Programme raises awareness on GST
SHILLONG, Sep 18: In a bid to equip traders and business entities with essential knowledge on Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance, the Shillong CGST Commissionerate on Wednesday organised an outreach-cum-interactive session with GST taxpayers as part of the 8th GST Day celebrations. According to a statement here, the programme was held at the SDO (Civil) Training Hall, Sohra, under the chairmanship of H. Soikhanthang, Commissioner of CGST, Shillong, along with officers from central and state GST. The programme, which was attended by SDO (Civil) Sohra Sub-Division, Mark Andrew Challam, as the chief guest, highlighted the implications and applicability of GST in Meghalaya. The programme focused on educating participants on registration, return filing, invoice generation, e-way bill mechanisms and other key aspects of tax compliance under the Upper Shillong CGST range. During the session, officials explained recent tax benefits announced by the Centre, including reductions of GST from 12-18% to 5% and items brought down from 5-12% to zero. Queries on GST rates for hotel accommodation and food services were also clarified. Around 200 registered and unregistered stakeholders from Sohra and neighbouring areas took part in the programme.
Dorbar demands action against cops for delay in nabbing church arson accused
SHILLONG, Sep 18: The Dorbar Shnong of Mawryngkneng has demanded the removal and transfer of police personnel posted at Mawryngkneng Police Station for their alleged dereliction of duty in delaying the arrest of accused Bajied Kharsati, who allegedly attempted to set the church on fire on the night of August 15. A delegation of the Dorbar Shnong, led by its Sordar, Peter J. Lawai, along with leaders of Pomlahier Presbyterian Church and accompanied by Mawryngkneng MLA Heaving Stone Kharpran, called on Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang to apprise her of the issue. Earlier, the Sordar of Mawryngkneng village had filed an FIR against the accused immediately after he allegedly attempted to set the church on fire. However, Mawryngkneng police failed to arrest him. It was further reported that on September 11, the same accused vandalised the church again before fleeing onto the road and brandishing a catapult to threaten those who tried to catch him, while the police present at the scene allegedly did nothing. The accused was eventually arrested, but the Dorbar pointed out that had the police acted promptly after the August 15 incident, the vandalism on September 11 could have been prevented.
HITO calls for solution to illegal activities in abandoned houses
MAWKYRWAT, Sep 18: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Council (HITO), South West Khasi Hills district, along with members of the Village Defence Party (VDP) and Seng Longkmie Mawkyrwat, on Wednesday called on the leaders of the Sankur Rikynti Khain Nonglang and Mawkyrwat Hat, urging them to find solutions to the abandoned houses in the market that have become a safe haven for criminals. According to the working president of HITO SWKH, Bitnam Nongsiej, the main objective of the meeting was to discuss how to minimise crimes in Mawkyrwat Market, as the abandoned houses have turned into a hub for drug sellers, illegal liquor vendors, drunkards and drug users, making the area unsafe, especially for women and children. Since Mawkyrwat Market is owned and managed by the Sankur Rikynti Khain Nonglang and Mawkyrwat Hat, Nongsiej informed that the Council suggested repairing the houses and converting the area into a vegetable market. “By making it into a vegetable-selling area, it will make the drug sellers and illegal liquor sellers not able to conduct secret business in the area, which, in turn, will bring back safety to the people in the area,” Nongsiej said. He also stated that HITO, along with the VDP and Seng Longkmie, had warned the Sankur that if they cannot find a solution to the problem, they will be forced to take further steps to restore safety for the local people.
