CM interacts with public via video conference
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Monday interacted with the public through video conferencing from the chief minister’s Secretariat at Tura and Williamnagar NIC office. Last month, the Chief Minister’s secretariat was opened in Tura to ensure ease of access to the public with the chief minister’s office. “Technology has paved way to connect directly to the mass in the virtual space. I would like to take advantage of the technology to be heard and make people heard through this platform,” Sangma said. Over 100 people including the senior citizens and members of social and civil organisation expressed their concerns from both Tura and Williamnagar on Monday, to which Chief Minister has assured to look into. “In an era of digital and social media, people are all connected through technology. Most people in even rural areas today has access to media, it should be our endeavour to connect to them and enlighten them through this platform,” Sangma said. He said that the social media presence of the chief minister’s office began with an idea to inform and solicit public opinion. He said that in the past seven months, the government has acknowledged the people’s opinion and critical criticism to improve delivery system and mechanism for welfare of the society and the state as a whole. “Video Conference with the public will further enhance our government’s commitment to directly engage with the people and ensure that we are a people friendly government,” he added. This is for the first time that the chief minister’s office has attempted to connect with the people through video conferencing.
Large scale corruption alleged in PDS distribution
TURA: The distribution of PDS goods without adhering to the mandatory guidelines is reportedly taking place in many fair price shops in the plain belt areas of West Garo Hills with the All Meghalaya Minority Students’ Union (AMMSU) alleging large scale corruption in connection with the issue. The issue is not a new one and irregularities have been taking place in the past years. Beneficiaries of PHH, NFSA and AAY have already made appeals on several occasions to concerned fair price shop dealers to make proper distribution which till now, have been simply ignored.Some of these shops are those located at Shidakandi, Kandargaon, Bonabari, New Bhaitbari, Morasati, Phershakandi and Garodubi.Led by the AMMSU, villagers of the affected areas on Sunday held a public meeting where a resolution was taken up to establish a ‘vigilance committee’ at every centre which would be responsible for checking the distribution of goods. It was also decided that notice boards should be put up at every distribution centre where the rates of all allotted goods should be displayed. Sunday’s meeting also authorized the president and the general secretary of the AMMSU to pursue the issue with the concerned authorities. “The government allotted goods per month to the beneficiaries is 5 Kgs per head. But it has been found out that beneficiaries are getting between 4 and 5 Kgs, that too with a gap of 3 months. This has been happening for so long and it has to stop immediately,” the president of the AMMSU said. Earlier in March, a memorandum was also submitted to the government however, no action has been taken.
Vigilance awareness week kicks off in city
SHILLONG: The inaugural programme of the ‘Vigilance Awareness Week’ was held at the North Eastern Council in the city on Monday. The programme which is centered on the theme ‘Eradicate Corruption-Build a New India’, aims at encouraging everyone in attendance including officers and staff members to take up the ‘Integrity Pledge’. The vigilance pledge was administered to all the employees of the council by CH Kharshiing, IA&AS Planning Adviser of NEC. Speaking on the occasion Kharshiing said: “NEC has geared up for observing the week in accordance with the directive of the Central Vigilance Commission. The council has commenced preparatory activities like for Vigilance Awareness Week to ensure participation from all the departments and their family members true to the spirit of the event and emphasized the need to inculcate and nurture core values like honesty, integrity, moral values in the work culture.”
Campaign on ‘Poshan Abhiyan’ held in Garo Hills
SHILLONG: A publicity campaign on ‘Poshan Abhiyan’ was held at Samanda Market, Williamnagar Market and Educere Higher Secondary School in Williamnagar on Monday. The campaign was organised by the Field Outreach Bureau, Tura in collaboration with the Song and Drama Division, Regional Outreach Bureau, Guwahati and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Information was conveyed through the medium of drama and skits performed by the Song and Drama Division Troops. The objective of the campaign is to generate awareness among the people on the problem of nutrition status among children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. It also targets anemia and strives to attain a malnutrition free India by 2022.
National Disaster Reduction Day observed in Ri Bhoi
NONGPOH: The District Disaster Management Authority, Ri Bhoi district, Nongpoh in collaboration with the Eastern Panorama Foundation, Shillong observed National Disaster Reduction Day in a programme held at the District Library hall in Nongpoh. The programme included a drawing and painting competition on the theme ‘disaster management’, an essay competition on the topic ‘role of school community in disaster management and school safety’, a quiz competition on ‘disaster management & environment’ and extempore speech for school students. Rosetta Mary Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District attended the programme as the chief guest. The programme ended with the prize distribution ceremony.
Manik Ghosh memorial painting competition winners announced
SHILLONG: The Rilbong Sports & Cultural club has announced the winners of the Manik Ghosh Memorial Painting Competition. The prize distribution ceremony will be held on November 10 at 3:30pm at the Rilbong Sports & Cultural Club conference hall.
Man attacked with sharp weapon
NONGSTOIN: A man was assaulted with sharp weapon by miscreants in West Khasi Hills. The victim identified as Donbokstar Rashir (29) of Langumshing was on duty, monitoring if anyone trying to steal electricity without proper connection which is against the law of MeECL. On investigation it was found that Willi Sangriang (35) assaulted Rashir with a dagger. The accused has been arrested. Rashir has been shifted to Riangdo CHC.
Over 2,000 stroke cases since 2009
SHILLONG: On the occasion of World Stroke Day, GVK EMRI 108 has informed that 2204 stroke cases in the state have been reported from February 2009 to September 2018. In a statement issued on Monday, GVK EMRI 108 informed that EMTs are trained to recognize stroke by Cincinnati pre hospital stroke Scale and that 108 ambulance services play a very important role in the total management of the stroke patients. Stroke in India is becoming an increasingly recognised cause of morbidity and mortality. Studies have provided acceptable estimates of the burden of stroke showing a prevalence in the range from 145 to 262 per 1,00,000 cases each year. Eastern India shows the highest fatality rate (41.3%) globally as compared to developed nations.