Press Release | Shillong | August 27, 2024
With an aim to bring the State closer to attaining the vision of achieving its SDG goals by 2030, through a heightened focus on reducing maternal and child deaths, improving nutrition outcomes, addressing learning outcomes and overall socio-economic development, a two day Human Development Leadership Programme (HDLP) workshop took place from August 23-24 in Shillong. It may be recalled that the state has constituted a first-of-its kind Human Development Council headed by the Chief Minister in February this year and as part of this, the 2-day workshop was conducted.
Day 1 of the workshop witnessed participation of Deputy Commissioners from 12 districts, including key state officials: Chief Secretary-D.P Wahlang, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary-Shakil P Ahammad, IAS, Development Commissioner & Principal Secretary-Sampath Kumar, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary- Planning & Finance Vijay Kumar, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Education- Vijay Mantri, IAS, and Additional Development Commissioner, Joram Beda IAS, among other key officials. The workshop also witnessed the presence of Health Minister Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh.
Day 1 focused on the need to improve nutritional indicators, especially stunting rates among children. To achieve this, the District Nutrition Challenge was assigned to each district, along with targets to achieve, based on the insights given by them on their developmental indicators. The core focus here was the improvement of nutritional indicators, which will be done through a decentralized leadership approach, initiated through joint field visits to vulnerable households as part of HDLP. These visits are aimed at 1) Identifying & addressing systemic challenges causing low development indicators such as anemia, malnutrition, stunting, high risk pregnancies, teenage pregnancies, housing facilities, SHG coverage, education & learning engagement among children and adolescents as well as poverty 2) Facilitating a convergent cross-departmental approach with enhanced public service motivation to address the identified issues and 3) Mobilizing communities to ensure ownership and intervention to tackle the human development challenges.
Following discussions with the DCs, directions were given to them to decentralize the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) under the ICDS to ensure that local & nutritious food is made available to the children as well as lactating mothers. The need for decentralization of the SNP was discussed at length and a collective decision was taken for the need to decentralize the ICDS-SNP programme, with directions being given to the departments and districts to initiate steps for the same.
In his opening address, the Development Commissioner Mr. Sampath Kumar, IAS, said that since the launch of mission mode “Rescue Mission and CM-SMS programs, the maternal deaths reduced by around 50% and infant deaths by 34% from in the last 4 years” He highlighted that the joint field visits to each vulnerable household under the HDLP will help addressing problems of all members of a household, while aiming to strengthen the citizen-state relationship.
Health Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted the wealth of data and insights being gathered through the house-to-house visits as part of HDLP joint visits, which is essential for driving strategic decisions and interventions aimed at improving health outcomes across Meghalaya. She advocated for involving MLAs in in-depth research and involving them more effectively in health and development initiatives.
Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, IAS, highlighted key health issues, including Meghalaya’s high Total Fertility Rate (TFR). “With about 80,000 new individuals added annually due to TFR, it is important to focus on skill development and a field-oriented approach to meet Meghalaya's long-term development goals”, he stated. He provided a comprehensive overview of the current development priorities for Meghalaya.
The second day of the workshop focused on the need for and steps to improve nutritional outcomes as part of the District Nutrition Challenge launched on Day 1. The Development Commissioner, while facilitating the workshop, stated, “We need to address stunting to improve learning outcomes among children, and hence, we will set a collective target to increase the average height of children through the District Nutritional Challenge– This will be done through a three-pronged strategy - 1. Promoting effective exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months, 2. Decentralizing the Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP) under ICDS to ensure that nutritious food is provided through local community participation, and 3. Increasing the consumption of Iron Folic Acid (IFA) supplements among all mothers during the antenatal period and adolescent girls to address anemia ”. The importance of the first 1000-day period was emphasized, spanning from conception to a child's second birthday- a critical window for ensuring proper nutrition and development.
Explaining the high stunting rates among children in Meghalaya (46.5% as per NFHS-5), the Development Commissioner urged the districts to achieve the "Half a Feet Challenge" by aiming to improve the average height of a child by the age of two years. Currently, the average height of a two-year-old child in Meghalaya is approximately 2.5 ft, compared to an optimal height of 3 ft to be gained by a child of 2 years of age (in the first 1000 days).
A key component of the workshop was a case study exercise facilitated by MD-NHM-Ram Kumar, IAS that simulated scenarios faced by pregnant women in rural Meghalaya. Participants were asked to develop follow-up questions and support strategies for a household dealing with anemia, malnutrition, and school dropout. This session emphasized the importance of asking the right questions during field visits and providing tailored solutions to each household’s unique challenges.
Day 2 witnessed about 140 participants comprising Secretaries and Directors of aforementioned departments and Deputy Commissioners of all 12 districts, Additional Deputy Commissioner/Project Director (DRDA), DM&HO, DPO (ICDS), DSEO, DPM (NHM), DMM (MSRLS), Medical Superintendents, DM&CHOs, MSRLS, DHS, Officials from Social Welfare department, functionaries from ICDS, MSRLS, NHM, MHSSP, UNICEF, Research Fellows from School of Public Policy- UCL, team members from the Public Affairs Center, among others.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, March 26: Sitting Congress MP from Shillong Vincent H Pala has alleged that the National People’s Party candidate Ampareen Lyngdoh may be under pressure from the BJP and CBI.
Speaking to media persons after filing his nomination today, Pala said ethically it is not good for him to comment on other candidates just because they are making so many comments against him. He was Referring to Ampareen’s recent statement that she is very familiar with the Congress turf and is ready to unseat Pala in the coming Lok Sabha elections, next month.
Pala however said that Ampareen had helped campaign for him in the last 3 elections.
“Extensively, she (Ampareen) had campaigned all over (Khasi-Jaintia Hills, she praised me a lot during the elections. Now, when she left that side, I think the CBI forced her to say something or the BJP forced her to say something, I will not say anything but she was very helpful to me, she was very good to me,” he said.
“I don’t want when somebody is under CBI, when somebody has so many things, they may have to speak what they don’t mean also. You know sometimes you mean what you don’t talk and sometimes you talk what you don’t mean. I don’t want to reply or say anything on this issue,” he added.
On the allegation that he has a soft corner for the NPP, Pala said, “I have a soft corner for all parties. I think it is not hard or soft corner to win elections, it is how people will trust you. I take politics as politics and friendship as friendship and individual personal relation is something different. I think it is not that I have a soft corner for any party but I think as a small state and small community, we should work together for the benefit of the people and not for my personal benefit, so the question of soft and hard doesn’t arise.”
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Jan 5: Spokesperson of the MDA government and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh today appealed to the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) not to pull out of the ongoing peace talks.
Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said the government has only seen the HNLC’s statement conveying its decision to withdraw from the tripartite peace talks in media reports but officially nothing has been communicated to the government as yet.
“So first, I would appeal to the HNLC not to pull out of the peace talks because a lot of grounds have been covered initially and we would hope that good sense will prevail and we should be able to return to the negotiating table,” he said.
Asked, Lyngdoh said he will not be in a position to say much on the issue since both the chief minister Conrad K Sangma and deputy chief minister in-charge home (police) Prestone Tynsong are presently out of the station.
“But certainly, the government will take a call on the matter and it should be happening very soon once the CM is back,” he added.
He further assured that the matter will be taken priority once the CM and deputy CM in charge home are in town.
On the HNLC’s demand for a general amnesty, Lyngdoh said, “Well, it certainly can be considered depending on the gravity of each of the cases registered but certainly yes, it should be and it will be considered.”
Referring to the NIA cases against the outfit, the spokesperson said, “See those are matters of details but in general the approach should be when you have peace talks it should not be to the detriment of any section and to the interest of only one section so it has to be reciprocal.”
“Based on the principle of reciprocity then only we can take a stand on matters of details but the general approach would be that has to be give and take,” he asserted.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Nov 27: BJP state president Rikman G Momin today said former chief minister Mukul Sangma is welcome to join the party any time.
Momin said he is not aware of Sangma’s meeting with the leadership of the party. He also added that he doesn’t mind approaching the former chief minister.
“Anyone can join the BJP, the door is open. It would be a great pleasure if he (Mukul) would come and join the party,” he said.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Oct 13: Over one lakh tourists are expected to participate in the upcoming three-day Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival to be held at RBDSA Sports Complex from November 17 to 19.
Informing this here today, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said, "We are expecting huge benefits for the tourism industry in the state through this festival."
"There will be a footfall of 30,000 visitors per day which means that by the end of the event, we would have one lakh visitors. Ninety per cent of these visitors are expected to be tourists from outside both domestic as well as international travellers," he said.
Lyngdoh also informed that the government of Meghalaya is investing a sum of Rs 1.99 crore out of the total investment of Rs 9 crore for the most vibrant and most known tourism festival of Meghalaya.
Stating that the festival will to a great extent benefit the local artists and performers of the state, Lyngdoh said, "Our local band and solo performers will be sharing and rubbing shoulders with the best in the world."
The headliner line-up for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 includes internationally acclaimed sensations such as Ne-Yo, Ronan Keating, Sanam, Jonas Blue, SURL, Pink Panda, Kenny Musik and an array of local talents, including Meba Ofilia, Lou Majaw, Blue Temptation, and many more credible artists from Shillong and Northeast India.
Ne-Yo, the Grammy Award-winning R&B artist known for his chart-topping hits, and Ronan Keating, the iconic voice behind timeless classics, will ensure that the musical experience is nothing short of a magical experience. Sanam, the YouTube sensation and heartthrob, will steal hearts with his melodious tunes, while Jonas Blue and Pink Panda will keep the energy scaring with their electrifying performances. The local artists will add their distinctive flavours, creating a harmonious blend of musical talent that is unique to the essence of Shillong.
But the festival doesn't stop at music! It has a wide range of activities to cater to all interests. From cosplay competitions that celebrate the spirit of fantasy and imagination to the Miss and Mr. Cherry Blossom Pageant where the essence of beauty and grace will be recognized. The choir contest will fill the air with harmonious melodies, and the graffiti contest and art installation contest will transform the festival grounds into an open-air art gallery. If you've got a passion for singing, don't miss the karaoke contest.
For the thrill-seekers, there's the Ferris wheel to get a breathtaking view of the festival grounds and the city. And if you crave an adrenaline rush, try the zipline, which will send you soaring through the festival atmosphere creating an unforgettable experience like never before.
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of culture, art, and music that is unparalleled in the Northeast of India. With its new multi-stage layout at the RBDSA Sports Complex, this year's festival promises to be bigger, better, and more unforgettable than ever before.
Shillong | March 2, 2023
The assembly elections in Meghalaya for 59 seats took place on February 28, 2023, while polling in one constituency was adjourned due to the death of a candidate. The counting of votes has commenced on March 2 from 8 am onwards. The Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya, F R Kharkongor had earlier stated that over 85% of the state's 21.6 lakh voters exercised their franchise during this year's elections.
The Congress and BJP contested in 59 seats, while the NPP put up nominees in 56 constituencies, the TMC in 57, and the United Democratic Party (UDP) in 46.The high turnout during the elections reflects the people's interest and enthusiasm in the democratic process. The CEO's office had previously reported that over 75% of the voting took place till 5 PM, with voting continuing for several more hours after it was supposed to conclude at 4 pm. Counting for the 59 constituencies will be held at 13 centers across the state.
04:13 pm:
The overall vote count as follows
NPP leads with 25 seats followed by UDP with 11 seats, INC and AITC with 5 seats, VPP with 4, BJP 3 and HSPDP, PDF and Independent with 2 each.
02:49 pm:
Lahkmen Rymbui retains Amlarem by a margin of 57 votes.
02.32 pm:
People accord warm welcome to NPP Chief Conrad K Sangma after NPP's victorious innings in 25 seats.
02.28 pm:
BJP's Sanbor Shullai reacts after winning South Shillong for the 4th term.
NPP Chief Conrad K Sangma's 1st reaction after poll results.
2.00 pm:
Mukul Sangma loses Tikrikilla
01.39 pm:
Results for 59/59 seats known for Meghalaya. NPP leads in 26 seats followed by UDP and VPP among others.
01.13 pm:
NPP's Conrad K Sangma continues to lead in South Tura Constituency with 49% votes as per latest ECI updates.
12.59 pm:
BJP's AL Hek and Sanbor Shullai retain Pynthorumkhrah and South Shillong Constituencies.
NPP's Snaiwbhalang Dhar wins Nartiang constituency.
NPP continues to maintain overall lead in Meghalaya.
12.50 pm:
NPP's Marthon J Sangma wins Mendipathar constituency.
NPP's James Sangma loses to Rupa M Marak of AITC by a very close margin.
12.13 pm:
NPP's Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh emerge victorious
11.55 am:
Conrad Sangma's NPP seen to be emerging as single largest party in Meghalaya as per Election Result Trends.
11:27 am:
BJP candidate AL Hek leading in Pynthorumkhrah Constituency followed by INC candidate PN Syiem, VPP, NPP and other.
11.15 am:
VPP candidate from Mawlai, Brightstarwell Marbaniang exudes confidence after Round 2 election verdict.
11.04 am:
JUST IN-- NPP leads in 20 seats, followed by UDP in 7, INC in 6, BJP in 6, AITC in 5 and VPP in 4.
10.50 am:
Voice of the People Party (VPP) supporters rejoice as the party leads in various constituencies for Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Elections. VPP is currently seen to be leading in Mawlai, Nongkrem, Mylliem and Mawphlang.
10.33 am:
NPP's Conrad Sangma, the current Chief Minister of Meghalaya and BJP's Bernard N Marak neck to neck with 2672 and 2628 respectively.
10.28 am:
Round 1 poll results: (major constituencies)
South Tura: NPP's Conrad Sangma and BJP's Bernard N Marak neck to neck with 2672 and 2628 respectively
Amlarem: Lahkmen Rymbui (UDP)
Dadenggre: Rupa M Marak (AITC) surpasses James Sangma (NPP)
Jowai: Wailadmiki Shylla (NPP)
Khliehriat: Kyrmen Shylla (UDP)
Mawhati: Shemphang Lyngdoh (NPP)
Mawlai: Brightstarwell Marbaniang (VPP)
Nongthymmai: Charles Pyngrope (AITC)
Ranikor: Pius Marwein (UDP)
Resubelpara: Timothy D Shira (NPP)
more updates incoming...
10.10 am:
Latest trends as per ECI website
09.30 am:
Just In-- Latest trends:
VPP leading in Mawphlang
INC leading in Mairang,
HSPDP leading in Mawthadraishan
AITC leading in Kharkutta, Rongara Siju
NPP leading in Resubelpara and Bajengdoba
GNC leading in Chokpot
more updates incoming...
09.00 am-- Just in: scenes from the counting locations in Meghalaya outside the strong rooms.
08.20 am-- Counting of votes began at 13 centres across Meghalaya today. The district magistrate of Eastern West Khasi Hills district has imposed Section 144 on Thursday. At 8 AM, under heavy security, the counting of votes for 59 of the 60 members of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly began across various districts.
As per reports, Conrad Sangma, the current chief minister of Meghalaya and the leader of the NPP, visited Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, on Tuesday night in Guwahati ahead of the couting day. NPP sources informed that bot the Chief Ministers participated in a key meeting that lasted 30 minutes in a hotel in Guwahati.
08:10 am-- All eyes on counting of votes. 24 CAPF companies have been retained for ensuring 24*7 safe counting of votes at the strongrooms, containing polled EVMs of 3419 polling stations across the State of Meghalaya, as informed by Meghalaya CEO F.R Kharkongor. The CAPF personnel will be stationed till March 4, 2023, for keeping a check on post poll occurrences. Post counting, 5 polling stations will be selected at random and manual counting of 5 randomly selected EVMs will take place as per ECI rules. On the other hand, massive traffic arrangements have also been made for the day across various districts of Meghalaya.