MLCU programme disseminates awareness on consumer rights
SHILLONG, Dec 17: A consumer rights awareness programme on the theme ‘Enabling Consumers Through Knowledge’ was organised on Wednesday at Mawklot by the School of Social Work, Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), with funding support from the Office of the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner (Supply). According to a statement here, the programme aimed to create awareness about the rights of consumers to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity standards and price of goods, in order to safeguard them from unfair trade practices. It also informed that the initiative is part of a series of awareness programmes conducted under the banner ‘Consumer Rights: Tip La Ki Hok’ in community and educational settings. During the programme, a role play on consumer rights was presented by BSW first-semester students of MLCU, highlighting common consumer issues and the right to be informed. Awareness sessions on the National Food Security Act, 2013, and the Consumer Protection Act, 1986/2019, were delivered by Law Officer Marbanshngain Dkhar, followed by a session on the Central Consumer Protection Authority by Member, District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Dr. Maxwell Lyngdoh. An interactive question-and-answer session was also held. A Live Arts performance in the community, along with the engagement of schoolchildren, was conducted by Careen J. Langstieh, Associate Professor, Community Centre for Arts, Crafts and Culture, MLCU, along with her team. Furthermore, posters on consumer rights were displayed and handed over to the village headman for wider dissemination. The programme also included a felicitation ceremony, during which mementoes were presented to the resource persons, and prizes were awarded to the Live Arts participants, along with ASHA workers, in recognition of their contributions. As part of the 2025 National Consumer Rights Day observance, a jingle titled ‘Tip La Ki Hok’, composed by students from the School of Social Work and the Department of Music, MLCU, is currently being aired on Red FM and Big FM throughout December, along with social media awareness campaigns and video documentation of the programme.
Nongtrai village gets ambulance for better medical transportation services
SHILLONG, Dec 17: Lafarge Umiam Mining Pvt. Ltd. (LUMPL) on Wednesday donated an ambulance to the Nongtrai Village Dorbar. According to a statement here, the nearest medical facilities to Nongtrai village are a local sub-centre and the Mawsynram Community Health Centre (CHC). However, for more comprehensive care and advanced services, hospitals in Shillong are the closest major options, though they are located about 80 kilometres away. In a bid to facilitate medical transportation services, which have long been a major challenge for the residents of Nongtrai, especially during medical emergencies, the LUMPL handed over the ambulance to the village dorbar. The handing-over ceremony took place at the Mahindra Showroom, Mawlai Mawiong, where Mark Marbaniang, CSR & Security Head of LUMPL, handed over the ambulance to the executive members of the Nongtrai Village Dorbar. Senior officials of the company were also present on the occasion.
Battle of the Bands 2025 on Saturday
SHILLONG, Dec 17: The ‘Battle of the Bands 2025’, an inter-college music competition focusing on youth talent and drug-free living, will be organised by the Shillong College Music Club in collaboration with the state government’s DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission) initiative. The competition is scheduled for 1 PM on December 20, 2025, at U Soso Tham Auditorium, State Central Library, Shillong. East Shillong MLA and Advisor to the government, Ampareen Lyngdoh, will be the chief guest of the occasion. Twelve bands from colleges across Meghalaya will compete for three grand prizes. The event features original compositions and aims to provide an afternoon of electrifying performances and musical rivalry. The initiative receives support from the state government under the CMYDS 2024-25, facilitated by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills. The event aims to promote more than artistic expression and deliver a powerful message of empowerment and drug-free living to the young people.
