DC orders traders, public to accept Rs 10 coins
TURA: West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh has directed traders and the public in the district to accept Rs 10 coins as a legal tender for transaction. People in the district are reluctant in accepting Rs 10 coins due to suspicion about their genuineness. He further informed that he had personally contacted bank authorities and they clarified that it is a valid tender all over India. Rejecting of Rs 10 coin might seem like a minor issue but it is a legal right to file a criminal case against that particular person, the DC said. According to RBI, those who refuse to accept the Indian currency can be liable for action under section 124 A (sedition) of the IPC. The order will come into force with immediate effect and shall apply for entire jurisdiction of the district.
Regular petrol unavailable at lone petrol pump in Dalu
TURA: The only petrol pump at Dalu in West Garo Hills has come under criticism from the public after it was found to be providing only extra premium petrol although residents who prefer the regular brand had opposed it earlier and demanded that the cheaper brand is also made available. Organisations from the region like the GSU, AYWO, Mothers’ Union, AIJIF and the Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC) had earlier approached the pump authorities demanding regular petrol be made available along with extra premium. The combined organisations had also written a complaint letter to the Deputy Commissioner following which a team of four officials were deputed to inquire into the matter. The inquiry team had also taken a sample of the petrol. Pump authorities had finally assured availability of regular petrol from October. However, the organisations have claimed that only the extra premium continues to be sold at the pump.
Tura fuel station taking consumers for a ride
TURA: Barely a month after consumers accused the operators of the oldest fuel station in Tura of alleged tampering of meter reading, the AOC gas station at Hawakhana, is once again in the news for the wrong reason. A commuter, who filled his car tank with petrol from the AOC station, a few days ago, was in for a rude shock after it was discovered that the consignment consisted of a high mixture of kerosene and petrol. “Since my car tank was running dry, I took fuel worth Rs 1000. But soon after the car engine began to stall and was unable to move. I managed to take it to a garage where mechanics drained the tank and found a strong mixture of kerosene and petrol,” complained A P Marak of Araimile who’s Alto K10 had to be grounded for a week at the garage. Interestingly, a group of officials led by a magistrate who heads the Legal Metrology Department inspected the very same petrol station in September and gave it a clean certificate despite continued complaints from customers. Customers are unable to measure the quantity or quality since the district administration prohibits open sale of fuel in gallons. “They are taking advantage of the system,” alleges the affected consumer.
Residents laud CM’s move to open Parade Ground to public
TURA: The residents of Fancy Valley and Beldarpara along with the senior citizens of Tura Market and its adjoining areas have thanked Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for directing the police department to consider opening of the police parade ground to the public. “As there are no playgrounds or children’s park near the market and its adjoining areas, the decision to open the ground to the public will serve as an opportunity for kids, aspiring athletes and sportsmen for regular practice and for senior citizens for pollution-free jogging and walks,” a resident said.
Pre-primary teachers for equal benefits as their LP counterparts
TURA: The All Garo Hills Pre Primary School Teachers’ Association has sought from the government that teachers under their category be given equal benefits as lower primary school teachers. The demand comes after the Meghalaya High Court yet again directed the state government to provide benefits at par with their lower primary counterparts. The teachers have given 30 days time to fulfil their demand.
Talent society seeks financial help from CM for event
TURA: The Garo Hills Talent Development Society has urged financial assistance from the chief minister for its upcoming event- Talent Hunt season 8 to be held in Tura on December. The event, which will be held on December 14 and 15, will be at two different venues – the Tura District Auditorium and the Chandmary Playground in Tura. The society, which has been organising the programme every year with an aim to promote hidden talents from the region, said it has always faced financial problems while doing so and appealed to the chief minister for help.
GH vehicles hike fare over fuel price rise
TURA: Owing to the constant rise in prices of diesel and other lubricants, commercial vehicle operators from Tura have proposed new enhanced fare rates for different vehicles and sought the approval of the same by concerned authorities. The decision to enhance the fares was taken during a meeting held recently by the West Garo Hills Bus Association along with other vehicle associations and travel agencies of the town. The associations also apprised the Commissioner of State Transport Authority in Shillong of the new enhanced rates and sought his approval to make it official. November 1 has been set by the commercial vehicle operators as the date from which the new rates will become effective.
Awareness on women’s rights organised in WKH
NONGSTOIN: A two-day capacity building programme on constitutional and legal rights of women was held at Tirot Sing Memorial Hall, Pyndemumiong, Mairang on Thursday and Friday. Speaking at the programme as chief guest, MSCW chairperson Theilin Phanbuh said that the programme is planned throughout the year for different organisations with an aim to reach every nook and corner of the state. She also expressed hope that through the meeting, participants will be identified as members at the village level and will propagate the message and provide help to women victims of crimes like domestic violence, rape and others.
Field day conducted for mushroom farmers
JOWAI: A field day on short method of composting for button mushroom cultivation was organised at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam on Friday. Around 48 farmers from East and West Jaintia Hills and nearby areas assembled to participate in the programme. At the outset coordinator, scientist Dr Pankaj Baiswar expressed his gratitude to the participants for showing keen interest. He also informed the gathering that compost prepared by using short method of composting is environment friendly and requires only 15 days for preparation as compared to one month in case of the long method. The Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam Dr N Prakash also congratulated the participants while Dr H Rymbai requested them to spread word around the locality so that more farmers adopt this method.
Awareness on mental health held
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Progressive Counsellors’ Union (MPCU) together with radio partner Big FM conducted an awareness programme on mental health from August 1 to October 8 on topics related to adolescence and young people such as substance abuse, suicide prevention and self worth. The union covered six schools in Shillong and four schools in Tura as part of the World Mental Health Day awareness programme. On October 10, MPCU held a programme at Don Bosco Youth Center, Laitumkhrah and invited schools, counsellors, NGOs, teachers and parents.
Signature forged
SHILLONG: Fourwell Khongmalai lodged a complaint that on October 14, one Dony Ranee, president, Meghalaya Association of Kickboxing Organization , Khliehshnong, Malki, Shillong, forged the signature of the complainant.
Theft attempt
SHILLONG: Teibanbha N Kharmon lodged a complaint that on October 12 around 12.45 am, miscreants attempted to commit theft from M/s Teiname Stores at NEHU Campus, Mawlai Mawkynroh, Shillong.