June 3, 2004

Shillong, June 3, 2004: The Freedom of Information Act-2002 (FOI Act 02) received the assent of the President on the 6^th January 2003 with a view to provide for Freedom to every citizen to secure access to information under the Control of public authorities consistent with public interest in order to promote openness, transparency and accountability in administration.

This Act will prevail throughout the Country and there is no need for States to legislate or frame the Bill separately for this purpose.

Though the FOI Act 2002 received the assent from the President, it is yet to be brought into force as drafting of Rules by the Central Government is not yet completed and notified except Section 16(4),18 and 19 which is to be framed by the State Government.

The Government of Meghalaya has constituted a Committee to frame a preparatory draft rule under the FOI-2002 so as to carry out the provisions of the act, namely Section 16(4),18 and 19 which have been conferred on the State Government the power to make rules.

The Drafting Committee has had two sittings already i.e. 25.02.04 and 23.04.04 and the process of drafting is in progress.

The Government of Meghalaya after completion of the draft rules for administration requirement and procedures will provide to the Department of Personal and Training, Ministry of Personal Public Grievance and Pension, Government of India, New Delhi for notification of the rules in the official Gazette.

Interested persons can also log in to the DIPR Website megipr.nic.in, for Salient features relating to the FOI Act-2002

Shillong, June 3, 2004: On receiving information that the following vehicles have been dumping garbage on roadsides including National Highways, the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District has summoned the owners of Vehicle No ML-05-2970(Jeep); ML-05-B-0927(Jeep); ML-07-1644 (Truck) and ML-05-C-2244 (Mini truck).

The owners are directed to report to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong at the earliest or the vehicles will be de-registered.

Shillong, June 3, 2004: The Meghalaya Minister for PHE, Mr. M. Mukhim today inaugurated two water supply schemes at Mawwan-Pomkaniew and Myrkhan villages in the presence of Meghalaya Housing Minister, Mr. P. M Syiem who is also the local MLA of the area. The schemes were constructed at a total cost of Rs. 20,21,800/- and Rs. 12,00,000/- respectively under the Minimum Needs Programme (MNP).

In his inaugural address, Mr Mukhim expressed his pleasure to be associated with the people of the area and said that the day will be a memorable one for them since their basic requirement has been met. Although there was a delay in the implementation of the scheme due to various formalities, but still their long awaited dreams have been fulfilled, he added. He urged the people to make a proper use of the schemes provided by the Government and to prevent it from any intentional or unintentional damage to such schemes.

Mr. P. M Syiem speaking on the occasion said that at the present time when people are always busy and look for betterment in life, such water supply schemes are assets to the people, therefore he urged them to preserve such assets. Referring to Myrkhan, a new village, he said that many developmental schemes have been brought in the area but still more is need to be done depending on the need of time.

Others speaking on the occasion were Mr. K War, SE (PHE) and Headman of Myrkhan.