School head refutes charges, justifies appointment
TURA, Oct 11: The principal in-charge of the Rajabala Higher Secondary School in West Garo Hills, whose appointment was deemed illegal by Rajabala locals, has given the lie to the allegations and, the same time, justified the appointment. In his letter to the Director of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) in Shillong, the principal, Sultan Ahmed Hazarika, asserted that he is a graduate and not high-school qualified as claimed by the residents. He added that out of the four teachers appointed at the same time, three, including him, are graduates while one is an HSSLC-qualified. Justifying his appointment further, Hazarika said he holds 32 years of teaching experience, which makes him eligible for the post. “The Meghalaya Government has adopted the Assam Amendment High and Higher Secondary School Employee Rules 1965. Under the provision of this rule, a graduate assistant teacher in a deficit secondary school having teaching experience of at least ten years is eligible to hold the post of a school head,” Hazarika said.
Toll-free helpline launched
NONGSTOIN, Oct 11: West Khasi Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner HK Thabah on Monday launched a toll-free helpline number to mark the World Mental Health Day. Thabah, who was addressing during a programme organised by the Office of the DM&HO, suggested people to get involved in exercise, sporting activities, et al, to keep themselves physically and mentally fit. He also urged the locals to take advantage of the government facilities. He said a psychiatrist will be made available at Nongstoin Civil Hospital on Tuesdays. He also said that for any round-the-clock help, people can contact 9362759221 or 9362759224.
Eye care centre now in Nongpoh
NONGPOH, Oct 11: In a bid to bring eye care services closer to the people in Ri Bhoi, a new Vision Centre has been launched in the Nongpoh by the Society for Promotion of Eye Care & Sight in collaboration with Operation Eye Sight Universal and Bansara Eye Care Centre. This is Bansara Eye Care Centre’s 11th Vision Centre and the first in Ri Bhoi.