent of Police., HQRS, East Khasi Hills, Shillong Meghalaya b) Shri. Jresstanball Lyngdoh, Armed Branch Sub – Inspector of Policer, 1 MLP, Mawiong, Meghalaya c) Shri. Romendra R. Marak, Armed Branch, Sub – Inspector of Police, 2 LP BN Georangre, Meghalaya d) Shri. Gadising Nengminja Sangma, Armed Branch constable, Police Reserve Williamnagar, Meghalaya

Press Release No. 295/12

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Shillong, August 16, 2012: Together with the rest of the country, the 65th Independence Day was celebrated on August 15, 2012 in all the Districts, Sub-Divisions and Administrative Units of the State with great fanfare. In Jowai, West Jaintia Hills District, thousands of proud enthusiastic citizens of Jowai gathered at Jrisalein Playground and joined hands with the rest of the country to celebrate the country’s Independence Day. The State Urban Affairs Minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh, unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of about 31 contingents comprising of 26 Schools, Police, Home Guards, Jaintia Bharat Scouts and Guides. The other highlights of the day included Mass Drill displayed by 6 six schools of Jowai town, cultural programmes presented by different schools and localities of Jowai. In the March Past competition, Jowai Police Public School bagged 1st Prize in the parade while Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Jowai and St. Mary Mazzerello, Jowai bagged second and third prize respectively. In Tura, West Garo Hills District, the 65th Independence Day was celebrated with national fervor and gaiety, where the Minister for Forest and Environment, etc. Mr. Prestone Tynsong unfurled the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya salute before a large gathering at Tura MP Stadium, here at Dakopgre. A parade by 40 marching contingents, including 2nd MLP Battalion, Tura District Executive Force, District Home Guards, NCC and Boy Scouts and Girl Guides and a colourful cultural programme marked the celebrations at Tura. On the occasion, the District Administration felicitated the toppers of SSLC and HSSLC examinations from the district and also awarded Appreciation Certificates to a selected Grade III and Grade IV government employees as recognition of their selfless service, sincerity and exemplary conduct while discharging their duties as government servants. The chief guest also gave away the prizes and trophies to the best contingents in the March Past, best cultural troupes and to the winners of the Independence Day Run, which was organised on 14th August 2012. In Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills District, a grand celebration was held in a very benefiting manner at Khliehriat Higher Secondary School playground, in which a large number of people from in and around Khliehriat witnessed the celebration. The Minister of PHE, Home Guards and Civil Defense, Shri. Shitlang Pale unfurled the Tricolour and took the Rastriya salute to the tune of the National Anthem sung by the students of Ambrose Memorial Secondary School Khliehriat. The ceremonial parade witnessed 13 contingents consisting of police personnel and 12 schools. The other highlights of the day included cultural programme featuring dance and patriotic songs presented by the student from different schools. A basket ball match between Officers Vs Teachers was also held followed by prize distribution. In Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District, Shri. J.A Lyngdoh, Minister of Social Welfare unfurled the Tri-color National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute at the impressive march-past of 24 contingents including students, Scouts and Guides headed by the Ri Bhoi District Executive Force. Around ten thousand peoples assembled at NSCA Mini Stadium Pahamsyiem, Nongpoh to partake in the celebration. Other highlight of the day included a cultural programmes performed by the school students of the District and prize distribution by the Chief Guest.

In Baghmara, South Garo Hills District, Minister for Water Resources, etc, Shri. A.L. Hek, unfurled the National Flag in front of 22 marching contingents. During the celebration, the Superintendent of Police, Baghmara, Mr.Davis Nestell R. Marak, recipient of Indian Medal for Gallantry for his acts of gallantry during counter-insurgency operation in South and East Garo Hills was felicitated by the District, while Mr. Wadang R. Marak from Wagesik, Baghmara was conferred the Achievement Award for his performance in the field of sports. Four Bolero pick-up water tankers, purchased under BRGF, were also handed over to Rongara Block, Baghmara Block, Baghmara PHE and Baghmara Municipal Board on the occasion. Other highlights of the day’s celebration included plantation programme and sports and games for both the government officers and the public. In Ampati, South West Garo Hills District, Shri. A T Mondal, Meghalaya Power Minister, unfurled the Tri Color at the Ampati mini stadium. Fourteen contingents, including the Bharat Scouts and Guides were led by Commander Armed Branch SI, M Rahman who took the Rashtriya salute during the march past parade. Other highlights of the day included a colorful cultural programme and sports for children. At Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills District, people from all walks of life assembled together at St. Peter’s Higher Secondary School playground to witness the Independence Day. Shri Bindo M Lanong, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya unfurled the national flag to the tune of the national anthem and took the salute at the impressive parade of 23 contingents including the Police, NCC, Scout and Guides and school students. Other highlights of the day are cultural programmes, sports for boys and girls, football match between District officers Vs Shillong press club Nongstoin, distribution of food to patients of civil hospital, TB Hospital, Green Pastures Home and St Peter’s Orphanage, Pyndengrei followed by prize distribution. In Williamnagar, East Garo Hills District, the celebration was held at Rongrenggre Higher Secondary School playground. Mr. HDR Lyngdoh, Home Minister, unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the marching contingents comprising of 18 contingents of school students besides the 5th MLP Battalion and Scouts and Guides under the command of Shri B.R.Marak. A large number of people from all walks of life gather to witness the celebration. Other highlight of the day includes cultural programme, games and sports etc.

At Resubelpara, North Garo Hills District, a large number of people from all walks of life assembled at the Resubelpara, Mini Stadium, to witness the celebration of the 65th Independence Day. Meghalaya, Minister for CandRD, Mr Saleng Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute and inspected the parade of the marching contingents. The other programme of the day include cultural programme, football match, sports etc. In Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills District, people from all walks of life gathered at Maharam Government Secondary School Play Ground to witness the Independence Day celebration. The Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya in charge of Health and Family Welfare Department, etc, Shri Rowell Lyngdoh unfurled the tricolor of National Flag to the tune of National Anthem in the presence of Mr. M.M. Danggo MLA, Mr. A. Mawlong, Deputy Commissioner and Mr.S. Nongtynger, Superintendent of Police, South West Khasi Hills District and took the Rashtriya salute at the impressive march past of 25 parade contingents comprising of police force, Scouts and Guides and school students. Other highlights of the day were tableaux presentation by seven departments comprising of Agriculture, Veterinary and Fishery combined on Integrated Farming, PHE on sanitation, Health on prevention of Aids, Soil and Water Conservation on rain water harvesting, Education department on SSA, CandRD Block Ranikor and Mawkyrwat combined and Election department, sports and games for children, various cultural programmes , distribution of food items to patients in CHC Mawkyrwat, exhibition football match between the Officers Club and Mawten Sports Club and prize distribution. In Dadenggre Civil Sub-Division, the ceremony commenced with flag hoisting at various public places and private houses in the wee hours of the morning. Later people gathered at the Dadenggre playground to witness the formal commemoration of the day. Shri Ismail R. Marak, Parliamentary Secretary, PHE, Transport etc, unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the parade led by Shri Sunday Manners, Sub Inspector, OC, Dadenggre Police Station. There were nine school contingents from Dadenggre area, along with 2nd MLP Battalion, Goiragre that participated in the march past this year. The day event rounded up with cultural programs along with sweet distribution for children. The celebration concluded with sports for children and exhibition football match. In Amlarem Civil Sub-Division, India’s 65th Independence Day was celebrated at the Amlarem LP School Ground. Shri L. Rymbui, MLA, 7-Amlarem Constituency and Parliamentary Secretary to the Govt. of Meghalaya unfurled the national flag and took the salute. The Independence Day Celebrations at Amlarem Sub Division witnessed an enthusiastic response with a turnout of about 2000 people and the participation of 14 contingents in the March Past Parade which included schools, the NCC and the police services. To add flavor to the function, sporting and cultural events like traditional dances, songs, a dance competition, tug of war competition etc. were organized. A prize distribution ceremony for the winners of the above mentioned competitions and for the Best Parade Contingent marked the end of the celebrations in Amlarem.

At Sohra Civil Sub-Division, Parliamentary Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Dr. P W Khongjee unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive parade of marching contingents comprising of the District Police, NCC and school students at Football Stadium, Saitsophen, Sohra. At Mairang Civil Sub-Division, Dr A Pariong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, unfurled the National Flag and took the salute before 11 parade contingents comprising of District Police, Scout and Guides and school students at Madan Dom Mawlum, Pyndengumiong, Mairang. More than 5000 people gathered to witness the celebration. Besides, the colourful cultural programme presented by various schools of the area, a friendly women’s football match between Pyndengumiong Vs Mission was also organized. At Patharkhmah Administrative Unit, Ri Bhoi District Shri J.D Rymbai, Local MLA, unfurled the National flag and took the Rashtriya Salute at the impressive march past of 10 contingents performed by the school students including the Meghalaya Police. The programme was observed and celebrated with enthusiasms. Others highlight of the day included cultural programmes and the day ended with the prize distribution ceremony.

In Mawshynrut Administrative Unit, the celebration was held at Riangdo Sport Complex whereby Francis Pondit Sangma (MLA) unfurled the National Flag and took salute before the parade contingent consisting of police and school students. Other highlights of the day include cultural items, football and distribution of food to the patients of Christ King Dispensary and CHC Riangdo which was followed by prize distribution.

Press Release No. 296/12

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR JOB SEEKERS

Shillong, August 16, 2012: The Directorate of Employment & Craftsmen Training, Labour Department, Government of Meghalaya has introduced “Connect Kam” – a Web Portal for Online Registration of job seekers with the Meghalaya Exchanges. Job seekers may apply online for employment. Detailed information can be obtained by visiting dectmeg.nic.in.

Press Release No. 297/12

NOMINATIONS FOR PADMA AWARDS

Shillong, August 16, 2012: The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District has informed that the Padma Awards, i.e., Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri will be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2013. The awards seeks to recognize work of any distinction and are given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/services in all fields of disciplines such as art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry, etc. All persons irrespective of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards.

Intending individuals from East Khasi Hills District who desire their names to be recommended to the Government for the award are to send their nominations to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong on or before the 10th September, 2012.

Detailed information can be downloaded from the District Website http://eastkhasihills.gov.in.

Press Release No. 298/12

ENTRIES INVITED FOR DESIGNING LOGO FOR RMSA

Shillong, August 16, 2012: The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, invites entries from resident Indians to design a logo and drafting a slogan on the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry under implementation since 2009-10 to make quality secondary education available, affordable and accessible to all young persons of the age group of 14-16 years of the country. The successful entry/entries will be separately awarded a prize money of Rs. 1, 00,000/- and a citation.

Interested persons may refer to the detailed note on the website of the Ministry at http://mhrd.gov.in/ for the modalities of participation in the competition.