CM urges community groups to utilise govt support for skill devp
TURA, July 24: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday encouraged Development Committee members, women groups, youth groups, and others to organize skill development and training programmes, emphasising that the government provides financial assistance for these initiatives. Speaking at the inauguration of the Matchakolgre Multi-Facility Community Hall in Tura, Sangma thanked the Development Committee members for their vision and dedication in implementing the community hall project. He highlighted the success of the Yes Meghalaya Project for youth, urging regional youths to apply and organise programmes under this initiative. Sangma noted that the project’s budget has increased tenfold, from 4 crores, to offer more opportunities for youth. Discussing his plans as chief minister and MLA, Sangma mentioned the ongoing developmental works over the past five years. He emphasised that the Smart Town Projects would now focus on improving roads in underserved localities. The second phase of the Street Light Project and the Tura Beautification Project will soon begin in various localities. Highlighting the Water Supply Scheme, Sangma informed that numerous new overhead water tanks have been constructed to benefit the community. He inaugurated a water tank in Mondol Tilla, constructed at a cost of about 1.4 crores, which will benefit around 400 households. He also announced plans for a long-term water reservoir project for Tura town and assured that all possible development works would be undertaken for the region’s benefit. During the event, Sangma interacted with local residents, discussing their issues and concerns, and assured them of improved service delivery in the future. The inaugural programme was attended by Mahendraganj MLA Sanjay A. Sangma, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani, Tura Municipal Board CEO Rikse R. Marak, heads of various departments, and local residents.
Tura hosts inter-college ‘Ideathon’
TURA, July 24: An inter-college Ideathon Competition, thematised ‘Innovation for the Future’, was organised by PRIME Meghalaya and BIRAC Bionest NEHU at PRIME Hub, Dakopgre Tura recently during which seven students from the College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Tura, Meghalaya, participated. The competition aimed to empower students to transform their innovative ideas into purposeful entrepreneurial activities, addressing everyday challenges. The students gained valuable experience in idea generation, pain point identification, and pitching. A total of 39 students from six colleges presented their innovative ideas to the jury, with the second prize awarded to first-year students Hakanangba P R Rabon, A. Kayia, and Dawansuk from the College of Community Science. They pitched their idea in the Farm to Plate- Food & Nutrition category, showcasing their developed prototype. The event was attended by West Garo Hills District Commissioner, Jagadish Chelani, who encouraged participants and appreciated the initiative by PRIME Meghalaya.
GSU moves PHE official over ‘poor’ JJM implementation
TURA, July 24: The GSU from Siju in South Garo Hills has submitted a complaint to the Executive Engineer of the PHE in Baghmara, alleging improper implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) (RWS) project in the area. In its complaint to the official, the GSU claimed that there was improper implementation of the project in several rural villages, including Siju Asakbanda, Siju Do’bakkol, Siju Mandal Gittok, Siju Bazar area and Siju Ariteka. “Many households in these villages have not received water pipeline connections, while some beneficiaries have been given tap water without household connections. Solar pumps in some villages are non functional. Villages like Siju Mandal Gittok and Siju Bazar area have not seen any water pipeline laying. It has also been learnt that Siju mandal Gittok has been completely excluded from the scheme,” the GSU said. The union, while seeking the official’s intervention to address the issue on the matter, also demanded strong legal action against all those responsible for the whole mess.