Month: September 2022

Meghalaya ranked as one of the top performing states in implementation of JJM

Shillong Today
TMC alarmed over looming water crisis in state

Shillong Sep 29: Meghalaya has been ranked as one of the top performing States in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission(JJM).

This was informed by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today during his address at a function to inaugurate several developmental projects for 18- West Shillong Constituency, at the premises of Hindu Mission, Lower Mawprem.

‘All of you will be happy to know that on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti the President of India will confer the award for one of the best performing states in the implementation of JJM, to our State’, the Chief Minister said.

During his address the Chief Minister also informed that the State has been conferred with several awards recently for its performance in different areas ranging from healthcare to tourism.

`We are working with a vision to make Meghalaya one of the top 10 States in the next 10 years and with the right initiatives and policy interventions the State has made rapid strides in many of the developmental indices’, he added.

During the function the Chief Minister along with the local MLA, Mohendro Rapsang and other dignitaries inaugurated the mortuary van of the Hindu Mission as well as the LED Street Lights and CCTV installations in the area. The projects are funded under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund.

During his visit the Chief Minister also interacted with the children of the orphanage run by the Meghalaya Hindu Mission.

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CBC Shillong organizes two-day photo exhibition celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at NEHU

Shillong Today

Shillong, Sep 29: The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Regional Office, (MT Region), Shillong has organized a two-day Photo Exhibition & Outreach Activity to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).

The exhibition, which is being held in association with Pro Bono Associates Club, Dept. of Law, NEHU, showcases the freedom struggle of India through a series of photo exhibits. A special section in the exhibition is dedicated to 8 Years of Seva, Sushasan, Garib Kalyan wherein the achievements of the Government across various sectors in the last 8 years, including in the North East, have been highlighted.

Vice Chancellor, NEHU, Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla today inaugurated the photo exhibition mounted at NEHU Community Hall. In the inaugural address Prof. Shukla appreciated the efforts of CBC Shillong for organizing the multimedia exhibition and urged students to visit the exhibition.

He said that the purpose of the exhibition is to make people aware about the contribution of the Freedom Fighters to our freedom struggle. The purpose is also to make them aware about our rich history and heritage, he added. He expressed his gratitude towards CBC, Shillong for organizing this kind of exhibition and said that this will go a long way in educating the people, and the students in particular, about the supreme sacrifice made by our Freedom Fighters for the cause of the motherland.

He further said, “Through the photo panels displayed in this exhibition, we can learn about the unsung heroes of the Northeast whose contribution for the Independent India had been immense.”

Remembering the bravehearts of Meghalaya – U Tirot Singh, U Kiang Nangbah and Pa Togan Sangma, Prof Shukla said that the entire country should be aware of their supreme sacrifice. He also appealed to all the participants to uphold and work towards the dreams that our Freedom Fighters envisioned for this country.

Director, CBC, Shillong, Shri Engam Pame gave a detailed overview of the functioning, structure and working of CBC in the region. He also briefed the audience about various outreach activities that will be organized for the dissemination of information to the grassroots. Shri Pame said that these programmes are being organized so that people can avail the benefits of various public welfare schemes of the Government.

Prof H Mishra, Director, UGCHRDC, NEHU in his talk , “Youth-led Development A Step towards self –reliant India’’ dwelt in details on how the youth of the region can contribute for achieving an Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

The photo exhibition is part of the various outreach activities being organized by CBC, Shillong during this year as part of the 75th year of Independence. The aim of the multimedia exhibition is to generate awareness among the masses regarding the various initiatives & welfare programmes of Government of India. It is an effort to familiarize people with the objectives and vision behind Amrit Mahotsav and how people can be a part of the campaign.

Others present during the event were Prof. K Debbarma, Dean of Social Sciences, NEHU, Dr R K Mishra Nodal Officer, Pro Bono Associates Club, Dept of Law, NEHU and students of the law department, NEHU. The Exhibition is open to the public till 30th September, 2022 during which people may visit the exhibition. Debate competition and patriotic singing competitions are lined up for day two of the exhibition.

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Meghalaya TMC announces Office Bearers for Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Trinamool Congress Committee

Shillong Today
Selma D. Shira tmc mahila committee president

Shillong, Sep 28: The Meghalaya Pradesh Trinamool Congress constituted their women wing- Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Trinamool Congress Committee; with a strength of 18 members. Meghalaya TMC aims to create a space for the active involvement of women in spreading the visions of the party across the state.

Among the 18 office bearers and executive members, Selma D. Shira was appointed as the president of the Mahila Pradesh Trinamool Congress Committee, while Mehalin S Marak, Kathleen Marbaniang and June E Marak appointed as the Vice Presidents.

Merilline Ch Marak and Noorun Mehraj Warjri has been given the responsibilities to work as General Secretaries in the Committee.

According to the TMC while the MDA government sits unperturbed over the issues pertaining to the women in the state, Meghalaya TMC and its women workers pledge to bring change to the collapsing system.

“With a strengthened women’s wing, Meghalaya TMC has once again proven to be the sole credible alternative in redressing the procrastination of the MDA government,” the women wing of the TMC said.

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Regional level consultation on “combating human trafficking in NER held

Shillong Today

Shillong, Sep 28: The National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Women Commission today held a Regional Level Consultation on “Combating Human Trafficking in NER” at North Eastern Council Auditorium, Shillong.

The objective of the Consultation is to improve the effectiveness in tackling cases of human trafficking, raising awareness among women and girls, capacity building and training of Anti Trafficking Units and to strengthen & sensitize law enforcement machineries.

In her address Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women appreciated the scenario of women in the Northeast and their dominance in every field.

Sharma stressed on devising newer methods of prevention, protection and prosecution of human trafficking of women in Northeast region since the region shares international borders with countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar which has invariably becomes a transit point.

In view of tackling cases of human trafficking, Sharma said that the NCW along with States Commission can play a greater role in creating job opportunities, sensitization for girls in schools and colleges and holds periodic meeting with the stakeholders to review the challenges.

 

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Conrad attends “Interface with Award Winning KVKs Building of Success” Seminar

Shillong Today

Shillong, Sep 28: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, on Wednesday attended the inaugural session of three days’ national seminar on ‘Interface with Award Winning KVKs Building of Success’ at College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University, Umiam.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister, said that the program which was being held for the first time in the country is simple yet important that recognizes the work of the KVKs.

“Besides acknowledging the services of KVK scientists it gives an opportunity to be able to share the best practices that are happening in different KVKs throughout the country, especially in the Northeast for the ultimate benefit of the farmers,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said that the famers have always been the core focus of the government of Meghalaya.

“The farmers have multiple problems of procuring seeds on time, market connectivity, lack of storage facilities, lack of technical and scientific support and lack of packaging facilities for the products,” Sangma said.

He also said that the farmers need different interventions at different levels.

The Chief Minister also said that it would not be in the fitness of things to bring a practice from outside and forcing the people to do it.

“Changing the entire way of farming would be incorrect and unfair but to bring in scientific and technical knowledge and skills to the existing practices to achieve a sustainable model of farming is the real challenge,” the Chief Minister said.

He further added that the farmers are the asset of the nation and solutions to the problems of the farmers also requires innovation and planning.

Sangma further suggested that the deliberations of the seminar should be documented and shared with every State so that each State can adopt some of the practices that are most suitable for the State.

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BSF Jazz and Brass band display was organized at Holy Cross School, Umkiang, East Jaintia Hills

Shillong Today

Shillong, Sep 28: In the series of events under celebrating “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” to mark 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence day, a BSF Jazz and Brass band display was organized at Holy Cross School, Umkiang, East Jaintia Hills on Wednesday.

During the event the Brass and Jazz band of BSF Meghalaya presented a colourful musical programme.

The musical programme was attended by approximately 300 bordering people consisting school children, teachers and eminent personalities and general public from nearby bordering villages.

BSF Bands mesmerised the crowd by playing many popular patriotic tunes and left the audience enthralled.

The gathering appreciated the BSF for arranging such a grand event and expressed that more such events should be organized in the future.

The show also installed the feeling of patriotism in the heart and minds of the youths and general public residing in border areas.

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Women’s U-19 T20 Trophy: Meghalaya to begin campaign on 1 October

Shillong Today
Women's U-19 T20 Trophy: Meghalaya to begin campaign on 1 October

Shillong, Sep 27: A 15-member squad was announced by the Meghalaya Cricket Association for the upcoming Women’s U-19 T20 Trophy today.

The team will be led by Suriti Kumari Ray with Monica Lyngdoh Phawa the vice-captain.

This tournament has the privilege of launching the BCCI’s domestic women’s cricket calendar for 2022-23.

Meghalaya’s first match will be on the opening day against Goa. All of Meghalaya’s matches will take place in Hyderabad.

Present at the send-off today at Polo Ground was MCA Honorary Secretary Gideon Kharkongor, Member of the Technical Committee Saibal Dasgupta, Chairman of the Tournament Committee Dister Marbaniang and Manager of Cricket Operations Shining Lyngdoh.

Kharkongor encouraged the young women to do their best and said that it will be a learning experience vital to their growth as cricketers.

Meghalaya squad: Suriti Kumari Ray (captain), Monica Lyngdoh Phawa (vice-captain), Blaridahun Dkhar, Ara Daffica Kharbani, Smillin N Sangma, Janika Marak, Dubleen D Nengnong, Marme M Sangma, Emisakani Warjri, Jaylin Mary Marak, Fennysha Nongum, Sistilin Ryntathiang, Ankita Sharma, Awesa G Momin, Neelam Roy

Support staff: Syed Nishat Fatima (head coach), Leonard Wankhar (assistant coach), Sushma Thapa (physio), Darishesha Mawroh (trainer), Claystone C Marak (manager)

Fixtures:
vs Goa, 1 October, vs Vidarbha, 2 October, vs Sikkim, 4 October, vs Karnataka, 6 October, vs Delhi, 8 October.

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Conrad Sangma: Meghalaya spends 15 percent of their budget on education annually

Shillong Today
Conrad Sangma: Meghalaya spends 15 percent of their budget on education annually

Shillong, Sep 27: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said that the government spends a little over fifteen percent of the State’s budget on education every year.

The Chief Minister said this while addressing a gathering of academicians and students at a function to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Mawsynram Border Area College at Mawsynram, East Khasi Hills.

Sangma added that the government, despite the numerous challenges in the education sector, is committed to improve the overall education scenario in the State.

“Education has been an area where, as a government, we have focused a lot. It is one of the most challenging sectors. It is not easy for the government to try and resolve all issues in a short span of time. But we have taken up the challenge and working towards improving education through the various interventions – whether it is the education policy, whether it is the investment in Government school buildings, whether it is the opening up of People’s College, whether it is the different support that we give towards infrastructure even to private schools and colleges’, he said.

According to him a large amount of investment and a lot of thought processes has gone into improving the education structure.

The Chief Minister said that education is one of the most important as well as the most complicated sectors.

“Out of the Rs.16,000 crore of budget that Meghalaya government spends every year, more than Rs. 2500 crore is spent for the running expenditure of different schools, colleges and over and above that, other infrastructure investments are made every year. So clearly from the government side, the kind of importance that is given to education can be seen by the amount of budget that we spend on education’, the Chief Minister added.

He also said that while the Government has embarked on a determined effort, all stakeholders have an equal responsibility to see that education improves in the State.

“There are a large number of stakeholders in the education sector, there is of course the Government which includes the political leadership and the officials, we have the teacher community, we have the society in general, we have the parents with whom children spend most of the time at home. Each of these different sections of society has a role to play to make education improve in the short, medium term, and the long term’, he said.

The Chief Minister also said that the Government is also exploring the best possible way to upscale higher education in the rural areas through various interventions either by creating new infrastructure or by increasing the capacity of the higher educational institutes in rural areas to handle increased student intake.

‘If we look at the concentration of colleges you will see a large number of them in Shillong or Tura and other district quarters. And hence the youth living in the rural areas have less opportunity to get enrolled in higher studies due to the lesser number of institutions in rural areas. The Government is working earnestly to change this and to ensure that our students don’t miss out on the opportunity for higher learning’, the Chief Minister said.

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Meghalaya government regional committees in six areas of differences between Meghalaya and Assam

Shillong Today

Shillong, Sep 26: The Meghalaya government on Monday informed that it has constituted three Regional Committees to examine the present status of the remaining six ‘areas of differences’ between Meghalaya and Assam.

In Langpih, West Khasi Hills District; Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block-ll in Ri-Bhoi District; Block-l, Psiar-Khanduli in West Jaintia Hills District, Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister will be the chairperson, cabinet minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare, Nongpoh legislator Mayralborn Syiem, Jambor War, Executive Member, KHADC (Elaka), Rangkynsai Kharbuki, KHADC MDC from Umroi will be the members while Deputy Commissioner, Ri-Bhoi District will be the Member Convenor.

For West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, cabinet minister Renikton L.Tongkhar, will be the Chairperson, Macmillan Byrsat, MLA, Nongstoin, Kimfa S. Marbaniang, MLA, Rambrai – Jyngam, Gigur Myrthong, Deputy CEM, KHADC, Bajop Pyngrope, MDC, Rambrai -Jyrngam, will be the members and Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District will be the Member Convenor,

For West Jaintia Hills, cabinet minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, will be the Chairperson, Lahkmen Rymbui, cabinet minister in-charge Home, Comingone Ymbon, MLA, Raliang Constituency, Nujorki Sungoh, MLA, Mowkaiaw, Thombor Shiwat, CEM, JHADC will be the members while Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills District will be the Member Convenor

The Terms of Reference, is to coordinate with the relevant Regional Committee set up by Government of Assam, to cross-reference and verify the names of the villages (sub-villages) claimed by Meghalaya with the names of villages as per records of Government of Assam.

To establish the geographical location of the villages and their contiguity. To examine the status of the population of villages as per census records including ethnicity.

To prepare an ‘As-ls’ Public Asset Register in the villages, created by both the State Governments, to visit each of the villages, and interact with the communities living in the villages including the elected representatives of the Autonomous District Councils and other stakeholders to learn about the perception of the people living in the area.

To document the factual information regarding the physical & time-wise distances from the villages to the nearest public service delivery poinU administrative unit.

The reports by the respective committees will be submitted to the government of Meghalaya within a period of 45 days from the date of this notification based on the inspection of the villages and based on the agreed yardsticks of historical perspective, ethnicity of the local population, administrative convenience of local people, contiguity with the boundary and the perception of the people living in the area.

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First, state Level Workshop on Meghalaya’s Early Childhood Development Mission held

Shillong Today
First, state Level Workshop on Meghalaya's Early Childhood Development Mission held

Shillong, Sep 26: A one-day State Level Workshop on Meghalaya’s Early Childhood Development Mission was held on September 26, 2022 at Yojana Bhawan, Main Secretariat Building, Shillong. The workshop commenced with the theme “Unleashing every child’s full potential for a bright tomorrow”. This is the first time that a state level workshop for MECDM was held. It may be mentioned that Meghalaya is one of the first states in India to have conceptualized the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission, a holistic lifecycle approach targeted at overall development of children- right from the preconception period till the age of eighteen. It was launched formally in December 2021.

Addressing the gathering as the keynote speaker, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma laid down the Government’s vision of making Meghalaya one of the top 10 states in India in terms of developmental indicators. He said that every scheme and mission being implemented in the State is interconnected. The initiatives undertaken by the Government through many interventions for women & mothers, children & youth is a long-term goal to address the challenges in the State in achieving the vision to make Meghalaya one of the Top 10 States in the country.

He stated that the Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission is a pioneering programme and taking cues from the same, four other Indian states have also begun to conceptualize their own state ECD initiatives. He expressed pride in the fact that Meghalaya is emerging as a trailblazer for other states to follow, and that this is one of the many initiatives being taken up to improve the developmental indicators of the state.

The Chief Minister emphasized on the importance of working on a mission mode as opposed to the generic schematic approach towards improving developmental indicators. With respect to Meghalaya’s Early Childhood Development Mission, he encouraged all stakeholders present in the State Level ECD Workshop to adopt a mission-mode approach in implementing the Mission, to work with purpose, clear outcomes and in a time-bound manner.

The Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, Mr. Sampath Kumar IAS spoke at length about the mission, vision and journey of the MECDM. He laid emphasis on the fact that the MECDM is not just a human development programme but more so, an economic development programme, that is focused upon building the cognitive capital of the state’s future through a holistic and strategic intervention. Meghalaya’s ECD Mission is a multidisciplinary, research based approach which will not only lead to a holistic development of a child but also to overcome poverty and inter-generational gap. The ECD mission focuses not only on the child but also on parents and propagates the 1000 days gap period in terms of birth spacing, including responsible parenthood, which is crucial for the well being of the mothers as well as the children.

He stated that the MECDM begins its intervention even before the birth of the child, at the conception period, whereby the health and well being of women occupies the crux of the mission, by focusing on providing socio emotional support to women. Sharing the vision of MECDM, he added that this is a unique intervention which is being implemented through the collaborative approach of four Government Departments namely: The Social Welfare, Community & Rural Development, Education and Health & Family Welfare Departments. He said that this mission is a shared purpose of the State that requires proactive support from all quarters.

He also informed that the MECDM is unique in the sense that for the first time, Meghalaya has taken the initiative to cover 1500+ uncovered villages under the ICDS programme since the year 1975. This is being done by building the capacity of the Self Help Group network across the state to provide ECD services and growth monitoring. He said that currently, the state has a network of more than 40,000 women-led SHGs which acts as a huge social capital for taking forward the vision and mission of the MECDM.

The progress of the MECDM was also highlighted in detail, with some key areas being the following: 1) Egg distribution to children, pregnant and nursing mothers under ICDS launched on August 15, 2022 to complement the existing SNP of the ICDS- Social Welfare Department. The aim is to effect healthy diet spillover to a majority of the households, especially in rural areas. It may be mentioned here that about 46% of Meghalaya’s children are stunted as per NFHS-5 (2019). This has come down to 24% as per Poshan Survey 2022. 2) ECD Day and Parent Circles at the community level pilot interventions. Here parents are trained on the importance of early childhood development and meaningful interaction with children. Involvement of the fathers or the men folk is emphasized upon. 3) Covering 1500+ villages under the ICDS programme for the first time. 4) Launch of ECD helpline number to call parents at least 21 times over the 1st 1000 days for counseling on healthy practices and information on available services.

It may be mentioned that the ECD Mission has undertaken to bring a state-of-the-art approach to early childhood- using science-based methods to strengthen cognitive development, such as positive parenting and joyful learning, combined with improved nutrition, and mental stimulation.

The workshop witnessed participation from the officials of Departments of Social Welfare, Community & Rural Development, Education and Health & Family Welfare Departments as well as District and block level officials from the State, including resource persons from outside the state. The inaugural session of the MECDM workshop also witnessed a welcome address by Commissioner & Secretary to the Social Welfare Department, Pravin Bakshi followed by an address from the Commissioner & Secretary of the Education Department, B. K Tiwari. The logo of MECDM was also launched during this session.

Following the inaugural session, Dr. Sabrina Yesmin, member of IAP, Meghalaya set the context on Early Childhood Development (ECD). This was followed by a detailed presentation by Dr. Venita Kaul, Executive Member, ECD Mission on Science of ECD and the early years. Ms. Sinjie Marak, ECCE Coordinator, Education Department gave a session on Early Childhood Education in Meghalaya.

Dr. Jayanti Prakash from Sesame Workshop spoke on the concepts of Early learning and whole child curriculum- Getting children ready for school and life. Learnings through various experiences and practices- a brief on the study by Ekjut on how they were able to reduce the prevalence of wasting, underweight and stunting after various interventions was shared by Mr. Amit Kumar, Dr. Dhanashrii Bagal and Ms. Suchitra Rath from Ek Jutt team, Jharkhand. A session with the International Institute of Population Science (IIPS), Mumbai was also held with Prof. U. Mishra, IIPS. Later, there was a participatory session where the district teams and other participants gave suggestions on better implementation of the MECDM. The workshop ended with concluding remarks and a way forward by COO-MECDM, Mr. Ronald Kynta

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Meghalaya Chief Minister encourages all stakeholders to dream big for 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022

Shillong Today

Shillong, Sep 26: The 2nd edition of the North East Olympic Games will be hosted by Meghalaya as part of its 50th anniversary of statehood celebrations in November 2022 and Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma has encouraged all stakeholders, from players to coaches, officials and everyone involved, to dream big.

Sangma, the chief guest, was speaking at the curtain raiser of the Games, which was held at Pinewood Hotel here today evening. The Chief Minister unveiled the Games’ logo, the official mascot – NEO, a clouded leopard, which is Meghalaya’s state animal – and launched the Games’ website and information booklet.

The mega regional sporting event – to be held from 10 to 16 November – returns after four years, with the inaugural event having taken place in Manipur in 2018. There will be 3,000-plus athletes plus officials and spectators at the NEOG 22 taking part in 18 disciplines.

Also present on the occasion were Chief Secretary of Meghalaya Shri Donald P Wahlang IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), Dr Vijay Kumar D IAS, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Smt RM Kurbah IAS, Under Secretary, DSYA, Shri Shivansh Awasthi IAS, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Smt Isawanda Laloo IAS and Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) Working President Shri John F Kharshiing, among other dignitaries.

The Government of Meghalaya has given the Games its full support as a way to also celebrate 50 years of Meghalaya statehood.

“I congratulate and thank the Meghalaya State Olympic Association and Department of Sports and Youth Affairs for working very hard to organise the North East Olympic Games in Meghalaya. It is a great milestone and all stakeholders have worked very hard to achieve this and bring it together,” the Chief Minister said in his short speech. “There is still lots to be done but I am sure the way the officials are working that no stone will be left unturned and I am sure that these will be the best Games that the state and the North East have ever seen.”

The subject of sports and, particularly, youth development through sport, is a subject close to Shri Sangma’s heart.

He mentioned that the Meghalaya government has been working hard over the last four and a half years, two of which saw the state in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, to see that the youth are able to excel and participate in the sports they love.

“Two things drive us – first, to see our youth get medals at the National Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics. If other states can do it why not we? First step to realising this is to understand that achieving the goal will require a lot to be done at various levels. Our youth are second to none and have huge talent but it needs to be shaped and encouraged so that they can win medals. The second thing is we strongly feel that the youth need to be focused on. Meghalaya has a large youth population and engaging the youth through sport is very important for us so that we produce young, talented, responsible citizens,” the CM said.

The state government has been taken a holistic approach to the subject, while also giving the youth opportunities to develop their talents in academics, music, art and social development. As part of these measures, the Meghalaya government has also begun systematic recognition of athletes who have brought laurels to the state with cash awards to motivate them to do even better.

Shri Sangma also referred to the recent talent identification programme, which saw teams visit each of the 12 districts to conduct a series of standardised physical tests in which close to 5,000 youth took part. This was conducted by the MSOA and DSYA to identify budding talent through a scientific approach and plan to develop the bright prospects.

“There are challenges in holding a Meghalaya Games, North East Games and National Games but we improve and learn through these challenges. Whatever difficulties we face, we tackle them,” he said, noting that many North East states are following Meghalaya’s lead in holding state-level multi-disciplinary events; it was under the current Meghalaya government that the Meghalaya Games were revived after several years.

The Chief Minister also encouraged the 12 athletes that Meghalaya is sending to the 36th National Games in Gujarat and presented them with mementoes. Monetary aid was also disbursed to the 18 state associations to help them prepare for NEOG 22 through selection trials and coaching camps.

Although he was not able to be physically present for the function, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shri Banteidor Lyngdoh sent a message to the gathering, saying “I wish to express my solidarity and joy at my state being given this opportunity to provide a platform that will showcase the immense sporting talent that our rich North East region possesses. This is a humble beginning and I am confident that the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, along with the generous and capable support of the MSOA will deliver to the fullest and I believe Meghalaya will set a landmark that others will try to follow.”

The Chief Secretary also noted that NEOG 22 will be a massive undertaking and encouraged all the organisers to take a consistent and dedicated approach using due diligence. He added that he was confident, given the way Meghalaya co-hosted the South Asian Games in 2016, that the event will be a successful one.

Shri Vijay Kumar said it was a huge privilege for Meghalaya to be able to host NEOG 22 and apt to hold something on this scale during the 50th year of statehood.

Photo caption – Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma (left) after unveiling NEO, the mascot of the 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022. He is joined by (left to right) Chief Secretary Shri Donald P Wahlang IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr Vijay Kumar D IAS, Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President Shri John F Kharshiing and Under Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Shivansh Awasthi IAS

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Shillong Premier League 2021-22: 10-man Rangdajied beat Ryntih to take 2nd place

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Shillong, Sep 26: Rangdajied United FC won a thriller 4-2 against Ryntih SC to take provisional second place in the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2021-22 standings at Third Ground, Polo, here today.

Donboklang Lyngdoh (45’+2, 57’), Niawkorlang Kyndiah (48’P) and Wansiewdor Nengnong (82’) scored for the winners, while Ryntih made things difficult for Rangdajied with goals by Ebormi Buam (25’) and Sheen Sohktung (63’).

With 28 points, RUFC have taken back second place in the standings and that will mean that Langsning FC (25 points) will have to beat Mawlai SC in the season-ending match on Friday in order to get the runners-up slot.

Coming into today’s fixture, Rangdajied were third with 25 points and Ryntih fifth with 17. Both needed at least a point to move up to second and fourth respectively. In the reverse fixture, Rangdajied had edged Ryntih 1-0 on 25 June.

Prior to kick-off, a minute’s silence was observed by match officials, players and others at the ground to honour the memory of Banshanlang Kharbyngar, a local referee who passed away on Friday.

It was Ryntih who took the lead in the 25th minute. A back pass to Rangdajied goalkeeper Ialamlang Biam was pinched from him and passed to Buam, who executed an easy tap-in.

Rangdajied, however, had the bulk of the chances in the first half but many of their attempts were lacking in accuracy. However, Lyngdoh got on the end of a volley in stoppage time and put it past Eric Nongkhlaw to go into the break with the score 1-1.

RUFC snatched the lead early in the second session after a foul in the box gave them a penalty, which was converted by captain Niawkorlang Kyndiah.

Lyngdoh bagged his brace later thanks to an assist by Raikutshisha Buam to make it 3-1 but Ryntih cut the lead down after Sohktung took advantage of a defensive lapse to find the back of the net.

Tempers were fraying by this point, such was the tension in the two teams. Rangdajied cracked first, though, with Samuel Shadap sent off for a second infraction with more than 20 minutes left on the clock.

Ryntih, however, could not make use of their advantage in numbers. They had to press high in order to try and get the equaliser but, in the end, it was they who conceded to Nengnong, who scored off an assist by substitute Denzil Warjri.

The next and final match of the OC Blue SPL 2021-22 will be held on Friday between Langsning FC and Mawlai SC, with kick-off at 3pm. This is to accommodate the prize distribution ceremony that will follow. The Honourable Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shri Banteidor Lyngdoh will be the chief guest on the occasion. Mawlai had won the first leg meeting against Langsning 2-0 on 27 June.

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