AR hosts 2nd ARESA Conclave in city to strengthen veteran welfare
Shillong, April 9: The Assam Rifles hosted the 2nd ARESA Conclave in Shillong on Thursday to streamline engagement with its veteran community and ex-servicemen. Presidents and secretaries from 35 ARESA centres across the country participated in the session. Discussions focused on improving coordination, enhancing the accountability and functionality of the centres, and prioritising the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents. During the event, top-performing centres were recognised for their service. ARESA Centre Dehradun secured first place and was awarded a rolling trophy, while the Gorakhpur and Silchar centres took second and third place, respectively. In a new initiative, the conclave introduced the “Veteran Achiever Award.” Sixteen veterans were honoured with salvers and cash awards for their contributions to the welfare of the ex-servicemen community.
Bernard seeks clarity on GHADC building permission rules
SHILLONG, April 9: Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak has sought clarification from the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) regarding recent notices mandating prior permission for construction activities in rural areas of Garo Hills. In a letter to the Chief Executive Member and the Executive Committee, Marak noted that the Council has issued notices requiring individuals to obtain permission for the renovation, erection, or alteration of residential buildings under the Building Regulatory and Development Authority. Marak pointed out that the move has caused confusion among residents in both urban and rural parts of his constituency due to a lack of public communication. He questioned whether any awareness campaigns or consultations with Nokmas (traditional village heads) were conducted before the notices were issued. The MDC urged the Council to clarify the matter and conduct necessary sensitisation programmes to prevent further public inconvenience and ensure the community is properly informed.
NEIGRIHMS hosts 7th Swachhata Conference on hygiene, public health
SHILLONG, April 9: As part of the ongoing Swachhata Pakhwada, the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) organised “Hygeia – The 7th Swachhata Conference” in Shillong on Thursday. The conference brought together approximately 130 delegates, including doctors, nurses, and sanitation staff from various government and private healthcare institutions across Meghalaya. Speakers such as Padma Shri awardee Patricia Mukhim addressed the gathering as discussions focused on best practices and strategies to improve sanitation standards in both institutional and community settings. The event featured several engagement activities, including a “Waste to Art” competition based on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, and a quiz on sanitation. A Swachhata Pledge Signing Campaign was also launched, with participants committing to maintaining cleanliness in their workplaces and communities. Experts from the Department of Psychiatry conducted a session on “Coping with Workload and Fatigue,” focusing on stress management, work-life balance, and practical relaxation techniques.
