Representatives of various women’s organizations in Shillong aired some of the problems faced by the People of Shillong at a meeting convened by the Chief Secretary Mrs P.P. Trivedi here on Oct 5.

Focusing the city’s transport problems it was suggested that more public buses should be introduced to ease the problems of the commuters and to make provision for separate entry doors for the ladies.

The ladies expressed concern over the filthy and unhygienic conditions prevailing in and around Barabazar area and sought govt help to improve the despisable conditions.

Some of them urged the Govt to help in easing the acute water problem in some of the localities in the city. They, informed the Chief Secretary of the inferior quality of rice and other essential commodities being supplied through fair price shops.

The other problems which figured during the discussion were the unsatisfactory manner of handling the milk packets of the Town Milk Supply Scheme; the need for providing public convenience; regulating of parking system for vehicles. Locating “teer” stalls only in approved places; and checking of blackmarketing in cinema tickets.

Mrs Trivedi assured them of exploring the possibility of introduction of ladies special mini buses by the Meghalaya Transport Corporation. She also said the water supply and other problems was being reviewed by the Govt in order to reduce the drudgery of women.

The Additional Chief Secretary, Mr R.V. Lyngdoh, who is also Special Secretary for PHE, informed that by April-May next year the first phase of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme was expected to be commissioned resulting in drastic improvement in the situation.

In an order issued here by the DC” Durga Puja committees in East Khasi Hills have been given nine- point “guidelines” for conducting the festival “along orderly lines” .

The order is an improvement on the previous years in the sense that it has dispensed with the system of obtaining permission. Instead, puja committees are required only to register themselves.

According to the order, all puja festivities “must end” by 8 p.m. Committees interested in holding cultural programmes are required to obtain special permission” from the DC.

The other restrictions are: holding puja in any public area such: as parks, roads, govt office compounds etc ; use of loudspeakers; beating or drums (except at the time of performing puja); holding of immersion precession other than the prescribed one taken out on vehicles along pre-determined routes.

All Committees have been asked to ensure that “they do not disturb people of other communities while beating drums , ringing bells or sounding gongs”. The DC’ has also directed that “there will be no dancing in moving vehicles and the movement of all vehicles carrying images will take place in a sober and befitting manner.”

Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements are being made to ensures that the festival passers off peacefully, Official sources said that all possible steps would be taken to maintain peace and tranquility.

The State Bank of India observed “Women’s Fortnight” highlighting the important role played by women in the society and particularly, how they can augment their family income by taking up subsidiary occupations with assistance provided by State Bank.

During the fortnight which ended on June 30 loans had been sanctioned by its Branches in and around Shillong to over 20 women for a wide variety of business activities. The majority of the loans are being granted under the differential interest-rate scheme at a confessional rate of 4% p.a.

At a brief function on July 3 the lances were handed over the sanction letters.

The State Bank of India observed “Women’s Fortnight” highlighting the important role played by women in the society and particularly, how they can augment their family income by taking up subsidiary occupations with assistance provided by State Bank.

During the fortnight which ended on June 30 loans had been sanctioned by its Branches in and around Shillong to over 20 women for a wide variety of business activities. The majority of the loans are being granted under the differential interest-rate scheme at a confessional rate of 4% p.a.

At a brief function on July 3 the lances were handed over the sanction letters.

Dr B Pakem, Meghalaya Minister for information & Public Relations, has urged upon the I & B Ministry to set up TV net work in the North East on a war footing.

Speaking at the annual conference of Information Ministers in Delhi on July 3, he said the people residing along the inter ratio at border were viewing TV programmes beamed from Bangladesh. This was “not healthy”, he said.

Dr Pakem advocated for opening an Earth TV Station in Shillong which as not only the state capital but also the headquarters of NEC, Hill University, Eastern Air Command, army and paramilitary forces.

He also drew the attention of the Centre to the inordinate delay in upgrading the Shillong station of AIR from 1KW to 100 KW. The I & B officials told that works were in progress and the station would be commissioned “soon”.

Among other matters raised were constituting of Programme Advisory Committee for AIR , Shillong , revival of wall newspapers, setting up of the Song & Drama Division, revival of rural broadcasting by providing transistorized radio sets at subsidized rate to the rural people.