State round of Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament tomorrow in Shillong
SHILLONG, March 25: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and the National Service Scheme (NSS), will host the state round of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 from 10 am on Thursday at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture, Mawkasiang. According to a statement here, the event will provide a structured platform for youth aged 18-25 years to engage in discussions across different levels, including District Node, State and National Rounds. “Participants will deliberate on societal issues, fostering informed public discourse and enhancing their decision-making abilities,” the statement said. The topics for deliberation at the state round are ‘75 Years of the Indian Constitution: A Journey of Rights, Duties, and Progress’ and ‘The 11 Sankalp of Samvidhan Divas: A Pledge to Strengthen India’s Constitutional Values’. The top three selected from each state will move to the national level, where they will speak on the topic ‘One Nation, One Election: Simplifying Democracy, Amplifying Progress, Ensuring Stability’.
AHAM asks CM to expedite work on Adokgre bridge
ADOKGRE, March 25: The Achik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) has shot off a letter to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, seeking immediate action on a much-delayed bridge project in Badaka region of Adokgre in North Garo Hills (NGH). The bridge connects the two banks of the River Ildek with a timber bridge continuing to operate in its absence. It is part of the Kharkutta–Dilma Adap–Adokgre Road and the bridge forms a crucial link. As per RTI, the bridge was sanctioned in January 2018 with two years for its completion. It was to be built at the cost of Rs 17.59 crore. Of the sanctioned amount, the contractor, G Harlalka, apparently withdrew Rs 9.99 crore. The construction of the bridge only began in November 2019. “As per the RTI report, only 25% of the super structure has been completed and only one out of four spans has been constructed. Given the work completed, the fund utilization seems to be disproportionate, raising concerns of financial mismanagement,” said Adokgre regional unit of AHAM in its complaint. “We urge the government to conduct a thorough audit of fund utilisation and work progress to ascertain any irregularities. The contractor should provide a detailed explanation for the delay and discrepancies in financial withdrawals and a strict timeline for the completion of the remaining work needs to be ensured. The contractor needs to be held accountable for the slow pace of work,” felt AHAM. It argued that the PWD and the MIDC should take responsibility to ensure timely completion of projects and take action against such delays going forward.
Workshop for teachers under way
SHILLONG, March 25: A two-day workshop for the ‘Implementation of the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) at the Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary Stages of School Education’ got underway on Tuesday at DERT Annexe, Malki here. According to a statement here, the workshop is being conducted by the Directorate of Educational Research and Training (DERT), Meghalaya, in collaboration with PARAKH, NCERT, New Delhi. The inaugural session on Tuesday was attended by several dignitaries, including Commissioner and Secretary, Education department, R. Rapthap, as the chief guest. Other attendees included MCS, Director, DERT, Meghalaya, RS Manners; MBoSE Director, M. Marbaniang; Joint Director, DERT, PB Lartang; and Deputy Director, DERT, MC Blah. Dr. Indrani Bhaduri, CEO and Head of PARAKH & Educational Survey Division, NCERT, virtually addressed the gathering, emphasising the significance of holistic assessment in tracking students’ progress beyond traditional grading methods. On the other hand, Rapthap highlighted the paradigm shift in student assessment and assured the department’s full support in implementing HPC across Meghalaya. The workshop brought together 100 participants, including teacher educators from DERT, District Institutes of Education and Training, Colleges of Teacher Education, Kiang Nangbah Government College, Cherra Teachers’ Training Centre, and government school teachers from across Meghalaya. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF-FS & NCF-SE), the Holistic Progress Card aims to assess students’ cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development for a more comprehensive learning experience.