Don’t blame religious leaders, Sawkmie tells Leader of Opp
SHILLONG, July 26: Leader of Opposition Ronnie V Lyngdoh’s outburst of anguish over the second-poorest rating for Meghalaya in the Niti Aayog’s report has drawn criticism from UDP leader and former MLA, PT Sawkmie, who slammed the LO for clubbing religious leaders with others in his remark that the blame for the state of affairs was on ‘everyone’ including the faith leaders. Lyngdoh had vented disappointment following the disclosure of the rankings recently. He blamed the religious leaders, politicians, bureaucrats as well as the people for second-poorest state tag. Terming the statement as wrong and unacceptable, Sawkmie said that the LO should not link poverty of the state with religious leaders as they never partake in politics, adding that the faithful are given liberty to choose and promote their ideologies.
Nongpoh locals urged to avail benefits under PMAY-Urban
NONGPOH, July 26: The Nongpoh Town Committee (NTC) has urged residents within its jurisdiction to take advantage of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-Urban), a centrally sponsored scheme under the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority. The initiative, also known as ‘Housing For All’, is specifically aimed at providing housing assistance to underprivileged families with an annual income not exceeding Rs. 3 lakhs. NTC secretary Rayonald Kharkami said that the central scheme caters to families seeking to either construct a new house or extend their existing one. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a financial assistance of Rs. 1.5 lakhs, which will be disbursed to them in installments, ensuring a smooth process for the beneficiaries.
Tura attack shocks NPP women’s wing
SHILLONG, July 26: The attack on the Mini Secretariat in Tura where Chief Minister Conrad Sangma was in a meeting with the protesting groups has evoked the concern of NPP Women’s Wing. It flagged the “negative approach” of “vested interests”, while exhorting the members of the community to redress their dissatisfaction in a peaceful and harmonious way.
Marten relocation process under way
SHILLONG, July 26: Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun on Wednesday met Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar to inquire about the shifting of the dumping ground in Mawlai. During the meeting, the minister told the group that the process is under way. The government is also reportedly in talks with firms which convert waste into raw materials to rope them in.
BSF conducts free medical camp
SHILLONG, July 26: A free medical camp was held on Wednesday at BOP Bahadur in South West Khasi Hills by 50 Battalion BSF under its Civic Action Programme. Around 400 patients were attended by a team of doctors from BSF and Civil Hospital Ampati. Medicines were also distributed among the needy villagers. The helping hand extended by BSF was highly appreciated by the border-dwellers and their village heads.
12 co-op societies get agri equipment
JOWAI, July 26: Agricultural tools and farming machinery were distributed among 12 selected IVCSs (Integrated Village Cooperative Societies) from Thadlaskein and Amlarem block at Tyrshi Inn, Khliehtyrshi, by Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla on Tuesday. The programme was organised by the District Project Management Unit, West Jaintia Hills. Speaking on the occasion, Jowai MLA highlighted the significance of collaboration between line departments, IVCS and farmers to boost the farmers’ economy, while exhorting farmers to view agriculture as an entrepreneurial activity and urging them to involve their children as well.
JNV Mukhla celebrates NEP anniv
JOWAI, July 26: Honouring the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Mukhla, in West Jaintia Hills, celebrated the third anniversary of the policy in a programme which aimed to throw light on how the NEP 2020 works, particularly in context of Meghalaya. Principal of JNV Mukhla, N Kumar, and teachers of the school spoke about the benefits of the policy for students.
MLCU launches two books
Shillong, July 26: Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) on Wednesday launched two books – ‘Building Bridges for Wellness through Counselling and Psychotherapy’ and ‘Relational Gestalt Therapy in India’. The event was attended by Chancellor Dr Glenn C Kharkongor, Vice Chancellor Prof T KBamon, Editor of The Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim, among others. Besides, scholars, faculty and administrators of MLCU were present in the programme. Dr. PorsaraKharbih, Assistant Professor, Counselling Psychology, provided a concise introduction about the book – Building Bridges for Wellness through Counselling and Psychotherapy – sharing how the approaches on the book is integrated with counselling, psychology and psychotherapy; enhancing the process of therapy and making it more relevant. Wandahun Lywait (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Psychology) later briefed those present in the event about the second book – Relational Gestalt Therapy in India: A Guide to Group Practice published by Routledge.