Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 637/18

POSHAN MELA IN WKH

Along with the rest of the country, a month long observation of Rashtriya Poshan Maah, the office of the District Planning Officer (DPO) in collaboration with various line departments like Health, PHE etc organized Poshan Mela in different Blocks of the District to spread the message of the importance of nutrition. A Poshan Mela was organised at Christ King Secondary School, Banglapluh falling under Mawshynrut Civil-Sub-Division where PHC, ICDS, PHE, set up stalls providing free medical check-up, displaying Supplementary Nutritious Food Stuff and water testing equipments respectively with an initiative to create awareness among the general public the various necessities for having a sound and healthy life. Other highlights of the programme include baby show, drawing and painting competition, prize distribution and water buckets contributed by the villagers was given to Anganwadi workers. Similar Programme organized by the CDPO of Mairang, Mawthadraishan and Nongstoin was also held at u Tirot Singh Memorial Hall Pyndengumiong on the 20th September, 2018, Kynshi Mawphanain Aganwadi Center on the 19th September, 2018 and at Nongspung village Anganwadi center on the 18th September, 2018.

Press Release No. 638/18

AYUSH GARDEN INAUGURATED

As part of the awareness programme under Ayush Gram, National Ayush Mission, the Ayush Garden of Mawkadiang Ayush Village was inaugurated today by the DM&HO West Khasi Hills District Nongstoin, Dr. W.W. Phira. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Phira emphasized on the upliftment of the Mission and informed that the programme is a stepping stone to many more activities to come. The programme was chaired by Dr. Z. Marak, SM&HO Civil Hospital, Nongstoin who also stressed on the importance of Ayush system of medicine. The introduction on National Ayush Mission and Ayush Gram was briefed by Dr. H. Lato, Homeopathic Physician Civil Hospital, Nongstoin followed by speech on medicinal plants and their uses by Dr. J. Langstang, Ayurvedic Physician of Riangdo CHC. Others who were present in the function were Dr. R. Laloo Block Medical Officer and Dr. S. Kharmawphlang District Nodal Officer, National Ayush Mission.

Press Release No. 639/18

VALEDICTORY FUNCTION FOR UTILITY OFFICERS HELD

The valedictory function for Rooftop Solar Grid Engineer for Utility Officers organized under World Bank Suprabha was held here today at Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency, Mawpat, Shillong which was attended by Minister, Home, Power etc, Shri.James P K Sangma. Speaking to the gathering Minister, Power etc, Shri. James P K Sangma that the government is concerned about many environmental issues and the government is determined to go ahead with any programme that will help to mitigate the effects of global warming and climatic change. He said that the training is very important for the State where people are hesitant to accept solar energy and prefer the conventional power grid over the renewable solar energy. He further added that the mindset of the people needs to be changed and the training for the officers and engineers is a step in the right direction which would give more impetus to Rooftop Solar Grid. The Minister hoped that the State would be self sufficient in solar energy by 2020 thus bringing the State on the map of renewable solar energy. The Minister also handed over the certificate of participation to the participants during the valedictory function.

Press Release No. 640/18

WORLD TOURISM DAY OBSERVED

World Tourism Day carrying the theme,”Tourism and Digital Transformation” was observed at the State Convention Centre in the city today, wherein Chief Minister, Shri. Conrad K Sangma attended as the Chief Guest in the presence of Tourism Minister, Shri. Metbah Lyngdoh, Principal Secretary Tourism, Smt. R.V Suchiang, Director, Tourism, Shri. C.V Diengdoh, officials from various departments, entrepreneurs, NGOs and students among others. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that economic growth of the State is a priority of the Government and emphasized on the key role that entrepreneurs play in the growth and development of the State. “Entrepreneurs are the engines of growth, the government can create the policies, programmes and the infrastructure but it requires the active involvement of entrepreneurs to push the economy forward”, the Chief Minister added.

The Chief Minister informed that his office has decided to initiate ‘entrepreneur of the month’ programme in which selected budding entrepreneurs will receive incentives from the government. This programme will “help leverage the drive for innovative and fresh ideas and also motivate others to become entrepreneurs”. Speaking on the huge potential that tourism has in creating economic opportunities for the people the Chief Minister highlighted the need for the right packaging and promotion to be able to market it to the intended target groups. “Tourism is a sector that requires specific marketing. Partnership of the tourism sector with digital social media platforms such as Facebook will allow us to spend our resources more effectively”, he added.

The Chief Minister also emphasized on the need to develop strategies to increase monetary spending by visiting tourists so that the State can turn the huge tourist footfall into economic benefits. During the programme, a book entitled ‘MEGHALAYA RIVERS’ authored by Joe Rea Dickins, Dan Rea Dickins and Zorba Laloo was released by the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister along with the Tourism Minister also handed over gifts to ten entrepreneurs and change makers as a mark of appreciation to their initiatives in the tourism sector. Earlier in the day, technical sessions on topics including ‘Digital Skilling with Facebook and Whatsapp’ and ‘Adventure Tourism’ were held which saw active participation by entrepreneurs and NGOs.