FKJGP threatens to close health centre over unfulfilled job promise
MAWKYRWAT, April 17: The Federation of Khasi-Jaintia & Garo People (FKJGP), South West Khasi Hills, has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Health department to appoint Shidalin Lyngkhoi — the landowner of the Umjarain Sub-Centre — as a permanent staff member. Failing this, the group has threatened to shut down the health centre. The ultimatum follows a complaint from Lyngkhoi, who donated her land for the construction of the sub-centre after signing an agreement with the Health Department in 2010. The agreement reportedly promised her a government job in exchange for the land. Despite over a decade of service as a casual staff member, she has yet to be appointed to a permanent position. Accompanied by members of FKJGP South West Khasi Hills, Lyngkhoi met with the Deputy Commissioner of the district, B Mawlong, on Thursday to press for her rightful appointment. Speaking to the media after the meeting, FKJGP district president Kenes Nonglait said the DC assured them that he would take up the matter with the District Medical & Health Officer (DMHO) of South West Khasi Hills. Nonglait expressed disappointment over the Health Department’s failure to honor its agreement. “She donated the land for the benefit of the community and signed an agreement with the DMHO in 2010. It is deeply disappointing that the department has not fulfilled its promise,” he said. He further warned that if the DC and the Health department fail to respect the land donor’s rights, the Federation will have no choice but to close the sub-centre. “We’ve given the department two weeks to meet our demand. If they fail, we will shut down the centre, even if it affects the people of the area,” Nonglait added. Lyngkhoi confirmed that she has been working as a casual staff member at the sub-centre since 2012, but has not yet been appointed to a permanent post.
EKH DC issues curbs against illegal killing of fish in Umiam
SHILLONG, April 17: A prohibitory order on illegal killing of fish and environmental degradation in Umiam river was promulgated on Thursday by East Khasi Hills District Magistrate Rosetta M Kurbah under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The order applies to the stretch of the river within Umlyngka village — from Sdad Wah Umkhrah to Sdad Jlu — where the use of poisonous chemicals and explosive substances, including bleaching powder, ammonium sulphate, pesticides, dynamite, and fishing nets, by any individual is strictly banned. Kurbah stated that the order was prompted by reports of rampant and indiscriminate killing of fish in the Umiam river within Umlyngka and surrounding areas. The use of hazardous substances poses a serious threat to aquatic life and risks causing irreversible damage to the river ecosystem if not curbed immediately.
JAC to strike over truck cement, clinker truck movement in EJH
Shillong, April 17: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) has announced an indefinite strike at Tuber-Sahsniang starting April 22, aimed at halting the movement of trucks transporting cement and clinker from Lumshnong in East Jaintia Hills to Assam. The decision was taken during a meeting held on Thursday at Phramer (Eight Mile), attended by representatives of the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association (JHTOA), Meghalaya Commercial Truck Drivers Association (MCTDA), and the All Jaintia Cement and Clinker Transporters Association (AJC&CTA). JAC chairman Biangshwa Shylla told reporters that cement factories in East Jaintia Hills were given a two-week deadline to revise the transportation rate to Rs 1,500 per metric tonne. However, despite multiple reminders, there has been no response from the factories. “In light of the continued indifference shown by these cement companies, we have resolved to go ahead with the indefinite strike,” Shylla said. He clarified that the strike will apply only to trucks transporting cement and clinker from the Lumshnong-based cement factories.
Aadhaar enrolment drive for PwDs
Tura, April 17: A disability assessment camp was organised at Dadenggre C & RD Block recently in collaboration with District Social Welfare Officer, Tura, and other line departments in an effort to ensure further enrolment of people with disabilities (PwDs). Further, enrolment for Aadhar, MHIS and ABHA was also conducted during the camp to garner maximum enrolment and also enable the beneficiaries to avail benefits from the schemes provided by the government.