Staff Reporter
Shillong, Dec 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured all possible support to the Meghalaya government for achieving its targets and goals which include setting up of an administrative city at the New Shillong Township in the next five years.
Informing this after his meeting with Modi in New Delhi today, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said he has apprised the PM about the detailed development works and status of different programmes.
“A brief report was submitted and I gave a small presentation to him and he was very happy to see the different kinds of works that are happening in the state and he was especially pleased to see that the overall developmental budget for the state in the last few years has gone up by more than double in the last five years, almost touching triple of what it used to be 5-6 years back,” he said.
Also sharing the vision of the state and the different targets being set to achieve them in the coming five years, Sangma said, “(I have) sought his (PM) intervention and support in helping us, guiding us and supporting us to be able to achieve those targets and goals that we have in the next five years.”
“I also shared with him the vision of having the New Shillong Township where we are planning to put up a new administrative city and new secretariat and shared with him the plan and rough designs and also asked for his support to make sure that project does move forward. He was very happy to see these developments and he has assured of all possible support from his side,” he added.
Further, the Chief Minister also met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and requested her to increase the ceiling and give additional externally aided projects (EAPs) to Meghalaya based on its good performance.
“Again, I briefed her about the different projects that are going on through the capital investment fund that the Government of India is supporting different states with through the EAPs that we are doing and also different kinds of development works that are going on,” he said while adding “I requested the finance minister to support us further in the EAPs as the Government of India has put a cap on different states on the limit to which states can take EAPs and hence we have requested her to increase the ceiling and give additional projects to states who are performing states like Meghalaya which have already taken a large number of projects but since our performance have been good we requested that we be supported.”
“The finance minister has given a positive response and assured us of help and support and that she will give it a positive consideration. So we look forward to their support and from the finance ministry and the prime minister so that we can achieve the different targets and the goals that we have set for the state of Meghalaya,” he added further.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Dec 14: From morning walkers to school children, office goers to casual shoppers, any commuter in Shillong has long faced the problem of bad roads.
All over Shillong and especially in areas like Nongthymmai, Garikhana, Demseiniong the current situation is causing harassment to the public daily that even prompted the traffic police department to fill the potholes which is naturally not their job and with the festive season right round the corner, the plight of the people is only set to worsen.
Taking note of this, BJP Meghalaya state vice president, Wankitbok Pohshna asks the state government to take immediate action, so that the common citizen can focus on revelries rather than negotiating potholes in their localities.
Pohshna stated, “We understand that in a state which experiences one of the highest rainfalls in the world, maintaining roads is indeed a huge task.
However, with holistic planning for quick remedial action, this public botheration can be minimized and even brought to a permanent end. At BJP, we believe that a contingency fund should be set aside for immediate round the year repair of roads that have been damaged by time or by actions of nature. It is surprising that even with the availability of resources the concerned department is yet to come up with a proper maintenance plan wherein such minor repairs could be taken up immediately and long meandering administrative procedures be permanently discarded for such jobs. If small repairs are not carried out instantaneously the problem is allowed to fester, the consequent cost of repair work becomes a burden on the government’s coffer- as the proverb goes: a stitch in time saves nine.”
“As an ally of the MDA, BJP Meghalaya stands ready to work with all partners to ensure a better and improved Meghalaya. With collective endeavor, we can ensure that there are no potholes on the road to allow the public to celebrate a bright Christmas Season,” the state vice president added.
Shillong | December 15, 2023
The much-anticipated annual winter extravaganza, Winter Tales, inaugurated its fourth edition today at the picturesque Ward’s Lake. Over three days, starting this Thursday, the festival is set to immerse attendees in a vibrant mix of music, intellectual discussions, indigenous cuisines, wines, and a showcase of exquisite handicrafts. The honor of inaugurating this event falls to Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh.
Under the resonating theme of 'vocal for local,' this year's festival aims to spotlight local chefs and musicians, promising an authentic and immersive experience for all visitors. Beyond entertainment, Winter Tales is geared to offer insightful workshops, live demonstrations, and engaging panel discussions, inviting guests to explore the intricate nuances of Meghalaya's culture and heritage.
Emphasizing its commitment to environmental consciousness, the festival is pledged to be a celebration of nature's purity by extensively using bamboo and jute while minimizing the use of non-biodegradable materials. Participants and stall owners are mandated to uphold a responsibility to upcycle plastic waste, fostering a sustainable environment within the festival grounds.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Dec 2: The oldest regional party of the state – the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) on Friday decided to revive the party in the Jaintia Hills region.
Wanshwa Nongtdu was appointed as president of the party’s Jaintia Hills Unit and One Way Talang as general secretary during a meeting held at Orchid, Thadlaskein in West Jaintia Hills District.
Dayschbornemi Talang was appointed as secretary in charge of West Jaintia Hills and Wonly Bareh as secretary in charge of East Jaintia Hills while Sucil Dkhar as treasurer of the party.
Addressing the meeting, HSPDP chief KP Pangniang said that the party was formed in 1968 when Meghalaya was yet to attain its statehood and it continues to be committed to protecting the identity and interest of the indigenous people of the state.
“The party has never changed its stand in these past 55 years,” he said.
Pangniang also reminded that many leaders from Jaintia Hills have also won elections on an HSPDP ticket and said former Rajya Sabha member and minister (L) Onward L Nongtdu is one amongst the five MLAs who won from HSPDP. The party is not new to the people of Jaintia Hills.
HSPDP leader and cabinet minister Shakliar Warjri expressed happiness that the party could be revived in Jaintia Hills. He also urged the party workers to work hard to strengthen the party in the region.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Dec 2: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Friday launched the first-ever e-gaming festival of the Odyssey at the state central library, Shillong. This gaming festival is presented by Mutation eSports in collaboration with the Meghalaya government.
International and National eSports players will battle it out on Call of Duty: Mobile along with other gaming arenas, stalls and many other activities will be in place. A total of 8 teams with five members in each team are participating in the event which will witness a fight between Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore besides India
Talking to the media, Lyngdoh said, “The main objective is to encourage the State Gamers and introduce them to this platform which is International not localised. We have countries like Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore participating in the tournament. Hopefully with today's launch Shillong-based gamers will also find a space for themselves Internationally.”
During the event, Lyngdoh handed over a cheque of ₹40 lakhs to the organisers for the event and also unveiled the trophy.
Lyngdoh said, “We are giving them a platform so that at least let them first get introduced to competitors from the rest of the country and rest of the world.”
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Dec 2: The Meghalaya Farmers’ Parliament is set to convene its third session on December 4th and 5th, 2023, coinciding with the celebration of Meghalaya Farmers' Day at the prestigious State Convention Centre in Shillong.
Organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in collaboration with Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBDA) and Hills Farmers’ Union (HFU), this annual event has evolved into a pivotal celebration, acknowledging the relentless efforts and invaluable contributions of local farmers to the agricultural landscape.
Distinguished guests at the upcoming 3rd Meghalaya Farmers’ Parliament include Chief
Minister Conrad K Sangma, who will grace the event as Chief Guest, alongside A. L. Hek, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, and Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya.
"As we gather for the Meghalaya Farmers’ Parliament and Farmers' Day, it's a tribute to the unyielding spirit of our farmers. Their dedication transforms fields into stories of resilience and innovation. In this symposium, we envision a future where sustainable practices and eco-friendly approaches pave the way for agricultural excellence. Let us cultivate not just crops but a legacy of ingenuity and prosperity. Together, we celebrate the farmers who embody the essence of Meghalaya's agricultural landscape with unwavering commitment and a vision for a bountiful tomorrow," said Dr Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya.
The inaugural Farmers’ Parliament was held on December 4, 2018, in Shillong, marking a collaboration between the Agriculture Department, Government of Meghalaya, Meghalaya Basin Development Agency (MBDA), Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship (MIE), and the Hills Farmers’ Union (HFU).
Following the success of its maiden edition, the second Farmers’ Parliament took place on December 10, 2019, in Tura, designating the year 2020 as the “Year of the Farmers”, with December 4th earmarked for the annual celebration of Meghalaya Farmers’ Day.
The Meghalaya Farmers’ Parliament and Farmers’ Day event serves as a critical platform for unity, appreciating those who tirelessly toil to ensure food security and prosperity for the region. The program underscores the significance of community-driven initiatives and grassroots engagement. Renowned agricultural experts and policymakers will participate in the dialogue, offering valuable insights to address the evolving needs of the farming community.
The event will feature presentations, demonstrations, and networking sessions, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to enhance their agricultural endeavours.
The Meghalaya Farmers’ Parliament remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture while preserving traditional farming methods and embracing innovative approaches to address the ever-changing landscape of the agricultural sector.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Dec 2: The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) today responded to a fire incident at a flour factory in Garikhana, Shillong, which occurred past midnight.
The SDRF was activated by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) at around 0200 hours in the morning, to respond to the fire incident in a joint effort with the Fire & Emergency Services which was already at the incident site.
Two State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams led by PH Khongsngi, Commandant, SDRF and B Sahkhar, Sahkhar, 2nd in Command, SDRF responded to the incident.
The SDRF concluded the 10-hour-long operation at around 1240 Hrs noon when the fire was completely extinguished through the collective efforts of all the agencies involved.
No casualty was reported in this incident.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Dec 2: Former legislator of Umroi George B Lyngdoh today quit as the state vice president and president of Umroi of the All India Trinamool Congress (or TMC) citing 'personal circumstances'.
In his resignation letter submitted to the TMC state president Charles Pyngrope, Lyngdoh said, "I would like to inform your kind honour that I hereby tender my resignation as vice president, TMC Meghalaya as well as President of Umroi, TMC Block Committee, with immediate effect. This decision is driven by personal circumstances."
"The previous years of association under your esteemed leadership and guidance have been a treasured experience of inestimable worth and value. You and other esteemed leaders have been a patron towards me, and the ones who have always cast a light on how best to turn problems into possibilities, and obstacles into opportunities," he wrote.
Lyngdoh also thanked all party leaders and members who, according to him, have been a source of guidance and support in the various endeavours undertaken to serve the state's people.
"I hope that in the days ahead, we can continue to exchange perspectives, especially those that can benefit our citizens," he said.
When contacted, Lyngdoh said that he had only resigned from the two posts and not from the primary membership of the party.
"I also want to be clear that I have no intention to join other political parties," he said.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Dec 1: The Governor of Meghalaya, Phagu Chauhan ceremoniously flagged off the IEC (Information, Education and Communication) Van for the Urban areas under Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra from Raj Bhavan Shillong today. This initiative, originating from Khunti, Jharkhand, on November 15, 2023, dedicated to tribal areas, has now expanded its footprint to cover the entire nation covering both rural and urban areas.
In Meghalaya, the Van will cover urban localities across Meghalaya. This Yatra represents the largest-ever outreach initiative by the Government of India. Rooted in the vision of inclusive development, it has consistently aimed to ensure that the benefits of government schemes saturate every corner of the nation, achieving 100 per cent coverage. Each day, the vans will make two halts in prominent places, facilitating health camps, Aadhar enrollment, and other essential services.
Real-time data on ground-level activities, facilitated by Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) vans, is systematically captured on a portal developed by the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
The overarching goal of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is to raise awareness and facilitate the delivery of welfare scheme benefits, spanning sanitation, financial services, electricity, housing, and more. Highlighted schemes include Ayushman Bharat, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, PM Svanidhi and PM Awas Yojana, among others.
The Yatra signifies a significant stride towards realizing this objective through extensive outreach, information dissemination, and empowering citizens to actively contribute to the country’s development.
The programme in Raj Bhavan was attended by senior officials of the state government and officials from Health Department, Civil Supplies, MUDA Authority, District Lead Bank Manager and Shillong Municipal Board and Social Welfare. Later in the day an outreach programme was held near Polo in Shillong where different departments particpated. Certifcates were also distributed on the spot to beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Dec 1: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded that NEHU Vice Chancellor PS Shukla initiates action against the executive engineer Jose Cherian, who was indicted by the CBI for gross violation of tendering procedures.
In a statement, HYC education secretary Enlang Sawian said, “(We) demand that the original note sheet be sent for immediate Forensic examination and order thorough probe against Jose Cherian, as the issue pointed out is just a tip of ice berg. During the pendency of such a probe, he should not be allowed to hold any position in the office, as he likely to temper more files and intimidate his junior officers. Further Vice Chancellor should initiate action against this officer as per the resolutions already taken by University’s Executive Council.”
He said even after CBI indicted Jose Cherian Executive Engineer on account of gross violation of procedures related to tendering, the Executive Engineer has been allowed to continue in his post by Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla, the beleaguered Vice Chancellor of NEHU.
“In complete disregard to CBI finding that Jose Cherian has caused substantial financial loss to the University, the Vice Chancellor seemingly remains unmoved to follow the decision of the University in initiating action decided by the Executive Council of the University,” he said.
Sawian said the Executive Council after going through CBI inquiry report which directed the University to impose a major penalty to Jose Cherian and also, the separate University level inquiry committee’s report finding him guilty of causing financial loss to the tune of Rs 10.00 Lakhs was accepted by the Executive Council headed by Prof PS Shukla himself, but till date, the decision of the Council to serve him chargesheet and then keep him out of office till charges are finally adjudicated hasn’t not been implemented by the Vice-Chancellor.
“Taking full opportunity of the failure of Vice Chancellor Jose Cherian continued in the office and his very presence has resulted into a much graver tempering of official documents related to construction works,” he said adding “In the event of multiple L1 bidders the choice of the awardee in many instances had not been so far based on any objective, scientific and statutorily valid criterion. The Executive Engineer acted in a prejudicial manner to grant of the award of work to some preferred tenderees by violating extant government norms. It is instructive to note that in a particular case the then Registrar J.N. Nayak wanted to know from the Executive Engineer whether award of work is based on grading/award of marks of their performance or it is based on some other criterion.”
The HYC leader further said that the Executive Engineer in response to this query of the Registrar indicated that performance grading was done in the case of a work namely, “ Replacement of damaged CGI sheet and roof painting in Quarter no P/32,33 and 35 to 58.”
“It can be seen from the note by Jose Cherian that he claimed to have followed CPWD manual, records also show that objective marks were awarded on the past performance of tenderees to select first among the equals, as all the tenderers had quoted same least amount for the work. The practice of award of marks and grades becomes mandatory in such cases; but Jose Cherian refused to follow the same after showing the pretence of following it in just one case,” he said while adding “After this particular work was awarded as per marking/grading, due to some mysterious reasons best known to Jose Cherian, he had actually stopped this practice and resorted to arbitrary award of works. In effect he exercised undefined arbitrary power in selecting to whom to award a work and thereby denied opportunity to other deserving tenderees, when all the applicants have quoted same lowest value.”
He alleged that among multiple L1 tenderees quoting the same value, which itself is otherwise suspect showing an invisible cartel formation quoting the same lowest value.
Further choosing someone for a certain work without any objective garding is a serious statutory violation of all central government statutes and rules of the University.
It is very interesting to note that the file wherein Cherian mentioned his following of the CPWD manual now stands tampered by Cherian as he has applied white ink on his earlier note giving an impression as if no regulation existed to select First among the lowest equal bidders.
It is pertinent to mention that usage of white ink is strictly prohibited on notes of file, as per government orders and rules in force.
“Had the Vice Chancellor acted in time and removed this officer from the chair as he was indicted by CBI as well as internal inquiry of the University, concerned vested interests who now want to hide their gross misdeed by white ink tampering wouldn’t get such an opportunity to commit such a forgery in the official file. The forgery gets cleared when one compares the original note sheet with the tempered note sheet,” he added.
