July 20, 2004

Shillong, July 20, 2004: A meeting of the tour operators and hoteliers, for the promotion of tourism was held today at Hotel Pine Wood Ashok, Shillong. The Minster for Tourism, Mrs. Deborah. C. Marak, the Chief Guest on the occasion presided over the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion,Mrs. Marak said that Meghalaya has tremendous potential in the field of tourism, and if promoted can bring employment opportunities to the unemployed youths of the State. Stressing upon the need for better cooperation between hoteliers and tour operators of the State with others operating outside the State and abroad, she added this would go a long way in promoting and developing tourism.

Later, through an interactive session, the Director of Tourism, Government of India, based in Amsterdam, Mrs. Roma Nongpiur, gave insights on how to promote tourism in the state and the region as a whole.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Commissioner of Tourism, Mr. H Marwein and Director of Tourism, Mr. H. Shangpliang.

Shillong, July 20, 2004: The Extension Officer, of the Meghalaya Khadi & Village Board, Nongpoh has informed that his office has been shifted from the Building of Smti. Abida Maring to the staff quarter of DTO located at Lad Sajer with effect from July 2004 while the office’s address would remain the same.

Shillong, July 20, 2004: A team of State Government officials, including Agriculture Commissioner, Mr. K.M. Kumar, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Revenue , Mr. K S Kropha and Commissioner of Divisions, Mr. Peter Ingty arrived at Tura on July 17, 2004 to make an on-the-spot assessment of the flood situation in West Garo Hills District.

It may be mentioned that the flood situation in the plain areas of West Garo Hills remained static with no sign of improvement as the incessant downpour continued in the District. Over 4000 people have been rendered homeless with 11,000 people from 45 villages affected by floods. The State Government had sanctioned Rs 5 lakhs for undertaking relief work to the affected people.

The officials, after visiting the flood affected area at Phulbari, Rajabala, Tikrikilla and other places, held a review meeting with the District officials on July 18 at the Tura Circuit House. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr. S Jagannathan briefed the officials on the measures taken by the district administration to provide relief materials to the flood affected people and also the extent of damages to the standing crops in these areas due to incessant rains for the last two weeks.

Later, the Health Commissioner Mr Kropha also visited the Tura Civil Hospital and the construction sites of the 100-bedded Hospital Annexe and Maternity & Child Care Centre and expressed his concern over the existing state of affairs of the Hospital. He was accompanied by the District Medical & Health Officer Mrs. Mira Sangma.

Shillong, July 20, 2004: A public meeting, held at Umsiang village, Ri Bhoi District, on July 16, 2004, was attended by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. P W Muktieh, who is also the local MLA of the area, to discuss various development strategies and to address problems faced by the people of the area. The meeting was attended by the Lyngdoh Raid, Headmen, local leaders and village elders.

Issues to upgrade the Police Outpost at Umsiang, setting up of an Infiltration Checkpost and a patrolling squad and deputation of officials for Arms License Renewal were initiated in the meeting. Besides, the construction of a 9 Km Umsiang-Amjong Road and creation of an Administrative Unit at Umsiang was taken up in the meeting.

Shillong, July 20, 2004: The Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, has informed that Levy Sugar against July, 2004 quota has been released and will be distributed through the Fair Price Shop at a scale of 510 grams per head per month and prices at Rs. 13.50p per kg.

Any non-supply or overcharging of the rate by the Supplier may be brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District, along with the details.