June 4, 2004

Shillong, June 4, 2004: The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has informed the National Old Age Pension Scheme of Rs. 100/- per month with effect from August 1, 2003 to May 31, 2004 for the existing beneficiaries of both the State and Central share for Urban and Rural areas will be disbursed immediately.

Those beneficiaries residing within urban areas are requested to contact Nazir, Deputy Commissioner’s Office , Room No, 211 from June 30, 2004 onwards during office hours.

Those beneficiaries residing within rural areas, disbursement of the same will be made from the office of the Block Development Officers from June 30, 2004 onwards during Office Hours.

Shillong, June 4, 2004: The Meghalaya Minister of Civil Defense, etc, Mr. B. B Nongsiej inaugurated the Phodumsaw Micro Water Shed at Domruah village on June 2, 2004.

While speaking at the inaugural function, the Minister said that the Micro Water Shed Project would be used for different agricultural purposes and this in turn would prove to be of great benefit to the people of the area.

Besides, Mrs. M War, i/c SDO ( C) Mawkyrwat, D.A.O (Agri) Nongstoin and S.D.O. (Agri) Mawkyrwat also spoke on the occasion. While the General Secretary of the Water Shed Implementation Committee delivered the welcome address, the vote of thanks was delivered Mrs. Seroline Chyne, H.E.O Mawkyrwat C&RD Block.

Shillong, June 4, 2004: The Year of Scientific Awareness 2004 Programme in East Khasi Hills District is being launched with the forming of the District Organising Committee on June 3, 2004 and the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong as the Chairman and member from Soil Conservation, Education, Health Department, Public Health Engineering, Forest, Agriculture, Horticulture and Arts and Culture.

One day Distract Orientation Workshop will be held on June 23, 2004.

Shillong, June 4, 2004: The Silver Jubilee of the Meghalaya Stenographers’ Service Association (MSSA) was celebrated today at Talent’s Club where the Meghalaya Minister for PWD (B), Mr Boldness L. Nongum was the Chief Guest. Founded in 1978, the MSSA was formed for the betterment and upliftment of the government stenographers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Nongum expressed his pleasure to be associated with the Association and congratulated the Association for their tireless support to the Government. Saying that stenographers act as intermediaries between the Government and the general people, he added that they play an important role in the administrative machinery of the Government.

Mr. W. M. S. Pariat, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, speaking on the occasion as the guest of Honour said that MSSA has done a lot for the benefit of its members and the community as a whole. He expressed hope that the pending issue of MSSA, which is the finalization of Stenographers Service Rules will be completed soon after thorough considerations and approval of the Government. He urged the Association to continue with their good work culture that they maintain.

A message sent by the Chief Secretary, Mr. P J. Bazeley was also read by Mr. W S. Lyngdoh , President MSSA.

The celebration concluded with various cultural programmes.

Press Release No.348/04

12^th RI BHOI DISTRICT FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATED

Shillong, June 4, 2004: “Leadership is an important quality to be inculcated in the minds of the students, they should work hard to become an asset to the society and the State as a whole. Students are special category members of the Society” said Dr Lapang while addressing the 12th. Ri Bhoi District Foundation Day celebration at the Paham Syiem Stadium, Nongpoh on June 4,2004.

He lauded the District Administration for their involvement in various development works of the District down to the Grassroots level. He said that their involvement with the masses is the secret of the development of Ri Bhoi District. In the 12 years of the existence of the District, it has grown in all aspects in terms of development, he added.

Dr Lapang said that Ri Bhoi is endowed with a natural resources and that the people should work harder so as to gain maximum benefit from the resources available and to uplift the economy of the district and the State as a whole.

While mentioning about the plans and visions of the District, Dr Lapang informed that in a memorandum submitted to the 12th. Finance Commission in their recent visit to the State, creation of a Civil Subdivision at Patharkhmah was proposed among others. He hope that the proposal would come through and that it would enhance the development of Ri Bhoi District.

Stressing on the need to open door for investments, Dr Lapang said that agitation’s and public unrest is the problem arresting development in the State. He urged upon the people to be broadminded and that they should have a vision for the development of the State and not to simply look into the negative side of things.

Expressing his happiness that many members of the HNLC have come overground, he said that this is a welcome sign for Peace in the State and he is confident that many more will come and he stated that the ANVC cadres are also showing a green signal in this matter.

Concluding his speech, Dr Lapang said that the inclusion of Mr P R Kyndiah, the Lok Sabha MP from the Shillong Parliamentary constituency, in the Union cabinet as the Tribal Affairs and DONER Minister, is a blessing and a great achievement for the State and he hope that it would bring many benefits to the State.

Among others who spoke on the occasion include Mr J D Rymbai, Minister for C&RD, Mr P W Muktieh, Minister of Soil Conservation, Mr S W Rymbai, Minister of State and all the MDCs of Ri Bhoi District.

The meeting was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Mr W L Lyngdoh.

The other highlights of the day were songs and dances presented by school children and the Officer’s Club of the District Administration. It may also be mentioned that Meritorious Students, Handicapped Children, Cleanest localities and Cleanest schools were awarded with prizes to mark the occasion. The programme ended with the Women Final Football match of the Inter LA constituency football tournament played between Nongpoh and Mawhati in which Mawhati emerged as the winner.