Mobile phones to get test alert, public urged not to panic
SHILLONG, April 30: A test of the Cell Broadcasting System will be conducted in Shillong on Saturday following directives from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Mobile phones within the city will receive a test alert accompanied by sound and vibration. Authorities have urged residents not to panic, as the message will explicitly state that it is only a test and requires no action from the public. The notice, issued by the State Emergency Operations Centre under the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), stated that the system will eventually be used to broadcast real-time disaster alerts and safety advisories across the state. The test is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency communication and public safety during critical situations.
MoU inked to set up STEM labs in 27 Ri-Bhoi govt schools
NONGPOH, April 30: The Ri-Bhoi district administration and NTPC Bongaigaon on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to establish STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) laboratories in 27 government schools across the district. Sanctioned at a cost of Rs 148.50 lakh under NTPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the project aims to improve learning in STEM subjects at the secondary and higher secondary levels. The agreement was signed at the Deputy Commissioner’s office by DC Abhilash Baranwal and NTPC Bongaigaon representatives, including Amit Kumar Asthana (Head of HR), Madhurjya Singha Lahkar (DGM, HR), and Smriti Das (Executive, CSR). Baranwal thanked NTPC Bongaigaon for supporting the aspirational district. He noted that while 55 laboratories were initially proposed, the first phase will cover 27 schools, with the remainder to be addressed in the second phase. The beneficiary institutions were selected based on infrastructure and enrolment. As per NTPC guidelines, the project is limited to government or government-aided schools and is expected to be completed within six months. The initiative is designed to foster interest in Science and Mathematics, subjects where many students in Ri-Bhoi have historically faced challenges. The laboratories are expected to enhance practical learning and critical thinking, strengthening students’ academic foundations.
Nongpoh MLA inauguratesyarn bank for Ryndia weavers
NONGPOH, April 30: Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem on Thursday inaugurated a Yarn Bank for Ryndia weavers of Raid Nongtluh at Umkon village to strengthen the traditional weaving sector in Ri-Bhoi. Managed by the Umkon IVCS, the facility was constructed at a cost of Rs 7 lakh under the MegLAMP scheme of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA). An additional Rs 42 lakh was sanctioned under the FOCUS scheme as working capital to support its operations. The facility is expected to benefit local weavers by ensuring better access to raw materials, thereby improving productivity and livelihoods. Addressing the gathering, Syiem noted that Ryndia products are gaining recognition beyond the state. He highlighted government efforts to promote the indigenous craft, including the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Ryndia and the designation of Umden-Diwon as an Eri Silk Village. The MLA also informed that a proposed Craft Village project in the region would further support weavers and those involved in Eri silk rearing. The programme was attended by MBMA Deputy Director A Suting, Umkon IVCS Chairman Nicholas Syngkli, and local community leaders.
Parl panel reviews rural schemes
SHILLONG, April 30: A 24-member Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, led by Chairperson Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, arrived in Meghalaya today for a study visit to assess the implementation of key central schemes. The committee visited the Shella Bholaganj C&RD Block in Sohra to inspect projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). During the visit, members held an interactive session at Laitmawsiang village, engaging with Self-Help Group (SHG) members and project beneficiaries. The visit concluded with a review meeting in Shillong, chaired by Tura MP Saleng A Sangma. The session included officials from various state government departments, the State Bank of India, the SLBC Convenor, and lead banks in the East Khasi Hills District.
