Chief Minister Conrad Sangma inaugurates Rongjeng Sub-Division

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma inaugurates Rongjeng Sub-Division

Shillong, Nov 11: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday inaugurated the Rongjeng Civil Sub-Division in East Garo Hills in presence of Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira, MLA Jim Sangma, Thomas A Sangma, Brening Sangma, Rupert Momin, and Pongseng Marak.

The demand for the creation of Rongjeng Civil Sub-Division has been pending for over four decades. In 2017, the Administrative Unit was created at Rongjeng, which has been upgraded as Civil Sub Division on Friday via notification from the Governor.

The new Sub-Division will have administrative control over Rongjeng C&RD block, with at least 180 plus villages within it.

Speaking on the occasion, local MLA Jim Sangma expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for fulfilling the long-awaited aspirations of the people. He also lauded the Chief Minister for fulfilling the vision of Lt Purno Sangma, who was a strong advocate for the creation of Rongjeng Civil Sub Division.

The Chief Minister unveiled the plaque and handed over the notification to new SDO Civil Reuben Momin and congratulated the people of the area for coming out in large numbers to witness the historic day.

“Happy to fulfill the long pending needs of the people”, the Chief Minister said while dedicating the new subdivision to the people.

“P.A Sangma had a close connection with the people of Rongjeng. The Government is working with a vision to bring change and progress in the State”, he added.

“It is the endeavor of the MDA government to bring administration closer to the people. We are planning to upgrade many more blocks and subdivisions so that people can avail of the services,” he added.

Speaking at length on the commitment of the Government to ensure better governance and delivery of services, the Chief Minister recalled a statement made by Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during his recent visit wherein he termed the State as ‘most progressive’ in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in the country.

“Other States in the country should learn from Meghalaya,” the Minister had said, the Chief Minister told the gathering while explaining the commitment his government has for the people to better their lives.

He also informed that Meghalaya has been performing well in different sectors including MGNREGS implementation, where the annual spending has increased to ₹ 1600 cr.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma inaugurates Rongjeng Sub-Division
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma inaugurates Rongjeng Sub-Division

“In comparisons to States like Nagaland and Manipur the spending under MGNREGS is about ₹ 600 – 700 cr while Meghalaya’s spending has been very high. This is the result of how our government has ensured the better implementation of the program,” he added.

Talking elaborately about Focus and Focus plus, the Chief Minister said that the Government has envisioned to ensure financial stability amongst the farming communities and it is the commitment of the government to ensure that the programme continues for the next 10 years.

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2nd North East Olympic Games 2022: Meghalaya and Mizoram finish Group Stage on top

Shillong, Nov 11: Meghalaya finished at the top of Group 2 in the U-21 men’s football competition and will meet Manipur in the semifinal round on Sunday.

Mizoram edged Manipur 1-0 today evening at the MFA Turf in Polo Ground to secure top spot in Group 1. The only goal of the intense 90 minutes was scored by Rohlupuia in the 50th minute in front of hundreds of passionate fans cheering on both sides.

Mizoram will thus meet Nagaland in the first semifinal. Nagaland had lost to Meghalaya 2-1 in the earlier game. Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem put the hosts into the lead in the 29th minute before Everbrightson Mylliempdah increased the gap with a 62nd minute goal. Nagaland reduced the deficit in the 88th minute but Meghalaya were able to see off the remaining minutes for the win.

All four teams had already secured their places in the semifinals but the group order was decided only today. Mizoram will play Nagaland in the first semi at 11am on Sunday, followed by Meghalaya versus Manipur at 4:30pm under lights. Entry remains free for both sides but is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Meanwhile, Sikkim secured a consolation third place in Group 2 with a highly entertaining 5-3 win over Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal held the lead on three separate occasions, scoring through Pungte Lapung (1′, 23′) and Bengia Bosco (68′) but Sikkim came back every time and found a sensational victory thanks to a string of goals in the last 10 minutes. Their scorers were Sahil Chettry (10′), Rohit Gurung (42′), Pravin Rai (82′) and Crisnawag Sherpa (86′, 90′).

Tomorrow will witness the last group stage matches in the U-17 women’s division, with Meghalaya taking on Arunachal in Group 2 at 11am before Sikkim face Assam at 3:30pm in Group 1.

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North East Olympic Games 2022 grand opening at SAI Training Centre NEHU.

North East Olympic Games 2022 grand opening at SAI Training Centre NEHU.

Shillong Nov. 10: Meghalaya set the perfect tone for the start of the 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022 with a flawless opening ceremony at the SAI Training Centre on Thursday.

While a large section of the media grappled with the problem of poor internet connection and dim lights as the event was officially opened. The venue of the inauguration at NEHU was in the no-net zone and several media persons complained that their network connections to Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Vodafone were not working, making it difficult for them to send or post live shots of the function.

Dignitaries from around the North East was present on the occasion, including cabinet ministers, legislators, senior officials, representatives of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) and North East Olympic Association (NEOA), and star athlete, the ‘Dhing Express’ Hima Das Welcoming those present was an arch gate that was a representation of Meghalaya’s world-famous living root bridges.

The Olympic torch was also tastefully crafted in the traditional style using local materials. The athletes performed the march past, oath taking (led by Meghalaya karateka Wandahunshisha Mawblei) and witnessed the lighting of the flame, all of which are traditions of such sporting events, and, for their entertainment, there was a lineup of artistic acts, including the performance of the Games’ official anthem ‘Play’ by Summersalt and other artists from the North East, musical performances by Tarari Choir, Pynter Orchestra and Lamphang Syiemlieh & Ensemble; fireworks display; laser show; a song and dance performance that was a cultural extravaganza and stunning drone show.

The Olympic torch was handed over to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma by Meghalaya runner Marso Kyndait. The CM placed it on the pedestal where it will remain for the rest of the Games. In his speech, Sangma said, “Meghalaya is celebrating 50 years of statehood and to mark this we have to celebrate the youth. We were firm to host the North East Olympic Games in Shillong in this very special year. We have always believed that the youth are the greatest strength of the nation. We have to help them channel their energy in positive ways, so we wanted this to be the North East Olympic Games. Sports is about results and the personality that develops, like how to learn from a loss, improving and playing fair.

The Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh, warmly welcomed all the 3000 athletes and other visitors. “Volunteers and stakeholders have worked very hard in getting everything ready. Sports are an integral part of the journey of a human being and also help people stay fit and active,” he added. MSOA Working President John F Kharshiing said, “We have used this opportunity to create new infrastructure and facilities for the smooth and comfortable experience for the athletes. We are grateful to the state government for bringing a paradigm shift in its approach to sports development.

NEOA President Th Radheshyam said that the purpose of the NEOG, launched in 2018, is to give a foundation for the youth. “We want to build on the aspirations of our children and help them accomplish their full potential. Our youths should have the best environment to build themselves up,” he said. “Meghalaya has a remarkable way of doing things.

The love and affection shown to everyone have been amazing,” he added. Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Chief Secretary, Donald P Wahlang, who said that the athletes are carrying the hopes and dreams of their states.

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