Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 384/12

GOVERNOR INAUGURATES SEMINAR ON MINING

Shillong, September 27, 2012: A two-day UGC sponsored National Seminar on Mining: Impact Assessment on the Economy, Ecology, Technology, Polity and Society got underway today, September 27, 2012, at Pinewood Hotel, Shillong wherein the Governor of Meghalaya, Mr. R S Mooshahary graced the inaugural function as the Chief Guest. The Seminar was organized by Sankardev College in collaboration with Buddha Bhanu Saraswati (BBS) College, Shillong.

The objective of holding this seminar is to generate awareness among the participants who can in turn through their own capacity and expertise inculcate in the minds of the participants the advantages and disadvantages of mining and the impact of human activities on natural resources. The findings and deliberations of the seminar will be disseminated to the stakeholders and policy makers which could be of help while making decisions and policies relating to mining matters in particular and natural resources in general.

The Governor, in his speech, said that mining is a controversial subject which needs to be addressed rationally. Stating that mining is necessary for development, at the same time, one should examine the environmental impact, health and other issues hampering human development, he added. Speaking on the positives of mining, the Governor said that mining has transformed energy into different shape for the development, progress and better quality of life. With the application of science and technology and proper method of mining, the impact on the environment has been minimized to a great extent. Besides, mining has help reduce poverty and accelerate human development, through increasing government and community revenues, generating employment and providing physical and human infrastructure, he said.

Lamenting on the mining method practiced in Meghalaya, the Governor said that unscientific mining of coal and stones in the State have brought about environmental degradation and have affected the life and property of the citizens of the mining areas. He felt the need of having a State Mining Policy firmly in place so as to regulate the mining process. He expressed hope that the policy will take into account the positive and negative points and find a solution for a better co-existence of technology and environment.

Topics on Mining and Society, Mining and Ecology, Mining and Polity and the Economy will be deliberated by resource persons and paper presenters drawn from organizations, universities and allied departments from across the country.

Press Release No. 385/12

WORLD TOURISM DAY OBSERVED IN MEGHALAYA

Shillong, 27th September, 2012: Along with the rest of the world, Tourism Department, Meghalaya too observed World Tourism Day at the State Central Library premises on the theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development’. The programme was graced by the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Dr. P. W. Khongjee as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Smti. R. V. Suchiang, Commissioner and Secretary, Tourism, Shri. R. Synrem, Secretary, Tourism, Smti. R. C. Sohkhlet, Director, Tourism and many others.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. P. W. Khongjee, highlighted the importance of tourism to attract investment from all over the country and also foreigners to visit the different tourist spots of the state. He called upon the people, especially the school children who are going to be the future citizen to be familiar with the importance of conserving energy by making use of the new trends available. He further stated that to achieve the goal of the said theme, joint efforts of the government along with the cooperation of the masses is the need of the hour.

As part of the celebration, an inter-school quiz competition was also conducted by Quiz Master, Shri. Rahul Chatterjee in which students from 10 different schools participated. The winning teams were St. Mary’s Higher Secondary school which backed the first prize and was awarded with a cash prize of Rupees ten thousand. At second place is the St. Edmunds School and was awarded with a cash prize of rupees seventy five hundred and the third prize was backed by Christian Academy Higher Secondary School and was awarded with a cash prize of one thousand.

On the day, an on-line reservation for Pinewood Hotel was launched. Other highlights of the programme were display exhibition by various organization and food stalls.

The programme ended with a musical extravaganza.

Press Release No. 386/12

TRAINING ON ELECTORAL REGISTRATION

Shillong, September 27, 2012: The office of the Deputy Commissioner (Election), West Khasi Hills District today organized a training programme on Electoral Registration in TRYSEM Hall for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for 32-Nongstoin (ST), 33-Rambrai Jyrngam (ST) and 34-Mawshynrut (ST) Assembly constituencies.

The Deputy Commissioner, Mr. S Kharlyngdoh said that the training will help the BLO to understand the importance and benefits for electoral registration. He also said that the main duties of a BLO is to motivate and facilitate the citizen for participation in the Electoral process particularly registration, to guide and assist the eligible citizens in filling up Form 6, 7, 8 and 8A, to report to the ERO on cases of new eligibility, death and shifting of electors and to meet the Sordars/Headmen and the residents of the polling area for discussion on electoral issues.

Press Release No. 387/12

PROGRAMME ON CMS SOCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO THE INFIRM WIDOWS AND DISABLED

Shillong, September 27, 2012: The Directorate of Social Welfare will organize a programme on Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme for Infirm/Widows and the Disabled on October 6, 2012 at Shillong Club (Residential). The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Mukul Sangma will be the Chief Guest at the function.

Press Release No. 388/12

PRODUCTION, SALE OF BOTTLED CORRECTION FLUIDS, ETC BANNED IN MEGHALAYA

Shillong, September 27, 2012: In pursuance to Government direction, the production, sale of bottled correction fluids as well as bottled thinners of any chemical composition, both for ink erasing purposes as well as for use as nail polish removers and similar other purposes is banned in the State of Meghalaya with immediate effect. This was informed by the Director of Health Services (M), Meghalaya, Shillong.

Therefore, all concerned producers and traders in the State are directed to take necessary measures on the matter and comply this order within one month, failing which punitive action may be taken accordingly.

Press Release No. 389/12

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON SAY NO TO TOBACCO

Shillong, September 27, 2012: Awareness programme on “Say No To Tobacco” was launched by Shri Manas Choudhury, MLA at St. Anthony’s College, Shillong on 27th September 2012. It was organized by the Rotary Club of Orchid city, Shillong with the motto “Peace Through Service”. The theme of the campaign is “Ignorance Kills, Awareness empowers”.

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Shri Manas Choudhury congratulates the initiative taken by the club members in dissuading people from taking tobacco since tobacco abuse is still a global phenomenon. People need to understand the ill-effects of smoking and the harm it causes to persons health resulting out of the abuse of tobacco, he added.

“Deep rooted bad habits is difficult to give up and needs strong will power”, said Mr Choudhury. He sought the support of the general public especially, the younger generation to be motivated and help in the service which will benefit the society. He also advised the youth to be cautious about the use of tobacco and this is the right age to cultivate good habits.

Principal St Anthony’s College, Fr I. War while delivering the welcome address asked the people especially the students to say No to tobacco and also help others to do so by being a part of the programme and serve the society since we are part of the society.

In his presidential address, Dr C. Varghese appraised the necessity of launching this campaign because tobacco is the leading cause of death in the world. According to him, this is not a new idea but a new thrust to work upon it with the support of the general public. He further mentioned about the plan of action to be taken in due course like creating awareness in schools, colleges and universities, conducting essay, poster competitions, engaging taxi and sumo drivers to display pictures of the ill-effects of smoking and prohibit smoking in the vehicles. The vision of this campaign is to make Shillong a tobacco free state.

Earlier in the programme, the chief guest distributed the prizes to the winners of the poster competition.