MeECL urged to reschedule load-shedding before exams
TURA: A conglomeration of NGOs from Garobadha has urged the Chief Executive Engineer of MeECL in Tura to reschedule the timing of load-shedding in the area taking into consideration the problems of students preparing for annual and Class X selection examinations.
In a letter to MeECL, the NGOs – comprising GSU, GHSMC, FKJGP and AYWO – proposed that the load-shedding time be changed to 4-5pm instead of 7-8 pm or to a different time as can be arranged to its convenience. The NGOs also sought clarification on the frequent power cuts.
Meanwhile, the same NGOs have written to the Chief Manager of the SBI branch in Tura reminding him of the demands for upgrading the computer system and installation of an ATM booth at Garobadha.
Draft photo electoral roll published
SHILLONG: The District Election Officer, East Khasi Hills District, has informed that the draft photo electoral roll for the Assembly Constituencies Mawryngkneng, Pynthorumkrah, Mawlai, East Shillong, North Shillong, West Shillong, South Shillong, Mylliem-Nongthymmai, Nongkrem, Sohiong, Mawphlang, Mawsynram, Pynursla and Mawkynrew has been prepared with reference to January 1, 2017, as the qualifying date and in accordance with the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. A copy of this is available for inspection at the office of the District Election Officer, East Khasi Hills District, and in all BDO offices and at the concerned polling stations from September 30 to October 31.
For any claim for inclusion of a name or objection to inclusion of a name or any particulars in any entry, complaint should be lodged on or before October 31 in Form 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A as may be appropriate at the office of the District Election Officer, East Khasi Hills District, and in all BDO offices and at the concerned polling stations with the concerned booth level officers.
KHNAM demand
SHILLONG: Taking exception to the participation of non-tribals in the GHADC polls, the Khun Hynniewtrep National Youth Awakening Movement (KHNAM) youth wing has urged the KHADC CEM PN Syiem to ensure that trend is not followed in KHADC elections.
Speaking to media persons after meeting the CEM president of KHNAM’s youth wing Thomas Passah said, “We want the KHADC to amend the ADC rules. We don’t want to see a repeat of Garo Hills here.”
The KHNAM youth wing also urged the KHADC to convene a meeting of the Dorbar Kur so ao bind and regulate the clans and restrict them from changing their surnames under western influence.
“We cannot change our identity as Khasis… The clans should register themselves with the KHADC,” Passah said.
He also took up the issue of non-tribals allegedly trading without proper documents.
Seminar on tribal life held at NEHU
SHILLONG: A two-day national seminar on ‘Philosophy of Sustainability: Revisiting the Tribal Life and Culture in the North East India’ was organised at NEHU.
The seminar, sponsored by ICPCR-New Delhi and jointly organised by Santhigiri Research Foundation in Kerala and the Department of Philosophy at NEHU-Shillong, started on September 28. Former MP Mrinal Miri delivered the keynote address. There were six academic sessions. The valedictory function was held on September 29.
Among the guests present at the event were Sujata Miri, former Dean, School of Humanities, Education and Languages at NEHU-Shillong, Swami Padmaprakasha Jnana Thapaswi from Santhigiri Ashram in New Delhi, and Gopal Guru, former chairperson, Centre for Political Studies at JNU. The coordinators were Vanlalnghak, Department of Philosophy, NEHU-Shillong, and Gopinath Pillai, Santhigiri Research Foundation, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Achik Forum finds fault in road construction
SHILLONG: The Achik Indigenous Justice Initiative Forum has alleged that construction of the Agia-Mendipathar-Phulbari-Tura road is being poorly done.
In a petition submitted to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, the NGO said the road project is being taken up at a cost of Rs 100 crore but the project is not progressing as per the detailed project report.
Alex Sangma, the director of the Forum, said the project was scheduled to be completed in 2013-14 but “the contractor is sitting idly on the project”. He further alleged that low quality materials are being used, which is against the DPR.
The NGO has demanded blacklisting of the contractor and legal action against him.
