FIR against VEC Secy over funds misappropriation
TURA: A police FIR has been filed against a village employment council (VEC) secretary in Zikzak block of South West Garo Hills district for allegedly misappropriating over five lakh rupees meant for payment of wages to villagers engaged in work under MGNREGA. The block development officer (BDO) of Zikzak filed the FIR against VEC secretary of Jonjonagre village under Dimligre Area Employment Council, Jisom Momin, on Monday after he failed to return the money. The money, amounting to Rs 5,36,484 and meant as wages component for 32 households who worked for 72 days in the construction of a CC road at Jonjonagre, was not paid by the secretary even though the work had been sanctioned way back in June 2018. In a meeting held last year, he was directed to release the amount and a reminder letter was also issued to him in October 2019 but to no avail. Cases of VEC secretaries misappropriating MGNREGA funds frequently come up in the Garo Hills region during social audit meetings when villagers accost the secretaries over unpaid dues.
Nongrem clan calls for unity
SHILLONG: The Nongrem clan, in the Dorbar Kur held at Rangthong, South West Khasi Hills District, on Monday urged its members to steer clear of mixed marriage and also appealed other members, who have changed their surname, to re-think and come back to the Nongrem clan. In a statement, the Nongrem clan said that the meeting was held to bring unity of the clan members. They said that Nongrem clans have no relation with any other clan in Khasi-Jaintia hills. On this day, a book on the Nongrem clan, written by Church Elder B Nongrem, was also released. The next Dorbar Kur of Nongrem clan will be held in the village of Dewsawlia in 2021.
Mock drill at Nongpoh CH
Nongpoh: The Deputy Commissioner & Chairperson DDMA, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh has informed that District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Nongpoh in collaboration with the office of the District Medical & Health Officer, Nongpoh will conduct a Hospital Mock Drill on earthquake and fire in Civil Hospital, Nongpoh on January 16 from 10:30 am onwards. In this regard, the DDMA Nongpoh has requested the public to witness the mock drill.
Clouded leopard rescued in Ri Bhoi
NONGPOH: Members of the Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF) from 20 Mer Circle led by its president Lan Syngkli, on Tuesday evening rescued a clouded leopard, an endangered animal, from 20 Mer Village in Ri Bhoi. Speaking to The Shillong Times, Lan Syngkli informed that the wild animal had come to the village in search of food and it so happened that they saw it with minor injuries at around 7 pm. Therefore, they decided to rescue the wild animal and later handed it over to the wildlife officials at Nongpoh around 10 pm on the same day.
Trishul Purnima observed
SHILLONG: A city-based branch of worldwide philanthropic organisation, Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS), observed Trishul Purnima in Jail Road recently. With this year marking the 125th anniversary of the birth of BSS founder Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj and to commemorate this occasion, the city-based branch will organise a number of programmes throughout the year beginning April 19. On the occasion, eminent achievers from Meghalaya along with well-wishers and devotees (1937-2004) of BSS will be felicitated. Apart from this, a blood donation camp and distribution of food at Civil Hospital, Ganesh Das Hospital and TB Hospital will also be organised. Clothes and mosquito nets will also be distributed. 125 ‘Pranavananda Britti Samman’ to underprivileged and talented students will be given away and a digital radiography unit will also be installed at BSS Charitable Dispensary.