Union raises Assamese, Bengali language absence in GDS exam
TURA, Feb 13: The All Meghalaya Minorities Students’ Union (AMMSU) has written to the Director General of Postal Service for India Post urging that Assamese and Bengali are included as Indian languages in the online portal for GDS recruitment for candidates of Meghalaya, who do not come under the Sixth Schedule. In its complaint, the union pointed out that as Assamese subject is taken by communities like Koch, Rabha, Hajong, Muslim, Boro, Hindu etc in the SSLC Exam under MBOSE, steps should be taken before the last date of form submission, to enable candidates from such communities to apply for the GDS recruitment.
4 nabbed with drugs in WGH
TURA, Feb 13: West Garo Hills police on Wednesday arrested four drug traffickers who were attempting to transport drugs in a vehicle from neighbouring Assam to Garo Hills. The arrest of the four persons took place following police action after the ANTF team received information that some persons were bringing drugs to Garo from Assam in a vehicle. Police informed that while the suspected vehicle was intercepted at Balachanda, under Selsella Outpost, the occupants on seeing the police team tried to destroy the package and flee from the area and deliberately poured and scattered the psychotropic substances outside the vehicle. They were however apprehended immediately and during a body search 11 vials containing psychotropic substances and 6 insulin syringe were recovered from their possession. The arrested persons have been identified as Toseng R Sangma (26)of Baghmara, SGH, Rakkan R. Marak (27) of Bajengdoba, NGH, Sanchubirth S Marak (22) of Williamnagar, EGH and Safik Alam (21) of New Bhaitbari, WGH.
Kisan Mela at KVK in WGH
SHILLONG, Feb 13: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in West Garo Hills organized the Kisan Mela ‘Citrus cum Tuber Crop Festival’ on Thursday as part of the Krishi Swarna Samridhi Week. The event aimed to promote citrus and tuber crops in the region and provide a platform for farmers to interact with scientists and experts. The festival was inaugurated by Principal Scientist and Head of DTAC, ICAR-Research Complex for North East Hill Region, Umiam, Dr BP Singh, who emphasised the importance of conserving local germplasm and encouraged farmers to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to improve their marketing strategies. Other dignitaries, including Dr Serenebell W Momin, District Veterinary Officer, Tura, and Dr H Talang, Scientist (Fruit Science), ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam, also addressed the participants. They highlighted the cultural significance, nutritional benefits, and economic potential of citrus and tuber crops in the region. The event also featured an exhibition showcasing various citrus and tuber species, as well as an interactive session between farmers and scientists. A total of 189 individuals from various villages and institutions participated in the programme.
Health camp on antenatal care
TURA, Feb 13: Antenatal care (ANC) for aspirational block was held at Resubelpara CHC on Thursday where hundreds of expecting mothers attended and benefitted from the programme. As part of the programme, on-spot OPD screening, ultrasound services and counseling to antenatal mothers was undertaken by expert gynaecologists Vince Chimpoo M Momin and Abida M Marak. Emphasising on the importance of early ante natal check up during the first trimester, chief guest Torali K Marak, Assistant Commissioner, North Garo Hills, in her speech, pressed upon all expecting mothers to register and avail the antenatal care and services being rendered by the medical department. The antenatal care which includes check ups and pre-natal testing is crucial in determining the overall health of the baby and the mother, she added. Marak lauded the office of the District Medical & Health Officer, North Garo Hills, for organising the programme and underscored the initiatives of the government to achieve zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Marak, while commending the efforts of the ASHAs who are ground level health workers, advocated for expecting mothers to cooperate for effective access to ANC services. Highlighting the objective of the programme, Dr NR Marak, SDM&HO cum DNO Aspirational Block, referred to previous record of ANC registration where only 51% of antenatal mothers availed the benefits. He added with a target to achieve zero infant and maternal death, expecting mothers especially high risk pregnancy ought to register under the ANC to enable early diagnosis and treatment.