Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 239/21

FISH SEED MELA HELD

The Department of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Division of Animal and Fisheries Sciences, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam today organised a Fish Seed Distribution Mela at the Fish Dale Farm, Directorate of Fisheries, Shillong. Smti. I Mawlong, Joint Secretary, Fisheries Department graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The objective of the Mela is to ensure that needy farmers get all the support from the Government in procuring quality fish seeds, so as to boost their livelihood and recover from the loss due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The beneficiaries include farmers from Khasi, Jaintia and Ri-Bhoi Districts of the state.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Smti I Mawlong stated that fisheries have become one of the income generated sector that the Government has laid emphasis on. With unemployment on the rise, the Government encourages the youth to explore business opportunities in this sector through the various Government schemes available. She further said that fish farmers do not only produce fishes for consumption but they can also become job creators by expanding their ponds, whereby they serve the society in numerous ways, she added. Mawlong reiterated the fact that people tend to take things for granted when something is provided to them for free of cost, she urged the farmers to work diligently and to take full advantage of this opportunity in order to increase their livelihood.

It may be mentioned that the fish seeds provided are varieties tested under Meghalaya conditions and are more durable and able to survive in cold conditions. The fish seeds are provided free of cost under the Tribal Sub Plant (TSP) of ICAR.

Others who were present include Smti. A. L. Mawlong, Director of Fisheries, Dr. S K Das, Principal Scientist ICAR, RC NEH Region, Smti. H. Papang, Superintendent of Fisheries, East Khasi Hills, Shillong, among others.

Press Release No. 240/21

SOCIETY FOR EMPOWERMENT EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT (SEED) FELICITATES TEACHERS

The Governor of Meghalaya, Shri. Satya Pal Malik today handed out Appreciation Certificates to teachers in recognition of their dedication in reaching out to underprivileged students of Class X from different communities during the pandemic, enabling them to appear for their Board exams. The programme was held at Raj Bhavan, Shillong. The programme was organized by the Society for Empowerment Education and Development (SEED), a non-profit organization which aims to empower the socially, educationally, and economically deprived communities through education and training in the formal and non-formal fields. All together 8 teachers who had selflessly volunteered their time and ability to teach different subjects to students in need were felicitated on the day.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Satya Pal Malik appreciated the efforts of the volunteer teachers and SEED for understanding the problems faced by students during the pandemic and also in garnering support, counseling, and guidance for their individual needs. Acknowledging the support of passed out students who lent books and notes to underprivileged students, the Governor lauded the combined efforts of all involved and said that teachers are the backbone of society, whose selfless efforts benefit the student community immensely.

The teachers awarded on the day were Ms. Nagma Sayed, Mr. Kishan Gurung, Mr. Seshkant Remal, Ms. Paramita Dey, Ms. Pranita Marak, Mr. Binay Chettri, Mr. Bibhav Gewali and Dr. Anamika Upadhya.

Press Release No. 241/21

INAUGURATION OF THE COURT BUILDING OF SOUTH WEST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT, MAWKYRWAT

Shri Biswanath Somadder, the Hon’ble Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya today inaugurated the permanent Court Building of the District and Sessions Court, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat in the presence of Shri James P.K. Sangma, Hon’ble Law Minister, Government of Meghalaya, Shri Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, PHE Minister and Local MLA, Hon’ble Mr. Justice R.V. More, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya, Hon’ble Mr. Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya, Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya and Portfolio-Administrative Judge, South West Khasi Hills District.

Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya,Shri Biswanath Somadder appreciated the concerted efforts of all those involved in completion of the infrastructure in record time and with the establishment of this institution he hoped it would provide the people of South West Khasi Hills easy access to justice citizens through procedure establish by law.He emphasized that law is for everyone and so is the concept of justice and one of the endeavors of the District Judiciary will be apart from having special court like child friendly courts which handles POCSO cases where children have to be taken extra care as their vulnerability were quite likely to be exposed during situations where they have to confront with situation which even adults don’t usually come across.He added that through District Legal Services it will bring access to justice at doorsteps of the marginalized section of the society access to justice is one of the primary motive of the Legal services movement throughout the country and this access to justice brings not only accessibility but introduces a sense of confidence of the marginalized section of the society.The objective of this court is not only for those who could afford but to provide quality justice irrespective of financial status of litigants and for those who stay in remote areas.He appreciated the judicial officers for their unceasing efforts in rendering justice as justice should not only be done but manifestly seen to be done.He thanked the state government for extending its support and cooperation at all stages in making the building a reality.He calls for support and cooperation from people who reside in the district with a hope that this institution will make them proud and without which democracy cannot exist.He ensured that this court will live up to their expectations and that the Rule of law is established by ensuring justice for all without fear or favor,affection or ill- will. He requested the judiciary officers not to let down the common man who in spite of odds has complete faith in this institution especially the marginalized section of the society who has nowhere to go or no one to fall back upon. He added that the Legal services authority of this state which functions from the District Legal Services Authority shall take all possible steps to ensure that quality justice reaches the doorstep of the common man and access to justice does not remain as a spoken phrase but a reality for all those in need of it.He extended his greetings and wishes to all the people of the district by adding that it is their responsibility to keep the honour of the institution and its flag flying high.

While addressing the gathering Shri James P.K. Sangma, Hon’ble Law Minister, Government of Meghalaya said that the idea of judicial infrastructure cannot be one that is static rather it should respond and adapt to the changes in surrounding context, presence of professional and access of help plays pivotal role to approach the court. He added that we are indeed fortunate to have not just a beautiful building but a functional building and it will serve as a constant reminder to the people of the district that justice is just a stone stroke away. Further he said that the institutional structure in the dispensation of justice has the innate energy and the lifespan that can defeat the capture of history or time. He also said that it is befitting that in places like Mawkyrwat to talk about the idea of justice embedded into a philosophical tenets of Khasi people ‘kamai ia ka hok’. He stressed that the philosophy is talking about the idea of everyday life around justice, integrity, truth and righteousness and it part of the Khasi culture that every member in the family is taught in the family. He added that the fundamental concept of the importance of justice is ingrained in almost all the traditions of societies and cultures and we have so much to learn from traditions like the concept of ‘kamai ia ka hok’. He concluded saying that the presence of this court complex will bring relief to the litigants and justice will be nearer to the people of South West Khasi Hills.

The other highlights of the event included the welcome song by the Office Staff, felicitation and presentation of bouquets, Welcome Address by Smt. B. Mawrie, District and Sessions Judge, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat, Cultural Dance by Seng Khasi, Nonglang, song by Ionglajong Group and vote of thanks which was delivered by Smt. E. Shabong, Chief Judicial Magistrate cum Secretary District Legal Services Authority, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat.