Dy CM Dhar to take up bike taxi permit issue with cabinet
SHILLONG, July 19: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport, Sniawbhalang Dhar said that he will raise the issue of issuing permits to rapido riders or bike taxi operators of Shillong, who under the banner of ‘Ride to Serve’ met the minister here on Thursday. When asked, Dhar told reporters that he could not comment on whether the services provided by the bike taxi operators are illegal without a permit. “But they will need to get a permit from the Transport department,” Dhar said. The state government had last year, through the Regional Transport Authority Board, issued an order disallowing two-wheeler taxi riders to ply on the streets as per Sub Section (1) of Section 66 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
BSF foils bid to smuggle horses
SHILLONG, July 20: Troops of 172nd Battalion BSF on Wednesday rescued nine horses that were being smuggled in a truck into Bangladesh in East Jaintia Hills along the Indo-Bangladesh border. A BSF mobile check post, deployed near National Highway-6 in Sonapur, signalled the suspicious truck to stop. However, instead of complying, the truck driver accelerated the vehicle and fled towards the border area in Umkiang. The BSF promptly pursued the truck and found it parked near a petrol pump in Umkiang. The driver had, however, managed to escape from the spot. Upon searching the vehicle, the BSF team found nive horses that were intended to be smuggled into Bangladesh. The seized horses and the truck were handed over to the local police for further legal action.
Infantry Battalion plants saplings
SHILLONG, July 20: Saplings of indigenous tree species were planted at Kench’s Trace by the 119 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army (TA), in collaboration with the Forest department to mark the annual celebration of Van Mahotsav here on Tuesday. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and to encourage active participation in tree planting efforts. Van Mahotsav, which translates to festival of forests, serves to promote the significance of trees in maintaining ecological balance.
Alarm sounded as Ganol dam fills
TURA, July 20: Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of District Disaster Management (DDMA) has issued a warning alerting residents situated downstream of Ganol Dam regarding the rise water level, that is above safe level. The deputy commissioner has also requested people to be extra cautious and not to venture into rivers or streams so as to avoid any unfortunate incident. Strong advised is also given to stay away from streams, drains and culvert.
Deficit teachers flag issues
TURA, July 20: Garo Hills Deficit School Teachers and Employees Association (GHDSTEA), and Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers Association (KJDSTA), have submitted a memorandum to Education Minister, Rakkam A.Sangma urging him to examine the various issues concerning them. The teachers have sought the minister’s help in the Death cum Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) of Rs 10 lakh ceiling as recommended by the 5th Pay Commission. Pointing out that the 4th installment of the Regional Occupational Programme (ROP) arrear which should have been cleared two years ago, the teachers urged that the same be cleared at the earliest. Other demands made by the teachers in the memorandum included regular payment of monthly salary, implementation of service rules, implementation of other recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission like MACPS, medical reimbursement and creation of sanctioned post for new subjects.
KSU wants BDO in Nonglang
NONGSTOIN, July 20: Concerned over the absence of Block Development Officer (BDO) and staff at the Nonglang Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Block in West Khasi Hills, the KSU Ri Muliang Circle on Thursday asked the state government to appoint the concerned official and demanded of the district administration to depute staff without delay. After conducting an inspection on Thursday, the KSU found that till 2 pm, there were no staff present in the office. Villagers have also complained about the absence of BDO and staff in Nonglang C&RD Block office.