KSU wants SBI branch in Riangdo
NONGSTOIN: The Khasi Student Union (KSU) Mawshynrut Circle met the Assistance manager (AGM) of State bank of India, Region III in Shillong on Thursday to urge him to set up a branch in Riangdo to cater to the needs of the people of the area. In a press statement issued here, the KSU Mawshynrut president Armstrong Sohshang said that Mawshynrut covers a distance of 45km from Nongstoin.It comprises a total population of more than 74,000. It has been left in a state of disarray and no SBI bank is set up till date. The union upon seeing the lack of banking system and receiving a lot of complaints, it decided to approach the higher authority of SBI to look into the matter. The AGM assured the union that he will take stock over the situation and added that a branch will be opened in Riangdo before July 1 and an ATM machine will be set up later.
SBI clarifies on teachers’ salary
SHILLONG: The State Bank of India, Ampati Branch has clarified that the office received the SSA salary bill on March 30 from the District Treasury office and it was processed on the same day. But since the Branch Manager is on election duty, processing the bulk amount could not be done. The clarification was in response to the news report that Ampati SSA teachers’ salary was yet to be credited. The SBI said that March 31 being the last working day of the financial year, the branch staff had to prioritise on other government bills. On April 1, the bank systems could not be opened nationwide on account of national closing and hence the salary could not be processed. On April 2, the Branch Manager again had to engage himself for election duty on account of ECI Expenditure Observer’s visit to Ampati. The salaries were credited to the accounts on the April 3 and many SSA teachers withdrew the money on the same day, the statement added.
Age limit irks nurses
TURA: Contractual ANM nurses from Garo Hills, who have passed the prescribed age limit have expressed unhappiness with the MDA government for returning to the old age limit of 32 years, with a relaxation age of five years (37) for ST candidates, during their appointment to the post. The nurses claimed that during the previous government’s tenure, following repeated meetings with the chief minister, the age limit was raised by 10 years making it eligible for nurses of 42 years and under to apply for appointment to the posts. “We are unhappy because now we have been termed ‘overage’ and cannot apply for any posts. We hope the new government reviews the matter and look into our grievances,” they said. Meanwhile, the nurses claimed that it was not their fault if they were overage as successive governments had ignored their pleas for regularization.
Human rights awareness
NONGSTOIN: A one-day awareness programme organised by the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) in collaboration with Nongstoin college and district administration of West Khasi Hills was held at the Conference Hall of Nongstoin college on Thursday. While speaking on the occasion, chairperson of Meghalaya Human Rights Commision, Dr. Justice Aftab Hussain Saikia said that one has to know the Constitution of the country. He also quoted Martin Luther by saying,” Injustice anywhere is the thread to justice everywhere”.
Radio Bridge programme
Shillong: North Eastern Service, All India Radio-Shillong in its Radio Bridge Programme will broadcast LIVE interactive discussion on the topic ‘Promotion of indigenous literature for unity in the NE region’ on April 5 from 8pm to 8:40 pm.