Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 300/08

BIO-RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT CENTRE AT UPPER SHILLONG INAUGURATED

The Bio-Resources Development Centre at Upper Shillong was inaugurated by the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, Mr K M Chandrasekhar in the presence of the Chief Secretary, Mr Ranjan Chatterjee, Principal Secretary, Planning, Mr P.B.O. Warjri and the Vice Chancellor of NEHU, Prof. P Tandon today at Upper Shillong.

It may be mentioned that the mission of the Bio-Resources Development Centre is to ensure meaningful conservation and sustainable utilization of bio resources of Meghalaya. This Centre has been set up by the State Government under the Science and Technology Sector and at present it is running a project supported by the Department of Bio Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, well equipped facilities required for taking up research based projects relating to conservation and micro propagation of natural resources of the State like Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, ornamental plants including orchids, wild edible plants and other allied bio resources. The Centre would also work on genetic improvement and multiplication of horticultural and medicinal plants, improvement and health care of livestock, establishment of bio-informatics unit and also development of human resource in bio technology. The core staff including the day to day operation of the centre is funded by the State Government with the project support from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Chandrasekhar lauded the State Government for the initiative in setting up the Centre for the development of microbial inoculants for forest trees and agricultural crops, bio prospecting of microbes for drugs and industrial products, mushroom bio technology and microbial transformation of agricultural waste to nutritive feed.

He also stressed the need to ensure protection of the rich traditional knowledge, folklore and bio resources of the State and to catalogue the rich medicinal plants, orchids and traditional products of the State which could lead to further research and protection as the future growth of the country lies increasingly in the development of bio technology.

Others who spoke on the occasion include Mr. P. Tandon, Vice Chancellor, NEHU. Mr. Ranjan Chatterjee delivered the welcome address while Dr. Shreeranjan proposed the vote of thanks.

Press Release No. 301/08

ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR CO-ORDINATORS, PIC'S AND ACADEMIC COUNCELLORS INAUGURATED

A one day Orientation Programme for Co-ordinators/PIC’s and Academic Councellors of the leaner support centre in the North East Region established in 2007-2008 cum induction meeting was inaugurated by the Meghalaya Parliamentary Secretary for Education Mrs. Ampreen Lyngdoh in the presence of the Pro. Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, New Delhi, Prof. O.P. Mishra, Regional Director IGNOU Shillong Dr. D. Laloo, Deputy Director, EONERU, IGNOU New Delhi Dr. A. Varadarajan. The programme was organized by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centre Shillong.

The main objective of the programme is to sensitise the open and distant education system at large and provide enough exposure to IGNOU system in particular.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Lyngdoh lauded the efforts of the IGNOU Regional Shillong for organizing the orientation programme which she hoped will benefit the students and the un-trained teachers and the state as a whole. Mrs. Lyngdoh also expressed happiness to know that IGNOU Shillong will introduce a National Institute of Vocational Education and Training in Shillong. She opined that the introduction of the two branches of education will go a long way in augmenting the education facilities available to the student of Shillong in particular and the state in general. Mrs. Lyngdoh expresses confidence that the programme would provide the students and un-trained teachers ample opportunity to equip themselves with the tools to educate effectively and to face the challenges of the future in the field of education.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Pro. Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, New Delhi, Prof. O.P. Mishra, Regional Director IGNOU Shillong Dr. D. Laloo, Deputy Director, EONERU, IGNOU New Delhi Dr. A. Varadarajan.