Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 601/06

ORIENTATION PROGRAMME ON IWDP

A one day Orientation Programme on Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP) was held recently at the Highway Inn Hall, Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District. Organized by the office of the Divisional Officer, Soil & Water Conservation, Ri Bhoi District, the programme was attended by Chairmen and members of different IWDP Committees from various project areas of the district. The main objective of the programme was to throw light upon the conditions laid down by the Ministry of Rural Development in implementing the programme for the smooth and successful functioning of the scheme.

Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, the Joint Director, Soil & Water Conservation, Mr. R. R. BR. Thabah expressed appreciation over the participation of Chairmen and members of different IWDP committees in order to get information pertaining to the manner the project should function. He informed that according to statistics, till 2001-02, Ri Bhoi District has 6519 households out of which 1486 earn their livelihood through Jhuming cultivation which could sustain them for only 6 months. Highlighting the danger of water stress if the present trend of shifting cultivation continues, Mr. Thabah said that such programmes are important to create awareness amongst the people. Therefore, he urged upon the members to cooperate with the Department in the implementation of the project for the overall development of the area and the district as a whole.

Press Release No. 602/06

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON ENVIRONMENT

Parliamentary Secretary, Power, Elementary and Mass Education, Mr. S. W. Rymbai attended a one day awareness campaign on Environment organized by the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong, Raid Tangar at Thadnongiaw playground on August 5, 2006. Tree saplings were also planted and distributed to the people and fingerlings were also released in the Umtung River.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rymbai lauded the efforts and initiative of the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong in organizing such programme to educate the people on the need to preserve the forest and environment especially the catchments areas.

The second session of the programme included lectures by Mr. F. M. Mawphniang, MDC, Mr. P. S. Nongbri, DFO, Social Forestry, Mr. S. R.Nonghulu, DO Soil and Water Conservation and Mr. A. F. Syiem, Superintendent Fisheries. The meeting was presided over by Mr. S. Rande, President, Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong.

Press Release No. 603/06

EPIC PROGRAMME

The Deputy Commissioner (Election), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has informed that the 3rd Round of photography for issuance of fresh Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to all electors of the Assembly Constituencies of 13-Nongspung (ST) from 16th August to 30th August, 2006, for 14- Sohiong (ST) will commence from 16th August to 2nd September, 2006, for 31-Mawsynram (ST) from 21st August to 25th August, 2006.

All voters are requested to get themselves photographed during the campaign period in their respective designated photographic locations. Those electors who possess the old Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) are also to be photographed afresh in order to facilitate printing of the Photo Elector Rolls.

Press Release No. 604/06

RALLY CUM- AWARENES CAMPAIGN ON SSA HELD

The Deputy Commissioner of Jaintia Hills District, Mr. F. Kharkongor, has flagged off the Rally on August 7, 2006 at Marian Hill playground and culminated at the District Library Auditorium. The rally was organized by the office of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan State Mission Authority, Meghalaya, Jaintia Hills District Unit which was participated by students, teachers, NGOs and officials.

On the occasion a meeting was held at the District Library Auditorium. The main aim of the programme was to bring back the drop-out students to school. Mr. S. Mulieh Chairman, Meghalaya Resources and Employment Generation Council attended the function as the Chief Guest while Deputy Commissioner Jaintia Hills District Mr. F. Kharkongor, was the Guest of Honor.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mulieh said that the rally was organized to create awareness amongst the people and to make them realize about the importance of education. It is the responsibility of the parents to bring back their drop- outs children to school and for all round development of their children, added Mr. Mulieh. He also informed that Jaintia Hills District was the first to launch a rally in the State. He also lamented that the District inspite of its economic prosperity is not up to the mark in the literacy rate. Saying that poverty and ignorance is the main cause of high drop-outs, he added that the Government has initiated different schemes such as Mid day meal, facilities of text books and uniforms in order to attract the children under 14 years of age in pursuit of education.

Mr. Kharkongor, speaking on the occasion said that through the proper implementation of SSA, the literacy rate in the district can be achieved successfully.

Others highlight of the day included cultural programme presented by student of different school of the district.