By Our Reporter

 SHILLONG: MGNREGS ombudsman in Ri-Bhoi district Thomas Mallai said that he would seek an explanation from Umsning Block Development Officer (BDO) over the delay in the release of funds for payment of the wages to the job card holders under Mawblang Area Employment Council (AEC).

“It is really unfortunate to see that such a large number of people have not received their wages for the past ten months. This kind of delay in the payment of wages defeats the very purpose of this scheme,” Mallai who was appointed by the Government to redress grievances relating to the implementation of the MGNREGS in Ri-Bhoi district said on Saturday.

When asked whether he had received a complaint from the village authority, he said that so far he has not received any complaint on the issue.

“I have come to know about this through the media report,” MGNREGS ombudsman said.

He further urged upon the villagers to lodge a formal complaint through District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) on their grievances.

“Only after I receive the formal complaints I would be able to initiate an inquiry into this matter. I can even summon the BDO to know the reasons about the delay,” Mallai said.

MGNREGS ombudsman said that he would still closely follow up this matter to ensure that people get their wages at the earliest.

Earlier, it was reported that hundreds of job card holders of Mawbseiñ, Mawblang and Nongpyrdet under Mawblang Area Employment Council (AEC) have been deprived of their wages for the past ten months despite the assurance in the scheme that wages will be paid every two weeks.The members of the executive committee of the Dorbar Shnongs of the villages confirmed the nonpayment of wages for the past several months.

“Every time we rush to the office on being informed of the arrival of funds, the Block Development Office, Umsning refuses the same,” a member of the Executive Committee said.

What is surprising is that the wages which has not been paid to the job card holders is for the period 2008-2009 and 2009-2010.

From Our Correspondent

 JOWAI: Along with the with the rest of the world and the country, Jowai on Saturday expressed their respect to the older persons by organising a programme for them. This function was organised by the District Social Welfare Officer, Jowai at Tpep-Pale Club Hall, Jowai.

International Day of Older Persons is a special day earmarked by the United Nations to spread awareness about old aged people.

The Day recognises the contribution of senior citizens towards society and the problems that affect them.

The programme began with health check up and distribution of medicines by the district medical and health officer and superintendent Jowai Civil Hospital followed by short programme where Vice Chairman, Jowai Presbyterian Church Rev.E.Nongpluh was the chief guest.

The District Social Welfare Officer. P. Suchiang gave an introductory speech and welcomed all the older citizens to the function.

A gift of love was also given to all the older persons who were present.

One of the participants, R. Tariang appreciated the government and the ffice of the District Social Welfare for organising such a programme and making the old people feel young at heart in spite of their old age.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Child Development Project Officer, ICDS Project Thadlaskein, J.Synnah.

By Our Reporter

 SHILLONG: In order to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities to respective Durga Puja Committees (DPCs) during the Durga Puja Festival , the Central Puja Committee (CPC) had a meeting with the district administration in this regard, recently. It may be mentioned that various DPCs had complained about non-receipt of PDS commodities, last year.

Speaking to The Shillong Times, General Secretary, CPC JL Das, said that the DC (Supply) was requested to issue special permits of essential commodities at the earliest especially domestic cylinders (LPG) so that the same would be distributed to the DPCs. “We have requested if the essential commodities, especially domestic cylinders are made available at least 3/4 days in advance before the pujas,” said Das.

In another joint meeting of the DC, SP, DPCs and CPC was held recently at the DC’s Conference Room.

The CPC submitted its suggestion as per discussion taken place in its last executive committee meeting and the same was also circulated among the representatives of various DPCs of Greater Shillong.

“One thing that we put forward in the meeting is that there should not be any restriction on timings of puja visits by devotees.

Besides this, low decibel sounds should be allowed within the pandal area after 10 o’clock for various cultural programmes,” said working president, CPC Naba Bhattacharjee.

As per the order of the district / police administration immediately after the joint meeting, a Thana level meeting was convened by the respective sector magistrates and sector police officer at various sectors in Greater Shillong.

The meeting was attended by representatives of various DPCs, besides office bearers of CPC who had raised many valid points in the light of the discussion that took place at the joint meeting.

Meanwhile, the DC, East Khasi Hills District said that the district administration has already made arrangements to see that essential commodities reach the respective DPCs.

On the issue of domestic cylinder (LPG) the DC said that his administration is trying out every possible ways so that it can be made available to the DPCs.

It may also be mentioned here that though allotment of PDS items are made by the Office of DC (Supply), it is the retail trader who has to lift the essential commodities from the wholesale godown and FCI godowns.

By Our Reporter

 SHILLONG:  The Union Ministry of Forest and Environment has given environment clearance to the Meghalaya Ferrous Limited for setting up of the ferro alloys plant at Porla village near Nongstoin in West Khasi Hills.

Official sources on Saturday informed that the Union Ministry had given the environment clearance for setting up of this ferro alloy plant on September 21 last.

Meanwhile, official sources informed that the total project cost is Rs. 48.79 crore which includes site development, building, all the plant machinery and its installation and environment protection measures cost.

“Total capital cost for environmental pollution control measures would be Rs 240 lakh. And recurring cost per annum would be Rs 35 lakh” sources said.

The total area required for setting of the project is 12.6034 acre, official sources said.

“The estimated power requirement for the proposed project would be 10 MW.

Since the supply of power at MESEB is uncertain, the project will have a 10 MW Coal & Bio mass based power plant with import-export features, so that the surplus power in case of shutdown of the ferro alloys unit can be sold to the grid” official sources said.

If there is any shortfall in generation of power for any reason whatsoever , the power will be drawn from the MESEB grid.

Sources also informed that for the proposed captive power plant 41,250 MT per year of Coal would be required which would be sourced from Nongstoin.

By Our Reporter

 SHILLONG: Shillong College was adjudged the best NSS Unit for the year 2011 at the Foundation Day held at Convention Hall, Shillong recently.

Two of its NSS volunteers Shaisngi Lyngdoh of BA 2nd Year and Tara Prasad Upadhayay were also adjudged the best volunteer for the year 2011.

By Our Reporter

 SHILLONG: CPC will organize a Special Puja (Bhog) on October 4 (Maha Asthami) at Nartiang Durga Temple and Prasad will be distributed among the devotees from 11am onwards. CPC has arranged special bus service for the devotees of Shillong for visiting the Nartiang Temple.

The bus will start at 9am (October 4) from Laban (Old Batti Bazar) and MTC Depot, Jail Road, respectively. Visitors from Greater Shillong can contact the following persons for booking: NK Choudhury (9436102410/9089141308) and D Purkayastha (9436303118).

By Our Reporter

 SHILLONG: A Dandiya Nite was organized by Marwari Sammelan Mahila Samiti recently which was attended by state Governor R S Mooshahary as chief guest who also participated in the dance along with other members of the Samiti.

The function also had various cultural programmes and competitions.