Hawkers’ body to mark 10th anniv with Mela, public dialogues
SHILLONG, June 24: The Meghalaya & Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA) will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a three-day programme from June 25 to 27 at All Saints Hall, IGP. A daily Citizens’ Mela will begin at 10 AM, where members of the public are invited to set up stalls. Those interested in booking a stall may contact 87318 16794. The anniversary event officially commences on June 25 at 11:00 AM, marking a decade of advocacy for the rights of street vendors. The celebrations will include two major public discussions. On June 26 at 10:00 AM, a session titled “Building People’s Digital Infrastructure that Benefits the Workers” will explore how digital systems can better serve the informal sector. On June 27, also at 10:00 AM, a dialogue titled “Why Shillong is Still Stuck? A People’s Dialogue on Navigating the City and the Smart City Promise” will address urban mobility and city planning challenges. In addition to the dialogues, the event will feature cultural programmes, including plays, dances, and musical performances by local artists.
Rajabala parents seek revocation of ‘illegal’ school committee
TURA, June 24: Parents and guardians of Rajabala Higher Secondary School have petitioned the Director of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) seeking the immediate cancellation of the school’s recently formed ad-hoc managing committee, alleging it was constituted illegally. The complaint follows a similar grievance raised by the local unit of the ASPF. According to the parents, the committee—constituted on June 15 by the West Garo Hills District School Education Officer (DSEO)—was formed without following established norms. The parents alleged that no meeting was held on the school premises prior to the committee’s formation, and stakeholders were neither invited nor consulted. They further pointed out that none of the nine members in the new committee are parents or guardians of students currently enrolled in the school. A specific concern was raised regarding the appointment of the SMC Secretary, Lal Bahadur Islam. The parents claimed that Islam is currently the Headmaster of Haripur Boys’ Secondary School and is therefore ineligible to hold the post at Rajabala. They also noted the complete exclusion of local representatives from Rajabala village in the new body. The parents have urged the DSEL to conduct an independent inquiry, declare the current committee irregular, and direct the constitution of a fresh managing committee in accordance with the law.
Group seeks end to frequent power outages in Kharkutta
TURA, June 24: The ASPF from Kharkutta in North Garo Hills has urged the SDO of MePDCL to address the frequent power outages affecting the region, while also calling for an investigation. In a complaint filed on Wednesday, the organization stated that the poor power supply is disrupting public services, hindering students’ education, and causing significant inconvenience to households and businesses.
