Move to stop illegal coal transport: Centre seeks time for deployment of CAPF

The Centre has sought for time to respond to the Meghalaya High Court’s order for deployment of 10 companies of central armed police force (CAPF) to arrest the transportation of illegally mined coal in the state.

Hearing a PIL on the matter here today, the full bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee said, “The Union seeks time. Let the matter appear a fortnight hence.”

Earlier in its order passed on April 12, the Court had stated “and the Union Ministry of Home, through the Union Home Secretary, is directed to ensure the deployment of 10 companies of the appropriate Central Armed Police Force to be commanded independently or jointly by the officers from the local police that may be selected by the Court, strictly for the purpose of keeping a vigil on the roads and arresting the illegal transportation of illegally mined coal in the State.”

The Court had also directed the Union to respond on this through the Secretary.

Meanwhile, the Court has also directed, “In the meantime, considering the inadequate ad hoc payments released till now to Justice Katakey, let a further sum of Rs. 3 lakh be paid immediately, in addition to the secretarial expenses for which the directions have been previously issued.”

The next hearing will be held on May 15, 2023.

JHADC told to work with JMB on garbage management

The Meghalaya High Court has asked the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) to act in conjunction with the municipality to ease the citizens’ woes in regard to the garbage collection in Jowai town.

“In the meantime, the Jaintia District Council should act in conjunction with the Municipality to ease the citizens’ woes,” the division bench said in its order passed after hearing a PIL filed by the Synjuk Ki Waheh Shnong Jowai.

An affidavit has been filed by the Jowai Municipality pursuant to the order dated April 17, 2023.

The petitioner flagged several issues and said that all is not well in the matter of collection of garbage in the town of Jowai.

The petitioner’s affidavit in such regard should be filed within a week from date, the bench said while adding that the matter will appear 10 days hence.

The next hearing on the matter will be held on May 12.

Precursor to G20 SELM begins at Shillong

Under India’s G20 Presidency, the precursor meeting of the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) commenced today in Shillong in Meghalaya.

The focus of the two-day event is to showcase all the capabilities of ISRO and the Department of Space and to collaborate in future science missions.

The inaugural programme of the meeting held at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Union Minister of State (Finance) Pankaj Chaudhury, Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science &Tech Dr Jitendra Singh (virtually), G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Space (DOS) Somanath S, Chairman IN-SPACe Dr Pawan Kumar Goenkaand other dignitaries.

Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhury in his address said that Indian economy is growing at a faster rate and the major contribution to this growth is from the New Space Segment. Stressing on the need to conduct the space activities in a responsible manner he said that efforts are being taken to promote New Space for further fuelling the space economy.  As all the G20 members have established space agencies and industries, the country should also look forward to possible alliances, he said.

Chaudhury also said that the Space based technologies are recognised as one of the key contributors for growth and prosperity. The space technologies like satellite based earth observation, satellite communications and navigation have positive impacts in agriculture, disaster management, transportation, health and in addressing climate change issues, he added.

Hinting on the commitment of the Government for developing and promoting Space technology for the nation, the minister said, “Indian Space programme was evolved with intention of harnessing the benefits of space technology for solving the problems of common man. The Government of India has recognized Space as a key contributor for developing the Indian economy in the times to come. To enable this, the Government has opened up the Indian Space sector for private investments through the 2020 space sector reforms”. Talking about the opportunities in space technologies, he said that the country needs vital alliance of responsible space actors to enhance the contribution of Space economy in global economy.

Dr Jitendra Singh while virtually addressing the inaugural session said that significant progress has been made as far as India’s space sector is concerned.

“Over these last few years space technology has penetrated into all walks of life, as a result of this there is a huge demand for space based services which have huge commercial potential. So far as the Indian space and Research Organisation (ISRO) is concerned, it has been striving hard to meet the demands for the space based services and at the same time it is also realizing the need to concentrate on the research for developing new technologies and new applications,” he said.

“The government headed by Prime Minister Modi took a path breaking decision to open up space sector for Indian private industry through the 2020 Space sector Reforms in order to enhance the participation of the private players in end to end space activities. The increased private industry participation will eventually result in increased contribution of India in the global space economy”, he further added.

Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma in his address expressed gratefulness in the decision of the Prime Minister to hold the G20 programmes throughout the country as he said, “If we look at the entire theme that has been brought in today discussion on space technology and economy, and the fact that it is happening here in Shillong is something that I really feel very privileged”.

Sangma said that in the recent times India have seen a large number of reforms and while the country as a whole have moved forward, Northeast India and states like Meghalaya which had not seen the kind of growth economically have been able to become a part of the economic growth and success of this great Nation.

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa in his address said that India firmly believes that the country, as a global community, must think and act as one in this journey to and through the final frontier – space. He referred to the historical event and the thought shared by Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian citizen who went to space – “Anyone who goes to space tried to look at his own country first, but soon it appears that there is no boundary between the countries and the entire world is one family where our destinies are integrated.” He appealed to the delegates and participants to take a moment to consider how this thought, shared decades ago, is reflected in the theme of India’s G20 Presidency, “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” or “One Earth. One Family. One Future.”

Speaking about the enormous potential of Space Technology, Kant said that from providing digital communication services in the hardest to reach places to monitoring cyclones, rainfall, and crop cycles, space-based technology solutions help all our nations leapfrog in socio-economic development. The G20 must recognize that space-based technology solutions play a central enabling role in such development in each of our nations and also as a global community, he added.

Speaking about the Indian Space Policy 2023, Kant said that the policy was announced earlier this month with the goal of institutionalizing and facilitating the access of private sector participation in the space sector for India. “It continues to hold the vision of Dr Vikram Sarabhai at its core, and provides a framework of roles and responsibilities of ISRO, IN-SPACe, and the private sector to work together towards establishing India as a hub of the global space economy. This approach encourages developing meaningful partnerships with the international community”, he added.

Somanath S, Chairman, ISRO in his address lauded the activities undertaken of Northeastern Space Applications Centre and said that it is looking specifically to the problems of this region across different issues. The Chairman hoped that the effort everyone  put today will come up with some fruitful outcome and assist the space community at different levels in each of our nations. Stressing on the power of the G20, he further added that the space application for the benefit of the mankind will increase many folds and can play the role of an economic contributor and benefit the global economy. Speaking about the need for cooperation among the Nations for the development of Space technology and its applications he said that there have been a great amount of bilateral relationships including all these nations and these relations should further be strengthened.

During the technical deliberations in today’s programme, the delegates discussed the perspectives of the respective G20 countries on space economy and the present state of space economy in the respective countries. Efforts by the respective governments to promote space economy, including the New Space and the challenges faced were also discussed. Following this, a session on policy perspectives of space economy was also held, wherein there were curated talks on specific aspects of space economy by think tanks and experts.

The second session on Space Economy was moderated by Dr Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman, INSPACe, who provided insightful discussion on “Evolving Indian space policy framework and future outlook”. The panel consisted of other prominent leaders in the relevant fields and they deliberated on various topics like framework for measuring space economy, New Space and responsibility for sustainable and safe space operations, New Space economy in the G20 countries and opportunities for collaboration etc.

28 delegates from the G20 and Guest countries attended the meeting from Argentina, Australia, France, South Korea, Mexico, Türkiye, USA, Oman, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, China, Russia, Netherlands, Germany, Indonesia and UK. Prominent international and national experts also attended the discussion.

Startups in the space economy sector participated in the precursor event and showcased their products. Some of them are Alpha Design, Satsure, Oneweb, Data Pattern, Centum Azista Aerospace, Caliche, L&T, Skyserve, AnanthTechnologies, Agnikul, Digantara, Pixxel and Dhuruva Space.

HC asks Jowai Municipal Board how it is disposing garbage

The Meghalaya High Court today directed the Jowai Municipal Board to file an affidavit to indicate how the garbage is being disposed of at the moment in Jowai town.

Hearing a PIL filed by the Synjuk Ki Waheh Shnong Jowai, the division bench said that despite the Jowai Municipality’s assertion that a better schedule for garbage collection is now in place, the petitioner complained that collection takes place only several times a month, rather than several times a week.

Despite previous observations, both the Jowai Municipality and the State appear to be rather indifferent to the plight of the residents in Jowai, it said.

The Court said since the Municipality claims that a better schedule is in operation and seriously disputes the submission made on behalf of the petitioner, the relevant schedule should be disclosed by way of an affidavit when the matter appears a week hence.

“The schedule should indicate the localities where trucks are assigned, the registration numbers of the trucks and the duration that the trucks remain for collection of garbage at various localities. A map of Jowai should accompany the affidavit to indicate that the entirety of the town is covered by the garbage collection drive. The Municipality should also indicate how the garbage is being disposed of at the moment, even while the compost plant is being made ready,” it said in the order.

The next hearing will be held on April 27.

Govt asked to spell out plans to address traffic problems

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the State to file an affidavit indicating the steps taken and proposed to be taken to ease the traffic congestion in Shillong City.

“The State’s affidavit should indicate the plans to be implemented over the next few months, those over the next few years and the long-term goals taking into consideration the rate of increase of private cars and vehicular traffic, the burgeoning tourism industry and the available space,” the division bench said in its order passed while hearing a PIL on the matter.

It said that several months back, the State had indicated that most of the parents of school-going children in the city had agreed to opt for their wards being ferried to schools by bus, provided the State government took the responsibility of running such service.

“Indeed, it was indicated that about 50 to 60 buses were being acquired for such purpose. However, nothing seems to have been implemented in such regard,” the Court added.

Further, the Court also said that there were other long-term and short-term plans which had been tentatively indicated, particularly following suggestions by the IIM, Shillong and by a foreign agency apparently engaged by the State for such purpose.

“Again, nothing appears to have come of it apart from a ropeway being planned, and that too, for tourism purposes,” it added.

The next hearing will be held on May 3.

Meghalaya all set to host precursor meeting of G20

Meghalaya is ready to host the precursor meeting of the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM).

Addressing a pre-event press conference for the upcoming G20 meet, Principal Secretary, Home Department, Govt of Meghalaya Dr Shakil P Ahmed informed that besides the technical event, the host State will hold exhibits to showcase India’s space activities as well as Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage.

The inaugural programme will be held on April 17th at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott, Shillong. “Apart from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), there will be exhibits by the startups of the space economy sector. We would also showcase our cultural heritage and events,” said Dr Shakil adding that hosting the delegates will help showcase and benchmark Meghalaya as a prime destination for tourism, investment and development.

Around 28 startups in the space economy sector will participate in the precursor event, he said.

The event is a continuation of earlier events held in the G20 summits by Saudi Arab, Italy and Indonesia in the past to collaborate in the space sector. “In a sector like the space economy, you need alliances because it is a technology which is naïve and is at a different level,” he said while briefing the media.

Director, ISRO Dr Sudheer Kumar highlighted the focus of the event, which is to showcase all the capabilities of ISRO and the Department of Space and informed that the event will be a collaboration in future science missions.

“Northeast States play a very important role for us. Because of the hilly areas, the potential is more. In harsh conditions, the space application is the best. The Northeast Space Application Centre is doing great. We want to showcase that these areas have huge potential for the space industries to come and invest. Our next event will be held in Bengaluru on 6th and 7th July. This is a precursor to that main event,” said the ISRO Director citing that space technology serves best to predict weather conditions with high probability.

Dr Joram Beda, Commissioner & Secretary, Dept of Planning, Govt of Meghalaya briefed the Press about the Technical Sessions that are being planned during the event.

The inaugural function on April 17th will have Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Union Minister of State (Finance) Pankaj Chaudhury, Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science &Tech Dr Jitendra Singh, Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Secretary, Department of Space (DOS) Somanath S, Chairman IN-SPACe Dr Pawan Kumar Goenka.

Militancy at its lowest, says State DGP

Director General of Police (DGP) Dr LR Bishnoi has stated that the law and order situation in the state is more or less peaceful.

“It is under control and we are getting full cooperation from the people,” Dr Bishnoi told reporters after a meeting at the police headquarters.

He said in the districts, most of the crimes are not directly linked to the law and order.

“Fortunately, militancy is also at its lowest level and whatever remnant groups are there, they are in the peace process they are talking to the central interlocutors also,” Dr Bishnoi said while adding “Not much problem as of today but future challenges will remain and for that we are trying to strengthen our law and order branch so that they can deal with the situation immediately.”

The Meghalaya High Court was not happy with the performance of the state police especially in regards to the illegal transportation of coal, the DGP said, “We are going as per the high court orders wherever the mistakes are pointed out we are trying to plug the loopholes but again you know the area is so much and the police strength is not proportionately adequate to dominate each and every inch of the land of the state so sometimes you know through the jungle route some may indulge in the transportation of illegal coal etc for that also we are trying to dominate it by the patrolling.”

“So by and large it is under control now and whatever the direction from the court or government given to the police department we will definitely try to follow those,” he added.

Julius Dorphang case: HC rule out interference with judgments

The Meghalaya High Court has decided not to interfere with the judgment of the trial court which sentenced former Mawhati legislator Julius Dorphang to 25 years in imprisonment for raping a minor girl even as it directed that the survivor be paid compensation of Rs 20 lakh.

“Accordingly, the term of imprisonment of 25 years as awarded by the trial court by indicating cogent reasons therefor, does not call for any interference,” the division bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee said in its judgment while dismissing the appeal filed by Dorphang.

The Court said considering the age of the convict, such a tenure could be 15 years or 20 years or 30 years or any number of years in between. The discretion that is exercised is for the benefit of the convict by not awarding the maximum sentence permissible.

“In such a scenario, even though there is no specific prescription in the provision for awarding a sentence of 15 years or 20 years or 22 years of imprisonment if such tenure is indicated, it will be deemed to fall within the bandwidth of discretion made available to the court by the relevant provision,” it added.

Dorphang was challenging the order dated August 24, 2021 passed by the Special Judge Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), FS Sangma in Ri-Bhoi district which sentenced him to 25 years imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the Court has directed the State to ensure the continued well-being of the survivor, at least till she reaches the age of 25.

“The fine, if paid, and a total amount of compensation not less than Rs.20 lakh, should be provided by the State to the survivor by way of investments that would mature on a periodic basis for her to receive the same. In other words, the State will pay a further Rs.5 lakh to the survivor by way of compensation, in addition to the sum of Rs.15 lakh that she receives from the fine. If the appellant does not pay the fine and serves a further five years of rigorous imprisonment, the State will make over the equivalent amount of Rs 15 lakh to the survivor,” it said.

“The total amount of Rs 20 lakh must be invested in the name of the survivor within three months from date with the State taking adequate measures to ensure that the entire amount is not squandered in a hurry or the survivor is cheated of any part of it by any other person,” the Court added.

The judgment further stated that the State will also be responsible for taking care of all the medical needs of the survivor free of cost and befitting a Grade-II officer of the State for at least the next 20 years.

In addition, if there is any special programme or working opportunity that is available or for which the survivor qualifies or if there is any late education programme for women where the survivor may be accommodated, the State should provide all assistance to the survivor to lead a remaining normal and healthy life, it said while asserting “The society at large owes a huge apology to the brave young survivor for having failed one of its most precious and tender.”

Further, the Court stated that nothing said herein and nothing done pursuant to this judgment and order will stand in the way of the proceedings arising out of the FIR filed on behalf of the survivor at Madanryting being brought to a logical conclusion in accordance with law.

Meghalaya to host G20 meet

The Meghalaya government is all set to host the G20 meeting which will be attended by 120 delegates in Shillong from April 15 to 17

After chairing a meeting with different departments here today, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said, “I am happy to inform you that we are more or less ready for welcoming the G20 meeting which is scheduled to be held in Shillong from April 15 to 17.”

“More or less 120 delegates will be attending the meeting to be held at Marriott hotel,” he added.

Tynsong also informed that the issue of traffic congestion was also discussed and instruction has been given to the concerned department to work out all the details relating to the roads to be used by VVIPs.

“All concerned departments have been instructed and now the work is on-going and we will be able to complete it on or before 15 of this month,” he said.

Meanwhile, the deputy chief minister assured that the law and order situation is okay and said, “those VVIPs who are reaching Shillong will be happy and this will be also a pride for the state of Meghalaya.”

Govt had appealed for prospective implementation of roster system

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today said that the state government had pleaded before the Meghalaya High Court to allow implementation of the roster system ‘prospectively’.

“After the High Court has given its ruling in 2022, we have filed an affidavit (on this matter) not less than three times where we pleaded with the High Court to allow us (government) to implement the roster system prospectively not retrospectively,” Tynsong told reporters.

“But the High Court at that point in time insisted us that it should be implemented retrospectively meaning from the inception of the state reservation policy,” he said when responding to a query with regards to the demand of the Voice of the People Party to put on hold implementation of the roster system pending the review of the state reservation policy.

Tynsong however informed that the government would soon convene a cabinet meeting and an All-party meeting to discuss the roster system.

“Again we are waiting for the chief minister to reach Shillong and we will call a meeting, we will have a cabinet meeting and also we will have an all-party meeting with all responsible leaders and we will share and will discuss how to go forward,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said, “I have no right to reply on behalf of the High Court but that’s what I am saying the point is very clear that we pleaded already as we wanted to implement it prospectively but the high court insisted and said on record that it should be implemented from the inception of reservation policy. So as of today, it stands like that.”