Anti-CAB, BJP reason for UDP defeat for LS Shillong seat
During the review meeting of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Shillong in the residence of President Dr. Donkupar Roy, Senior UDP leader Bindo Lanong rubbished the claims that its candidates Jemino Mawthoh defeat was the result of some betrayal by the MDA partner’s leaders.
Speaking to reporters Bindo Lanong said that “all leaders including MLA and MDC have work hard with dedication for the common candidates (Jemino) but due to various issues like the CAB, Anti-BJP and other have cause us defeat”. He also claimed that the electorates have been misled by the Congress leaders who portrayed UDP as the bad boy for working with NPP who is an ally with the BJP. The party will held a meeting on July to re-organize the party and to discuss the plans for the GHADC election. Meanwhile Jemino Mawthoh clears the stand that UDP is against CAB. When asked about the issue of ‘Punjabi Lane’ Bindo Lanong said that “the idea of relocating them is not to deprive them of their place to stay but to give them a better place to live in”.
Meghalaya Autonomous District to hold joint meeting soon
The three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) have decided to hold a joint meeting to discuss on the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Shillong. The KHADC Chief Executive Member, Teinwell Dkhar told reporters that the meeting was inconclusive as the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) could not attend the meeting. The meeting was held only between the KHADC and the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
“Though we have discussed many issues but we cannot take any decision without GHADC. Therefore we have decided that all the three ADCs will again meet very soon to collectively decide on the suggestions to be submitted to both Centre and State Governments,” he said. KHADC Chairman P. N Syiem said that the issue related to number of seats for the three ADCs apart from other issues will also be discussed in the next meeting.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated school building of Mohan Massar U.P.School at Mawprem in the presence of Minister Education Lakhmen Rymbui, Mohendro Rapsang, MLA, West Shillong and Paul Lyngdoh, EM,MDC, KHADC.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister and Chief Guest of the occasion, Conrad K Sangma said that it was very satisfying moment to inaugurate the building which has been built by public participation. “We as a government have been encouraging public participation to improve the overall education scenario in the State as a whole,” said the Chief Minister. He also said that there are challenges in the Education sector like no drinking water or electricity in schools, poor pass percentage, dilapidated buildings and things are not as good as it should be but people should come together and put in collective efforts for a change in the education sector. “Education is like the blood in a body and when the blood in the system is not proper every single organ in the body is affected and it is upon the quality of this blood that will determine a healthy body,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said that the nearly 25,000 students who did not pass the SSLC and HSSLC examinations must have been subjected to physiological difficulties and therefore it is very important that society, government and all stakeholders should come together to improve the quality of education and stop blaming one another and participate in improving the education sector. “The collective efforts of Round Table India and the government is an example which shows what can be achieved when we come together,” he added. He also informed that under the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Government of India has listed 36 EMRS in Meghalaya making it the highest in the country. He added that with the setting up the EMRS schools in far flung areas of the State the biggest challenge that the government is facing to provide quality education in rural areas will be solved.
Commending the efforts of the Round Table in funding the school building the Chief Minister said that each of us needs to adopt a school and a child. “The Round Table and Ladies Circle have done a wonderful job through their motto Freedom Through Education but the real satisfaction will come when you visit the school, talk to the students and teachers, map the progress of the students, let this journey not end with the school building,” said the Chief Minister.
In his address, Minister, Education, Lakhmen Rymbui said that the initiative of Round Table, Shillong will set an example to other NGOs for collective collaboration for a good cause. He urged the teachers of the school to work harder in increasing enrollment and said that the Round Table should consider the needs of the differently abled in their next phase of the school building.
The Round Table India through its Shillong chapter and Shillong Ladies Circle inaugurated a eight classroom building block at Mohan Massar Upper Primary School. Shillong Round Table is a part of Round Table India Movement. The flagship program of Round Table India is Freedom through Education wherein they provide educational infrastructural for the under privileged children. Among others who spoke during the inauguration were Area Vice Chairman, Round Table, Robin Agarwala, Chairman, Shillong Round Table, Vikram Singhania, Sq Leg Amit Singhania and Chairperson, Ladies Circle, Gunjan Singhania. EM, KHADC, Paul Lyngdoh also handed a cheque of one lakh to the school during the occasion.
CM Inaugurates Nongpoh Solid Waste Management Project
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, today inaugurated the Nongpoh Solid Waste Management Project which was also attended by Minister, Urban Affairs, Hamlet Dohling as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma said that the government has been talking continuously about waste management and understanding the importance of waste management and disposal the government has come up with Solid Waste Management Policy. “It gives me pleasure to inaugurate this long overdue project that was started in 2007-2008 and I appreciate the initiative of the then government and the urban affairs department for having had the vision of understanding the challenges that come with urbanization,” said the Chief Minister. He also informed that the government is trying to ensure that all pending projects where significant investment has been made by the government are completed so that public in general will get the benefits from those projects.
The Chief Minister also said that waste management has to looked at from the economic point of view as the more we consume the higher the GDP is and everything is based on consumption and stated that there has to be a balance between consumption and sustainability and ensure that our resources are used in a balanced manner. “It is important that we understand that we consume in a much more rational and thoughtful manner to have a balanced economy and a balanced ecology,” he said. He urged everyone especially the young students gathered for the inauguration that their and each individual’s efforts in reducing and reusing can make a great difference in waste management. He added that the Solid Waste Management projects would be extended to other parts of the State.
Earlier, in his Key Note Address, Director, MUDA, E Kharmalki, outlined the Salient Features of the State Solid Waste Management Policy that strives towards zero waste and creating a totally healthy, sanitized, clean and healthy environment by focusing on reduce, reuse, recycle, recover and remove. He also informed that the policy emphasizes on civic engagement and the involvement of the community in waste management, collection and decentralized value recovery. He added that the policy also encourages behavioural and perception change among the citizens.
Among others who were present and spoke during the inauguration were Paul Lyngdoh, EM, KHADC i/c Town Committee, Jason Mawlong, MLA, Umsning, Mayralborn Syiem, MLA, Nongpoh, Balajied Ranee, MDC, Nongpoh and C B Syiem, Chairman, Nongpoh Town Committee. Also present was the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, R M Kurbah.
A delegation from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) from Amritsar Punjab led by the Aditional Secretary Paramjit Singh, Sardar Harpal Singh and Sardar Bhagwan Singh today met the Home Minister of Meghalaya James Sangma to address their disagree on the decision of the Meghalaya Government in giving one month notice to the Punjab community residing in Them ïew Mawlong.
Speaking to the reporters after the meeting Paramjit Singh said that the Government or High Level Committee (HLC) should take back their decision in giving one month notice to the Punjab community residing in ‘Them ïew Mawlong’ to prove their legality of residing in the area. Paramjit Singh said that the Punjabis community has been residing there for the last 200 years, so there is no question for them to give up their land and Homes. The delegation also expressed their concerned over their communities after being threatened by the banned outfit HNLC. Paramjit Singh has asked the Home Minister to keep vigil against any threat to the Punjabis communities.
