Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 335/12

WORLD LITERACY DAY OBSERVED

Shillong, September 8, 2012: State Wide World Literacy Day was observed at St Anthony’s College Auditorium on 8th September 2012. The programme was organized by State Project Office SEMAM in collaboration with the District Mission Coordinator Office SEMAM (SSA).

This day was observed by organizing Mass Enrolment Drive for the Out of School Children of the state for the year 2012. The main aim of the programme is to bring the Non-Admitted and the Drop-out Children to a regular school or a Special Training Centre.

Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, the Education Minister, Prof R C Laloo said that education is a tool of personal empowerment by building confidence within oneself and thus benefiting the literacy of the state as a whole. He also insisted that the students should enjoy in whatever they do as well as their studies which will help them to improve their learning ability. Further, he called upon the students to work hard and become great persons in future. “It’s never too late to study”, he added. Prof Laloo also requested the enrolled children to continue and try their best to complete their studies in future.

Shri F R Kharkongor, Secretary Education department said that steps and measures are being implemented as to how to handle the out of school children in the state. He also mentioned that the literacy rate of Meghalaya has increased considerably to 75 percent of what was 10 years ago.

Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Shri Sanjay Goyal said that the implementation of RTE 2009 access to school can be solved at a large extent. He then called upon the concerted effort of all the people to create Meghalaya a total literacy state.

Principal Secretary, Education department, Shri P S Thangkhiew, the Guest of Honour at the function, said that students should be guided properly since being misguided is very dangerous for these young minds. Moreover, in a poor country like India Youth is the only resources available which should be groomed in a proper manner, he said.

Apart from these, the chief guest released the Special Training Module which was developed by DERT, enrolment of 100 out of school children from all 8 blocks including the Shillong municipality and distribution of Educational Packages for all the enrolled children. Others present on the occasion are Smti L R Sangma, Director, Higher and Technical Education, Principal St Anthony’s College, Shri J D Sangma, Director, School Education and Literacy, teachers and students from all blocks.

Press Release No. 337/12

CHIEF MINISTER LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE MENDIPATHAR RAILWAY STATION

Shillong, September 8, 2012: Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma today laid the foundation stone of the Mendipathar Railway Station at Mendipathar College in the presence of Mr. A. T. Mondal, Minister Transport, Smti M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister Urban Affairs, Mr. Saleng A. Sangma, Minister Community & Rural Development, former Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. S. C. Marak, North Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Mr. W. Khyllep, Mr. R. S. Birdi General Manager, Northeast Frontier Railway.

It may be mentioned that the Mendipathar Railway Station is estimated at `86 crores and it is expected to be completed by 2013.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mukul Sangma said that it is a historic occasion and it will transform the socio economic landscape of the State of Meghalaya.

“We have missed many opportunities because of the opposition to the railway line into the State. We must open up and change our mindset”, said Dr. Mukul Sangma while stating that the Railway line will improve and also develop the economy of the State. He also said that the Railway Station will generate new hope to the people and that it should also be ensured that the demography of the State is not diluted and the people should not have the perception of alienation and all fear of the people should be allayed.

Dr. Mukul Sangma said that the Railway Station in Mendipathar will facilitate the marketing of the farmer’s produce which are otherwise left rot in the market places.

Dr. Mukul Sangma appreciated and also thanked the people of Mendipathar for extending the full cooperation in ensuring that the Railway Station is set up without any public hue and cry.