Meghalaya conducts orientation for new CWC and JJB members
SHILLONG, July 1: The State Child Protection Society, under the Directorate of Social Welfare, is conducting a four-day state-level orientation program for newly appointed Chairpersons and members of Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) and Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs). The training, which began on June 30 and concludes on July 3, is being held at the Windermere Hotel in Shillong. The inaugural session featured Retired Justice T Vaiphei, former Chief Justice of Tripura High Court, as the chief guest. Agatha K Sangma, Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR), attended as the special guest via video conferencing. Other attendees included Kerpa M Lyngdoh Nongbri, Director of the Meghalaya State Judicial Academy, and various child rights experts. In her address, Agatha K Sangma highlighted the impact of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and the essential role CWCs and JJBs play in society. Justice Vaiphei briefed the participants on constitutional provisions, the POCSO Act, 2012, and the specific legal powers granted to these statutory bodies to protect and support children. The intensive training is designed to equip members with the legal frameworks, procedural knowledge, and psychosocial skills necessary to fulfill their duties under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Mission Vatsalya Scheme. Chonseng D Arengh, Assistant Director (CNCP), urged the new appointees to engage actively in the sessions to strengthen the state’s child protection mechanism.
IIPH Shillong, NESAC partner to use space tech for public health
SHILLONG, July 1: The Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong (IIPHS) and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to collaborate on using space technology and geospatial intelligence for public health research and education. The agreement was signed by Dr SP Aggarwal, Director of NESAC, and Dr Sandra Albert, Director of IIPHS, at the IIPHS campus in Shillong. This partnership aims to integrate public health data with satellite-derived environmental and climatic information to develop geostatistical models. These models will be used to map disease risk areas, identify emerging hotspots, and predict potential outbreaks. A key focus of the collaboration is assessing the health impacts of climate change and strengthening early warning systems, particularly for remote and difficult-to-access hilly regions. By enhancing climate-informed health planning and optimising resource allocation, the initiative seeks to improve public health preparedness and outcomes for Meghalaya and the wider North Eastern Region.
Synod College marks Foundation Day with book releases, honours
SHILLONG, July 1: Synod College celebrated its 61st Foundation Day today at the college auditorium, marked by the release of two academic books and the recognition of long-serving staff and high-achieving students. Adelbert Nongrum, MLA, attended as Chief Guest alongside Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, Director of Arts and Culture, who served as Guest of Honour. A central highlight of the event was the release of two volumes: Look South Policy vis-à-vis Meghalaya, edited by Dr. David Arnold Kharchandy and Dr Ibalari Phylla Khongjoh, and Shadows of 1975: The Emergency and Meghalaya’s Journey as a Young State, edited by Dr. Kharchandy. The publications reflect the college’s ongoing focus on research and intellectual engagement with regional and national history. The speakers commended the institution for its 61-year contribution to higher education in Meghalaya, noting its role in academic growth and social responsibility. The programme also included the presentation of scholarship awards to students and the felicitation of faculty members who have completed 25 years of service to the college. Both guests encouraged the institution to maintain its commitment to academic excellence and community service.
Group seeks appointment of Urban Planner for Tura
TURA, July 1: The FKJGP, Garo Hills Zone has sought the immediate appointment of a Town Planning Officer/District Urban Planner at the Office of the Urban Affairs Office in Tura, which is currently lying vacant. An appeal in this regard was on Wednesday dispatched by the federation to Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge Urban Affairs Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar, through the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner. According to the federation, failure to appoint the said official was causing delays in executing works as well was affecting the smooth functioning of the department. Pointing out that the same vacant post in Jowai was filled up within a week of its vacancy, it urged the concerned department to do the same for Tura Town.
Group wants better BSNL service
TURA, July 1: The ADIL, Bamindanga sub-unit in West Garo Hills has urged BSNL authorities to enhanced the service being provided by its mobile tower located near Demdema block. In its complaint submitted to the company’s Sub Divisional Engineer in Phulbari, the association urged the official to look into the matter and rectify the problem to ensure better mobile service to the people of the area.
