Seng Khasi Kmie commences Shad Suk Mynsiem preps with traditional ritual
SHILLONG, March 30: The Seng Khasi Kmie (SKK) on Monday performed the traditional Pynkiew Ksing/Sei Ksing ritual, formally initiating preparations for the upcoming Shad Suk Mynsiem festival. The ritual serves as a symbolic proclamation to the Khasi community, signalling the start of the festive season. The three-day Shad Suk Mynsiem festival is scheduled to be held from April 11 to 13. The ceremony, held at the SKK hall in Mawkhar, is an act of spiritual offering and thanksgiving to the Almighty to seek divine blessings ahead of the sacred dance. Traditional rites were conducted by the council of elders under the leadership of Donbokstar Kurkalang. During the programme, SKK president O. Pyngrope spoke on the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival, while Vice President D.L. Nongbri delivered the welcome address. The traditional musical troupe ‘La Syrdoh’ performed the seven ceremonial tunes that will accompany this year’s celebrations. The SKK informed that daily evening sessions will be organised to rehearse and educate participants on the rituals leading up to the festival. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by cultural secretary Hamar S. Kharhmar.
JH workshop sensitise journos & stakeholders on VB-GRAM G Act
JOWAI, March 30: A media workshop titled ‘Varta’ was organised on Monday to sensitise journalists and local stakeholders on the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G) Act, 2025. The event was conducted by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Shillong, in association with the West Jaintia Hills District Administration and the Jaintia Journalist Association. Addressing the gathering, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Project Director (DRDA) Baiamtimon Blah explained that the VB-GRAM G Act, 2025, expands guaranteed employment to 125 days, up from the previous 100 days. She stated that the scheme aims to boost local economies and reduce distress migration by ensuring timely wage payments through digital systems to prevent leakages. Blah noted that the new framework prioritises village-led planning and the creation of climate-resilient rural assets. On the other hand, Additional Director General (North East Zone), Kripa Shankar Yadav, spoke on the role of the media in bridging the gap between the government and the public. He called for accurate and timely reporting to ensure that rural communities are aware of their entitlements and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. During the interaction, Assistant Director of PIB Shillong, Gopajit Das, briefed local reporters on the Journalists Welfare Scheme. He assured that efforts would be made to include more district-based journalists in PIB’s press tours and outreach programmes to promote equitable representation beyond the state capital.
GHADC Dy CEM warns tax defaulters, urges immediate clearance of dues
TURA, March 30: GHADC Deputy CEM in charge of Taxation, Stevie M. Marak, on Monday urged all citizens, including non-tribal businessmen and contractors, to clear their pending tax dues immediately to avoid legal action. Speaking to reporters, Marak noted that professional taxes, Trading by Non-Tribals (TNT) fees, and land patta renewals are now due under the rules of the District Council. He pointed out that several private schools, banks and prominent business owners have yet to settle their outstanding amounts. The Deputy CEM announced that the GHADC will conduct department-wise inspections to identify those in arrears. Defaulters will be served a deadline of 15 to 20 days to clear their dues. “After that, we will issue a show-cause notice and action will be taken as per law,” Marak warned.
