Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 527/07

WORKSHOP ON BREASTFEEDING ORGANISED

In connection with the celebration of the World Breastfeeding Week from August 1-7, 2007, the Shillong Unit of the Food & Nutrition Board, Union Ministry of Women & Child Development organized a State level workshop at Tura Circuit House, West Garo Hills District on August 1, 2007.

The workshop was based on the theme of the year’s celebration “Breastfeeding: The 1st Hour Save One Million Babies”. About 50 participants including officers from ICDS, Health and Education Departments took part in the workshop.

Demonstration Officer from Shillong, Mr. N. Baishyap, Senior Medical & Health Officers, Dr. C.J.M. Sangma and Dr. M. A. Sangma and District Social Welfare Officer, Tura, Ms. V. A. Sangma were among others who addressed the workshop as main resource persons.

Press Release No. 528/07

1ST FREE HEALTH CAMP AT UMSHOHPHRIA

The Chairman of Meghalaya Economic Development Council and local MLA, Mr. J. D. Rymbai inaugurated a one day free health camp at Umshohphria, Ri Bhoi District on August 1, 2007. The camp, organized by the Western Ri Bhoi Welfare Organisation, Shillong in collaboration with the Health Department saw the participation of a large number of people from the locality and its surrounding areas.

Lauding the organizers for taking up this very important task of organizing the health camp, Mr. Rymbai called upon the people to follow and put into practice all the guidelines they could obtain from the camp and to extend their cooperation with the Health Department in tackling and minimizing diseases. Mr. Rymbai informed the meeting that the National Rural Health Mission, which was implemented in 2005 will be terminated in 2012 and he believed that this scheme will benefit the rural populace.

During the camp, officials from the Health Department educate the people about various precautions and measures necessary for protection of malaria, such as vaccination, DDT spray and other hygienic measures like clean drainage and use of mosquito nets.

Press Release No. 529/07

CHIEF SECRETARY INSPECTS UMKHRAH RIVER

Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. Ranjan Chatterjee today made a spot inspection of the Umkhrah River (Wahumkhrah) in the Polo Market area, Shillong to get first hand information on the environmental status of River Umkhrah and pollution threat which it may have on the general population. Mr. Chatterjee was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), Mr. W.L. Lyngdoh Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Mr. B. Dhar, , officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Meghalaya Urban Development Authority, officials of the District Administration and Headmen of the surrounding areas.

During the inspection, Mr. Chatterjee expresses his concern on heavy dumping of garbage in almost throughout the river stretch which have polluted the river to an alarming extend. He said that serious efforts will be made by the Government to clean the river by involving NGOs and the local durbars. He stressed that these social agencies can facilitate the efforts of the Government to restrict the residents residing along the river to avoid disposal of waste into the river. In this regard, he informed that a meeting will be convened to find out ways and means to keep the river pollution free.

Meanwhile, CEO, SMB, Mr. Lyngdoh informed the Chief Secretary that out of 1000 residents residing near the river only 700 residents have their own septic tanks, while the rest dispose the waste directly to the river which is causing health hazard to the people. He then added that the SMB have already issued notice to all the localities under SMB to construct their own septic tanks so that the waste is not dispose into the river.

Press Release No. 530/07

PRICES OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES

In the decision taken during the meeting with the Meghalaya Chambers of Commerce and the Frontier Chambers of Commerce, the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has informed the public that the wholesale prices of essential commodities for the period from August 1 to 15, 2007 has been fixed as below and the retail price should not be more than 10p.c. increase of the wholesale rate.

The wholesale price of Rice per quintal is Rs. 1240/- for Common, Rs. 1270/- to Rs. 1320/- for Lahi, Rs. 1400/- to Rs. 1420/- for Andra Parmal (New) and Rs. 1460/- to Rs. 1480/- for Andra Parmal (Old). The wholesale price of Atta (45 kgs) is Rs. 635/-, for Maida and Suji (45 kgs) is Rs. 685/-, Gram Dal (per quintal) is Rs. 2950/- to Rs. 3000/-. The wholesale price per quintal of Ahar Dal is Rs. 3500/- to Rs. 3550/-, Masur Dal is Rs. 3500/-, Moong Dal is Rs. 4100/-, Urad Dal is Rs. 4200/- and Urad Whole is Rs. 3400/-, Bengal Gram (per quintal) is Rs. 2700/- to Rs. 2900/-, Sugar (per quintal) is Rs. 1600/- to Rs. 1610/-, Groundnut (per quintal) is Rs. 4300/-, Mustard Oil for 15 litres is Rs. 790/- to Rs. 830/-, Vanaspati Oil for 15 litres is Rs. 810/- to Rs. 890/-, Onion (per quintal) is Rs. 1300/- to Rs. 1500/-, Salt (Tata Iodised) is Rs. 870/- and Taaza is Rs. 400/-. Price per quintal of Dried Peas (Imported) is Rs. 2000/- to Rs. 2050/- and Dried Peas (Indian) is Rs. 2150/- to Rs. 2200/-, Green Peas (per quintal) is Rs. 2350/- and Soyabean (per quintal) is Rs. 1050/-.

In case of any problem/deviation of the wholesale rate, customers may contact Shri R. L Sethia at 9436103810, Shri S. K. Tharad at 9436103301, O. M. Prakash at 9436100927, J. P. Agarwal at 9436336600 and Jain Trading at 2548331/2243274.