Tura: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma unfurled the National Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute of 10 Parade Contingents on the occasion of 7oth Republic Day celebrations today at Dikki Bandi Stadium, Dakopgre, Tura.
The parade contingents comprises of state police, Tura DEF, Civil Defense, Home Guard, NCC, Girl Guides, Boys Scout Troop and Band Party from 2nd MLP Battalion, Goeragre which was led by Parade Commander Deputy Superintendent of Police, John Clitzer A Sangma.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma paid homage to all the freedom fighters who fought for our country’s independence and remembered with reverence Meghalaya’s own patriots namely U Tirot Singh, U Kiang Nongbah and Pa Togan N Sangma and many other unsung heroes.
The Chief Minister also stated that the overall internal security have significantly improved in the state last year leading to peaceful environment and growth of sustainable development in the region. Lamenting on the tragedy of 15 miners trapped in a mine at Ksan, Jaintia Hills, he expressed his concern and sympathy towards the family members of the victims.
He also informed that the “Kiang Nangbah Indigenous Knowledge and Culture Centre” at Syntu Ksiar, Jowai and the “Pa Togan Sangma Indigenous, Knowledge and Culture Centre” at Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, which are created in memory of the freedom fighters are starting soon.
Further, the Chief Minister said that the Government is committed to provide adequate Safe Drinking Water & Sanitation Facilities to all the Inhabitants of the State and is implementing water supply schemes for Greater Sohra Water Supply Scheme and Laying of New Feeder Mains for Tura Phase – I and II Water Supply Scheme funded under NESIDS.
On becoming Open Defecation Free (ODF) State, Meghalaya is now posed with an equally challenging issue of ODF sustainability and the State is upgrading its programme through another imitative called ODF Plus, which deals with management of solid and liquid wastes including Solid and Liquid Resource Management (SLRM), Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), Fecal Sludge Management (FSM), Galvanising Organic Bio Agro Resource (GOBAR) Dhan and others taken up in phase wise manner, he added.
The Chief Minister also informed that there is increase in investment in education sector and added that Eklavya Residential Schools would be started soon in the state and two new model degree colleges have been sanctioned for Patharkhmah and Rongjeng among other schemes.
Further, in order to provide comprehensive health care facilities in the state, the Foundation Stone for construction of Ayush 50 bedded Integrated Ayush Hospital at Wahsari, Sohra was laid and the Weilyngkut Nongur PHC has been inaugurated last year. In addition to these, the Government of Meghalaya has launched Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) Phase IV along with Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana on 20th December, 2018 and the scheme covers up to Rs. 5 Lakhs per family on a floater basis without any restriction on family size and age and Beneficiaries can avail the benefits from all PMJAY and MHIS empanelled hospitals.
Moreover, focusing on promoting entrepreneurship in the region, the Government has started “Entrepreneur of the Month Awards” for successful entrepreneurs in the region. The government has also started the construction of Technology Park at Umsawli, New Shillong which would promote entrepreneurship and technology innovation.
With an objective to promote and empower youth through different sports, games the State Government under the Chief Ministers Youth Development Schemes has organised under 12yrs Football Tournament last December, and about 300 youths from all the Districts participated. Selected Youths will be sent to the National and International Youth Exchange Programme. Further, the State is gearing to host the 39th National Games in 2022 and over 9700 Athletes are expected to participate in 36 sports disciplines in which Shillong will be the host city and Tura as Sub-city, the Chief Minister said.
The other highlight of the day’s celebration comprises of colourful dances and patriotic songs performed by school students and College of Home Science including a tableau presentation by various department in the district.
The Chief Guest also presented the Pa Togan N Sangma Award for Social Service to Rt Rev. George Mamalassery DD during the Republic Day celebration which was conferred on the occasion of Meghalaya Day, 2019 in recognition for his outstanding and valuable contributions towards the State in particular and country in general.
Further, on the occasion the Chief Guest also presented the Certificate of Appreciation to Batsrang A Sangma from Tebronggre Village for his achievement as Marathon Runner in the region and has recently won the prestigious SBI Green Marathon held at Guwahati last December beating the top runners of the region with outstanding timing of 1:05:05.
The Chief Guest also presented Certificate of Appreciation to Successful Entrepreneurs of the region and to Dippu Ch Sangma, Chengkam K Sangma and Tengchan M Sangma for becoming the First Cricketers from Garo Hills to be included in the Meghalaya Ranji Trophy in 2018.
During the function, Deputy Commissioner West Garo Hills, Ram Singh presented the Kayakalp Award to Tura Civil Hospital and Babadam Public Health Centre for promoting cleanliness and enhancing the quality of public health facilities in the district.
Later in the afternoon games and sports were organised for children.