India’s cultural heritage on display at Raj Bhavan Shillong

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Nov 1: Raj Bhavan Meghalaya, witnessed a spectacular display of the rich cultural heritage of India as Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Island, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry celebrated their Foundation Day in a programme held at the Durbar Hall. 

To mark the occasion a cultural evening was organized wherein the Governor of Meghalaya, Phagu Chauhan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. 

The cultural evening witnessed enthusiastic performances showcasing the rich cultural traditions of the States and Union Territories. 

Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. B D R Tiwari, Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor of Meghalaya, spoke at length about the uniqueness of each State and Union Territories and also pointed out the immense contributions made by them in the growth and progress of the nation.

In line with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme of the Government of India, the Foundation Day of the of different states/UTs are celebrated in Raj Bhavans across the country in an effort to enhance interaction & promote mutual understanding between people.

The programme was organized by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Shillong in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya.

State has over 510 dilapidated LP, Secondary schools

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 19: Over 510 lower primary and secondary schools across the State are in a dilapidated condition.

This was informed by Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma in his reply to a starred question tabled in the Assembly today.

Out of this, 495 are government lower primary schools and 15 are government secondary schools, Sangma said.

He said the 43 schools are covered for construction/renovation under phase 1, 20 – phase 2 and 332 – phase 3.

He said that the remaining 115 schools will be proposed for construction/renovation in the future phases.

Marcuise accused of violating model code of conduct

Staff Reporter

Shillong, April 5: Social activist Tennydard M Marak has filed an FIR against Cabinet Minister and Williamnagar legislator Marcuise N Marak for alleged corrupt practices and violation of the model code of conduct in the recently held 2023 Assembly elections.

The FIR was filed with the Williamnagar police station in East Garo Hills District.

Tennydard had also filed a complaint petition before the Chief Election Commissioner of India on March 23, with copies to the Prime Minister of India, Home Minister as well as Chairman of the North East Democratic Alliance requesting their intervention into the matter and take necessary steps to declare the election of Marcuise N Marak to be void for adopting corrupt practices and holding a fresh election in Williamnagar constituency.

In the FIR, the activist alleged that Marcuise N Marak had circulated the Report Card of 2018-2022 on his activities during the last five years during the election campaigns.

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“What is shocking to note that Marcuise N Marak had circulated the report card (which was) printed and published by Jesubell Ch Marak (block secretary, NPP) on February 3, whereas the model code of conduct imposed by the Election Commission is in operation in the state with effect from January 18, thereby amounts to a clear violation of the model code of conduct and therefore, his election deserves to be declared as illegal and fresh election be held,” he said.

Stating that Marcuise has not only deceived the voters of Williamnagar but also a case of breach of trust, Tennydard said the report card is just a blatant violation of the model code of conduct by the MLA.

He further alleged that the report card contained a false and fabricated report of achievement during 2018-2022 but contains no agenda of what he will do if he is elected and thereby misguided the voters by showing his fabricated performance report which has no foot to stand.

“The report card also exposed the true picture of his zero performance report so to say as the works are either incomplete or not done anything at all but claimed to have done it. The pictures given in my petition to the Chief Election Commissioner of India will reveal the truth of my claim,” he said while adding that “The report card claims to have done beautification of the Williamnagar Girls Secondary School is nothing but a blatantly false and fabricated claim of Marcuise N Marak. If you visit the school today you will find the actual truth of his false claim as the school has a boundary wall with rotten rested C.I. Sheets and most importantly the Girls have no gate which is a must for any school.”

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He said that the report card also claims under Sl. No. 7 (a) PMGSY: The road from Nengmandalgre to Mandalgre (35 KM) costing Rs 80 crores is a Road under “Prime Ministers Gram Sadak Yajna” which he has nothing to do but he did not even hesitate to take credit of the work of PMGSY unduly adding “It is a matter of great shame”.

Tennydard said he has waited for more than 10 days but unfortunately no action has been initiated till date for such an important issue.

“Under compelling circumstances, I am filing this FIR with enough prima facie evidence so that the police can verify the truth and initiate appropriate steps after due investigation and book him under the proper section of the law and leave an example of rule of law that “nobody is above the law” before the society at large – which is the need of the present hour,” he said while requesting the police to register a case under the proper section of the law and initiate strictest action against the guilty without wasting any further loss of time.