East Garo Hills BJP leader applies for party ticket
SHILLONG: A BJP leader from East Garo Hills has applied for party ticket to contest the Tura Lok Sabha seat. Thomas N Marak, the district general secretary of BJP, had contested the last Assembly polls on BJP ticket from Songsak constituency unsuccessfully and secured over 3000 votes. In a statement, Marak said he was committed to work for the uplift of rural areas of Garo Hills. “I have applied for party ticket from BJP, because as of now, whatever development is taking place is thanks to the flagship programmes of the BJP which are old age pension, Serva Shiksha Abhiyan, PMGSY, PMAY,(Rural Housing), opening more bank accounts, Swach Bharat and rural electrification initiatives.
Co-chairman of Garo body halts illegal tree felling by govt officer
SHILLONG: Co-Chairman of the Garoland State Movement Committee, (GSMC), Balkarin Ch Marak on Sunday morning noticed a group of non-tribal labourers attempting to cut down a tree near the Veterinary Dispensary at Bamonpara in Tura. After being questioned by Marak, the labourers stated that they had been tasked to do the job by the land owner identified as Elsha B Sangma. On hearing about this, the land owner rushed to the spot, had a brief discussion with the Co-Chairman of the GSMC and left the place without replying to whether or not she had obtained permission from the concerned authorities under the tree felling rules of the Government. The labourers were later seen trimming the tree trunks in deep contrast to what they had attempted to do earlier. “It is shocking to find a responsible government officer indulging in such illegal activities. The accountability and legality of this very act will be sought from the concerned authorities,” the GSMC stated.
Non-functioning ATM at Chibinang irks residents, groups
TURA: The failure of the recently installed ATM at Chibinang in West Garo Hills to begin functioning has irked the people of the region with the Anti Corruption and Human Development Organization (ACHDO) demanding that it is immediately opened up for customers. According to the organisation, the general public is greatly being inconvenienced due to its non-functioning as the area has only one ATM, which is being used by thousands of customers. “SBI authorities need to open the ATM at Chibinang immediately. It has been installed since long, but is still not functional. Every department should coordinate to ensure the ATM is functional as it will help everyone,” the organisation said. The organisation claimed that customers have to come to Phulbari wasting valuable time and money even for simple requests like ATM Pin generation. When officials of the SBI were contacted on the matter, they are said to have informed that the problem was due to low voltage and the matter should be taken up with the power department. Meanwhile, the organisation has urged the power department to immediately look into the matter so that the much needed ATM can function at the earliest.
Annual sports meet of DBC concludes in Tura
TURA: The annual sports day of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Tura concluded recently after it was declared open by Bishop of Tura Rt Rev Andrew R Marak a week prior. West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police MGR Kumar attended the programme as the chief guest along with Rector of Bosco Mount Rongkhon, Rev Fr Abhilash SDB as the guest of honour. Auxilium Secondary School Tura, Mother Angeles Secondary School and Montfort Higher Secondary School participated in the event. The sports day started with the lighting of the olympic torch in the school olympic cauldron and concluded with the lowering of the school flag by the principal of the host school
College union submits memo to CM, demands better facilities
TURA: The College of Teacher Education Students’ Union (CTESU) at Rongkhon submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma urging him to look into providing better facilities in the college. The union sought the establishment of more Government BeD institutions and to increase the seats at the CTE in Rongkhon, Tura from 50 to 100 seats as per the UGC and NCTE norms. The union also demanded access to internet facility, completion of hostel buildings and a power generator for emergency use. The union also demanded the sanctioning of an office vehicle and a college bus, sanctioning of funds for excursions, increase in allowance of deputed teachers and the sanctioning of grant for sports and extra-curricular activities. Other demands made by the union included appointment of more lecturers and a lecturer for Garo (MIL) and Education along with regularisation of existing casual employees and more posts for non-teaching staff.
NPP Mendipathar Block panel reconstituted
SHILLONG: The General Meeting of the National People’s Party (NPP) Mendipathar Block Committee was held on Friday. The meeting was attended by former minister FW Momin, Deputy CEM GHADC Dolly K Sangma and chairman of the Resubelpara Municipal Board Sengnap Momin. The main purpose of the meeting was to reconstitute the Mendipathar Block Committee. New office bearers were also appointed. Sachin Arengh was appointed as the president along with four other vice presidents and others including 29 executive members.