July 6, 2004

Shillong, July 6, 2004: The Admission Test for students seeking admission to the Roopkala Kendro, Kolkata for Post Graduate Diploma Course in Development Communication, Direction, Motion Picture Photography, Editing and Animation Creation and Direction has been postponed to August 22, 2004 and not July 18, 2004 as notified earlier.

The last date of submission of forms is on August 13, 2004. The exact venue and time of Admission Test will be communicated to candidates through Admit Cards.

This was informed by the Deputy Director, Roopkala Kendro, Kolkata.

Shillong, July 6, 2004: The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District has promulgated an order under Section 144 Cr. PC prohibiting holding of meetings, dharnas, demonstrations in any public roads, including thoroughfares and public places in the whole of East Khasi Hills District.

In view of the urgency of the situation, this order shall come into force with immediate effect until further notice.

Press Release No. 414/04

Shillong, July 6, 2004: The official Website of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Meghalaya was launched by Shri G. P. Wahlang, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Agriculture Department yesterday July 5, 2004 in the conference hall of the Main Secretariat. The Website can be accessed at http://www.megagriculture.nic.in.

Shillong, July 6, 2004: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr D D Lapang today afternoon met the Union Home Minister, Mr Shivraj Patil where he apprised him about the Law and Order situation prevailing in the State and the efforts made by the State Government through the State Police to keep militancy under check.

Dr Lapang while apprising the Union Home Minister about the functioning of the State Police Department, he appealed that modernization of the Police force should be fully borne by the Central Government instead of the cost sharing system between the Centre and the State.

Expressing his concern over the illegal influx of foreigners into the State of Meghalaya which has been a constant problem for the State and a source of tension in the community, Dr Lapang felt that there is an immediate need to introduce the National Multipurpose Identity Card scheme taking Meghalaya as the Pilot State.

While apprising the Home Minister about the International border issues, Dr Lapang said that border fencing has been completed in about 195Kms out of the total of 423Kms of border, Dr Lapang highlighted about the plight of the tribal farmers living in the border areas and he called upon the Central Government to expedite the construction of the border fencing. He also said that Border Hats should be strengthened and trade with neighbouring countries be facilitated so that it could generate alternative employment and income to uplift the economy of the border villages.

Meanwhile, Dr Lapang said that there is a need of setting up of the Indian Reserve Battalions Headquarters in the State and appealed that the Central Government should give a one time grant of Rs 1200 Crores for acquisition of land in the State.

He also appealed for strengthening of the infrastructure of the BSF Headquarters and for setting up of such headquarters one in each district of the State, Khasi, Garo and Jaintia Hills in places, which is located close to the International border.

The Union Home Minister, Mr Shivraj Patil assured Dr Lapang that the issues raised by him would be examined and would be taken up to the extent possible.