Sanjay Jaju takes charge as Secretary, Ministry of I&B

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Feb 5: Sanjay Jaju has today assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

He is a 1992-batch IAS officer from Telangana cadre. Upon his assumption of charge, he was welcomed by outgoing Secretary, Apurva Chandra and other officials of the Ministry and various media units. Apurva Chandra has been assigned the charge of Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Jaju has earlier served as Additional Secretary to Government of India from 2018 to 2023 and Director, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited from October 2014 to March 2018.

He has served as Secretary to Govt of Andhra Pradesh (Electronics, IT and Communications Department) from May 2011 to October 2014.

Ronnie backs use of paperless proceedings in Legislative Assembly

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Feb 5: Leader of Opposition Ronnie V Lyngdoh today said that he is on board with the use of the National eVidhan Application (NeVA) to make the proceedings of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly seamless and paperless.

The Opposition Leader received training today on using the application by officials from the IT Cell of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretariat at the Conference Hall of the Administrative Block of the Meghalaya Assembly in Khyndailad, Police Bazar.

Lyngdoh expressed his appreciation to the Meghalaya Assembly Speaker, Thomas A Sangma, and officials of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretariat for initiating the implementation of the National eVidhan Application. He emphasized that this initiative can play a meaningful role in environment conservation.

He also pointed out the efficiency of the Application as it can be used to submit questions and notices anywhere on the go.

It may be mentioned that the application hosts a secure page for each Member of the House for submitting questions and other notices.

NeVA, deployed on the NIC Cloud MeghRaj, is a workflow system designed to facilitate the smooth conduct of House proceedings by the Chair, and conduct Legislative Business in a paperless manner and assist Hon’ble Members of the Legislative Assembly to carry out their duties in the House.

NeVA is a device-neutral and member-centric application created to equip them to handle diverse House Businesses smartly by putting entire information regarding member contact details, rules of procedure, list of business, notices, bulletins, bills, starred/unstarred questions and answers, papers laid, committee reports etc. in their handheld devices/ tablets and equip all Legislatures/ Departments to handle it efficiently. NeVA will completely eliminate the process of sending out a notice/request for the collection of data.

Umiam wetlands home to 155 water birds

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Feb 5: There are over 155 water birds found in the wetland areas of Umiam Lake, Ri Bhoi District.

This was as per the Asian Waterbird Census, 2024 conducted by the Meghalaya Forest & Environment Department through the office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Khasi Hills Wildlife Division Shillong in Collaboration with The Meghalaya Biodiversity Board on February 2.

The exercise was simultaneously conducted at Umsaw, Umbir, Umniuh, Mawlyndep & Umiam covering the wetland areas of Umiam Lake, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya with the support and guidance from professionals.

H Lato, IFS, DFO Social Forestry Division, M Kharsyntiew, MFS, Assistant Conservator of Forests, from NGOs like Aaranyak (Dr) Dipankar Lahkar and  Pranjal Deka, experts from Meghalaya Biodiversity Board (Dr) E. Khongwir and (Dr) S Dey also participated in the programme.

During the exercise about 155 numbers of water birds comprising of 13 species.

The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC). This citizen-science programme supporting the conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide is done yearly between January and February, wherein, volunteers across Asia and Australasia visit wetlands in their country and count waterbirds. It works in partnership with many existing national waterbird census programmes.

This day is also celebrated throughout the world as “World Wetland Day ” and the census was carried out to also commemorate this day to protect and preserve the pristine wetlands which act as a habitat for this avian life every year during their migration period. Through the exercise, it has been observed that the Umiam Wetland acts as an important habitat for this avian life.

Meghalaya CM underscores importance of the youth

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Feb 5: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma felicitated the Sports Achievers of Meghalaya Games 2024 and Khelo India Youth Games 2024 at a function that was held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. Also present during the occasion were Minister of Health & Family Welfare etc Ampareen Lyngdoh and Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, Shakliar Warjri. 

During the felicitation function, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, congratulating the achievers, said that the achievements and laurels brought to the state must be celebrated. “This week is an important week and throughout the week we will be celebrating our youth in Sports, Entrepreneurship, and Music and every activity we are having this week is connected to the youth,” he said. 

He further informed that the idea of felicitating and recognizing the achievements of the youth is to project them as Icons and Motivators for others. “I want to tell the youth who are here today that you have an important and responsible role and it is not just about winning a medal or getting an award but becoming exemplary and role models,” he said. 

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to the MSOA, the different sports associations and the Sports department for their contribution towards the success of the Meghalaya Games. “There were challenges but every year we are ensuring that the games become better and we overcome the challenges,” he added. 

Congratulating the Football Team that had won the cup in the Khelo India Youth Games the Chief Minister said that the team has made the State proud and added, “They have come out as champions and this only goes to show the kind of talent that we have and what we can achieve if we are focused and determined,” he concluded. 

Earlier, Minister, of Sports & Youth Affairs, Shakliar Warjri reminded the athletes to use the Cash Award wisely to further their skill and talent in the Sports they have excelled. 

“We as a government acknowledge the hard work that you have put in to win the medal but this is not the end, aim to achieve greater heights because you are the future of our state,” he said. 

Later the dignitaries distributed Cash Awards to medal winners in different disciplines.

Indian Army invites youth of Meghalaya to join as Agniveer

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 27: The Indian Army has invited online applications from the youth of the all districts of Meghalaya for selection as Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. The window for online registration will commence from the first week of Feb 2024 onwards. The recruitment will be carried out in two phases.

(a)  Phase –I.     Online Computer Based Written Examination (Online CEE) will be conducted at selected centres in the State.

(b)  Phase-II.     Recruitment Rally will be conducted for selected candidates (shortlisted) who make it to the merit list in online Common Entrance Examination.

The candidates can register online on Join Indian Army website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in where they can check their eligibility criteria and create a personal profile. The candidates on successful filling the application will be directed to SBI portal through a link on the website to make payment of Rs 250/- plus bank charges as applicable. The payment can be made through various payment options like Debit/Credit cards, online banking of UPI. Candidates will be required to have an active email & mobile number which will be used for further communication by Indian Army. Candidates will have to select five choices for the exam centre. Candidates will need to enter Aadhaar number in online application and are therefore are advised to link Aadhaar to their mobile number. To provide candidates practice on online CEE as per their category, a category wise link has been provided on “Join Indian Army” website. Candidates are advised to carry out practice at least once before appearing for actual CEE. Animated videos on “How to Register” & “How to Appear for online CEE” are also available on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. The helpline numbers of Army Recruitment Office Shillong are 0364-2504177, email: rohqshillong@gmail.com. Candidates can also raise any kind of query on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in for necessary clarifications.

LIVE UPDATES: Meghalaya Assembly Election Results 2023

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.

Follow LIVE UPDATES here

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.