SHILLONG, JUNE 5: The state BJP president Ernest Mawrie on Monday relieved former GHADC chief Boston Marak as party’s Schedule Tribe Morcha president after Lokayukta chargesheeted him in an alleged scam related to construction works under the Council.
“I am relieving him (Marak) from all responsibilities with immediate effect and forwarding his matter to the disciplinary committee for suggesting what action should be taken against him,” Mawrie told reporters.
He said the decision was taken after the Lokayukta had chargesheeted Marak and in view that the BJP is practicing zero tolerance on corruption.
SHILLONG, JUNE 5: Minister in-charge Tourism Paul Lyngdoh on Monday said the government has decided to implement the Shillong ropeway project based on the ‘European standard’.
Speaking to reporters here, Lyngdoh said that he had met three senior officers of the Switzerland government to discuss this matter during his visit to the country recently.
“The objective of the visit to Switzerland was to facilitate the start of the Shillong ropeway project which is an ambitious project of Rs 140 crore funded by the Asian Development Bank,” he said.
He said that the Shillong ropeway project will be one of largest ropeway projects in North East India where we expect very heavy footfall of tourists and tourism will emerge as the single biggest employment avenue for people here in Meghalaya.
On an average in Sohra where previously a house owner would earn Rs 3,000 per month as rent today is earning Rs 3,000 per room per day.
“So the visit came about (after) first we got the invitation from the local government of Switzerland. We had met three senior officers of the local government and the whole intention was that we would like to implement this project based on what is called the European standard. Why the European standard? Because one, our affinity in terms of climatic condition and two, the topography,” the minister said.
Reacting to the allegation that he was shying away to talk about the issue of reservation policy, Lyngdoh said, “I could not have cancelled these meetings on the ground that there is somebody staging a hunger strike in Shillong so I have to rush back and cancel these engagements which were cleared by the Ministry of External Affairs.”
He further informed that the project will take off by August, this year. “We will start the tendering process and hopefully by December, we should be able to start work on the ground and it will take us two years plus to complete it.”
SHILLONG, JUNE 2: Power Minister AT Mondal has expressed concern over the decrease in the water level of the Umiam Lake.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mondal said, “The water level of Umiam is one of the lowest in the history of the Lake. We are standing at 3,170 feet. Another five feet down it means problem……We cannot generate much power. Our units are just spinning for some time then wait for water to gather.”
With the state receiving very less rainfall this year, the minister said that the government is working holistically by coming up with some short term remedies to cope up with the present scenario and at the same time, some long term measures will also be taken so that in the future we are not subjected to such a crisis.
He informed that the government is trying to see certain projects come up as early as possible so that the problem can be solved.
Mondal said that the demand is increasing proportionately at a higher rate than the generation that is there.
“Every day we need 6.6 or 7 million units of power. We are generating from our own state generating units only 1.5 million units on an average…so where the rest of the power is coming it is coming from banking and purchasing,” he said.
“We are thankful to the High Court that they have given us a direction that we can purchase power and pass it on to consumers. But it is not that we purchase at a higher rate and tell consumers you give in at a high rate because the rate is fixed not by MeECL or the power department, it is fixed by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission. Therefore, we have petitioned them so let us see whether we get some respite or not,” he added.
SHILLONG, JUNE 2: C&RD Minister Abu Taher Mondal on Friday said that there is no proposal to create new C&RD blocks in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Mondal said, “As of now, no proposal for creation of new C&RD blocks. As I told you earlier, it is a continuous process as and when the government feels the necessity and requirement then the government will go for creation of new blocks.”
The minister said that the government has received around 5-6 applications for the creation of new C&RD blocks.
“We received applications for creation but as of now from the government side there is no proposal to create new blocks,” he added.
SHILLONG, JUNE 2: BJP leader and Tura MDC Bernard N Marak on Friday said the 80% reservation for the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia is a unique structure which should not be disturbed.
“It has brought balance to the three communities for over 50 years and disturbing it might bring about catastrophic loss to the three communities if cons are not foreseen by the leaders. The legal aspect should be made known to every member of the three communities as a slightest change could lead to losing 30% of the present 80% we enjoy today,” Marak said in a statement.
Urging the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia to stand united to preserve the 80% reservation structure in the interest of the youths of the three communities, the MDC said, “We can work out the differences internally and peacefully.”
He also asserted that the Garos are not demanding more but there has been lapses in the past which we want it to be justified.
Meanwhile, the BJP leader further warned that the tension in the state over the issue might break the unity and disrupt the peace.
His statement also came a day after the state government has constituted an expert committee to review the job reservation policy following an indefinite hunger strike staged by the VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.
SHILLONG, JUNE 2: BJP spokesperson and former Mawsynram legislator Himalaya M Shangpliang has been appointed as the Adviser of the Education department.
This was informed by the Commissioner & Secretary in-charge Education Pravin Bakshi in a notification issued on Friday.
“The Governor of Meghalaya is pleased to appoint Shri Himalaya M Shangpliang, Ex-MLA as Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Education Department with perk and facilities under Category “A”,” the notification said.
SHILLONG, JUNE 1: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government on Thursday notified the constitution of an Expert Committee to review the state’s job reservation policy.
The decision was based on the recommendation of the Ampareen Lyngdoh-led committee of all political parties and after the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit refused to call off his indefinite hunger protest till government agrees to review the policy.
A notification issued by Chief Secretary DP Wahlang said that the Expert Committee will review the State Reservation Policy as notified in resolution dated the 12th January 1972.
“The Expert Committee shall undertake a review of the State Reservation Policy by obtaining views from all stakeholders and by conducting field visits to all parts of the State,” it said.
The notification also said that the Chairperson and members of the Committee shall consist of experts in Constitutional Law, Economics, Sociology, Demographic Studies and related fields which shall be notified by the Government of Meghalaya.
Addressing media persons, chairperson of the committee of all political parties Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “We are now willing as a government to listen to the voice of the public at large. You have to listen to what citizens are telling you so we have said that we are going to do it.”
“How long this will take again will be something that the government will be engaging in. I do not want to give a specific timeframe because it will be incorrect but public is going to be keeping a watch and we hope that we will be able to complete this exercise as soon as possible,” she added.
Lyngdoh said that the government will constitute a search committee for the appointment of the chairperson and members of the expert committee.
“When we say that there will be a review of the state reservation policy, it will entail all aspects depending on what stakeholders bring to the table for discussion. If you bring some matters to the table for discussion surely this committee will have sittings with all stakeholders, so we have to ensure that citizens across the state shall be allowed to present their point of views, their observations, which are back with substantial reasoning and justification,” she said.
She also urged all political parties to normalise their approach on the matter. She said, “When I say normalizing, send in writing, substantiate your view so that a committee can be accurately discuss this matter with the suggestion put forward in the table.”
Asked on the future of her committee, Lyngdoh said, “Now our committee as announced yesterday still have some tasks.”
“For example, two political parties could not make it to the meeting of May 29, attended yesterday’s meeting, we need to take a call on roster, is everybody in line, is everybody on the same page, do we want to keep on hold advertisements, interviews, declaration of results – these are sensitive matters. So the two political parties would be now meeting with government officials, if necessary I can step in, to discuss the details of that roster proposal that was the first assignment that we will be engaged in and in three weeks’ time all political parties were requested to submit all of their suggestions in black and white with justification and defence so that as and when this expert committee is able to sit they will be tasked with all of these assignments,” she stated.
SHILLONG, JUNE 1: Opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Thursday called off his indefinite hunger protest after the state government has decided to constitute the expert committee for reviewing the state job reservation policy.
Addressing a crowd of supporters, Basaiawmoit said,“Since the government had sent a letter to me, which is a notification that the government will constitute an expert committee, we feel that we have achieved what we asked for. Therefore, I feel that it is right on my part to call off this indefinite hunger strike.”
“I have completed 221 hours and I have a strong faith and I trust completely in God that whatever I do it is not for my personal benefit, it is for the benefit of the general people and the state as a whole, which I feel that God listened and he sees that and give me the strength to sustain,” he said.
Basaiawmoit said the VPP is also demanding the state government to put on hold all job recruitment process till the job reservation policy is reviewed by the expert committee.
The VPP chief also said that his party will not allow the state government to delay the matter by ensuring that the expert committee is time bound to complete its task to review the reservation policy.
He said that the VPP’s protest is not against any particular community but we only want to bring a just and fair policy.
“VPP is a state party. Our intention is not to concentrate only in the Khasi region but we will also be going to Garo Hills explaining to our Garo brothers that we want to see overall development in the state, not only in a particular region.”
Asked if the decision to put on hold the recruitment process will not affect the unemployed youths of the state, the VPP leader however said, “Which is why it depends on the government how to speed up the process of reviewing this present job reservation policy and the government can apply its wisdom on how to deal with those unemployed youths.”
SHILLONG, JUNE 1: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, today, flagged off the Prime Agriculture Response Vehicles at MAMETI, Upper Shillong, in the presence of Minister, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Isawanda Laloo and officials from the Agriculture department. Speaking during the launch, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma commended the Agriculture department that has in the last few years with better technology and improved infrastructure given a growth structure and support system to farmers thereby increasing their income. “About 80 percent of our people are in the farming sector therefore it is important that our farmers are supported hence many programs have been initiated by the government to this end,” he said. Highlighting the employability aspect of Agriculture and Food Sector the Chief Minister said that around 50000 youth enter the work force every in the State and government and private sectors are the two areas where they can be employed while roughly around 3000 are absorbed in the government sector while the rest have to seek employment in the private sector. “In the private sector we have to look at Agriculture, Food Processing, Tourism and the Service Sector as the key areas for employment failing which we will not be able to provide job opportunities to our youth,” he added. He further added that for the private sector to grow there has to be a right environment in the State. “While we are trying to boost the growth of private sector in the State, Agriculture and Food Processing plays a vital role to ensure that we are able to provide economic benefits to the people and create the employment that is required,” he said. The Chief Minister also informed that an additional fleet of 200 Prime Agriculture Response Vehicles will be distributed in the next phase. Under the Prime Agri Response Vehicles, 200 vehicles will be distributed to cooperative societies, Self Help Groups, Farmers Producer Organizations and individuals on 50 percent subsidy on on-road cost of the vehicle. The scheme is intended for rural population who are remotely connected bridging the transportation gaps while providing livelihood opportunities to the rural population. 20 Prime ARVs were flagged off during the occasion and the keys handed to different Integrated Village Cooperative Societies from Khasi and Jaintia Hills. A number of Agriculture-Farming apps namely, CROPSAP, Crop Pest Surveillance and Advisory Project, a collection of WEB and Mobile application for Crop Pest Surveillance and Advisory Project Management System, Horticulture Hub MIS application for managing the daily activities such as sale, farmers’ trainings, generating sales and receipts, reports and managing availability of stocks, MEGAMB, Meghalaya State Agriculture Marketing Board, Meghalaya Farmer App and the MAMETI website were launched during the occasion.
SHILLONG, MAY 30: Seven villages have been declared as ‘infected villages’ of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle.
Secretary in-charge Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department on Tuesday informed that the villages of Sumer, Mawlyngkhung, Umpyrdong-Umden, Umkon-Umden, Saiden-Nongpoh and Jyntru-Nongpoh under Umsning C&RD Block in Ri-Bhoi District and Rangthong under Mawkyrwat C&RD Block in South West Khasi Hills District as ‘infected villages’ of LSD in cattle with a view to prevent and control the scheduled disease.
This was based on the test result samples dated May 28 regarding confirmation of LSD in Meghalaya by the National Institute of High Security Animal Disease (NIHSAD) Bhopal vide letter dated May 12.
SHILLONG, MAY 30: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government on Tuesday re-constituted a committee of all political parties for discussion on the roster system and the 1972 state job reservation policy.
Informing the government’s decision, Lyngdoh said, “I am pleased to announce that the government has accepted the recommendation of the committee on roster reservation and has been pleased to extend the terms of reference of our committee to also include a discussion on the state’s job reservation policy.”
She said the government has also decided to the extend the strength of the committee and have asked all political parties to co-opt two more members from individual political parties.
“This is to make sure that representation of political parties is also balance to the extend possible representing the indigenous tribes of the state of Meghalaya,” Lyngdoh said while urging all political parties including the VPP to attend the meeting of the committee to be held at 2.30 pm on Wednesday.
“With this consultation which we hope will be inclusive of all political parties of the state of Meghalaya we shall then be able to further discuss matter that are relevant in the interest of the people of the state,” she added.
A notification issued by the Chief Secretary DP Wahlang here said, “The Governor of Meghalaya is pleased to re-constitute a committee comprising of all political parties for discussing the implementation of the reservation roster and the reservation policy with the following members…”
The 12-member committee will be headed by Minister in-charge Law Ampareen Lyngdoh.
The members include Zenith M Sangma (AITC), HM Shangpliang (BJP), Augustine Marak (GNC), KP Pangniang (HSPDP), Ronnie V Lyngdoh (INC), Pyndapborthiaw Sabon (KHNAM), Dr W Kharlukhi (NPP), Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar (UDP), Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit (VPP), Chief Secretary DP Wahlang and Commissioner & Secretary in-charge Personnel & AR (B) as member secretary.
The notification said that the terms of reference of the committee is to finalise the implementation of the reservation roster and discuss the reservation policy and submit recommendation to the government within one month from the date of this notification.
To ensure fairer representation from all categories each political party may be represented by two additional members apart from the above notified.
The committee may co-opt any member to take part in the proceedings of the committee if felt necessary.
Shillong, May 30: Rangdajied United qualified for the semifinals of the Meghalaya State League 2023 after another dominant performance saw them hit Mulait United 5-0 in Group B at the Kiang Nangbah Stadium in Jowai today.
Victory means that Rangdajied have 13 points, enough to guarantee them top spot in the group even with a game still to go.
Wansiewdor Nengnong (21′, 90’+3), Basuklang Bina (45’+2), Knerktilang Buam (58′, 63′) were the goal scorers today.
Bansanbha Khongsdam chipped in the ball that led to the opening goal, which was scored via a header by Nengnong. Earlier, Romarius Laban forced Rangdajied goalkeeper Banshanlang Sten to put in a terrific diving save to put out a free-kick, arguably Mulait’s best chance in the match.
The second goal was similar to the first but this time it was Buam who provided the assist, with Bina heading the ball in.
After changing ends, Mulait were looking to find a way back into the game. Before today, only they and Niaw Wasa United had a chance of still halting Rangdajied’s run to the next round but their defence was a little too open and that allowed RUFC to score another three goals.
First it was the turn of the unmarked Buam who sent in a scorcher low and into the corner of the net after a poor clearance went his way and he added his second five minutes later.
There were several close attempts later on but Nengnong returned at the end to strike the ball home following a Denzil Warjri through ball to seal the contest.
The penultimate action of the day was Lessius Sujai getting a red card for a second bookable offence after tripping Nengnong on the edge of the box but Buam missed the resulting free-kick and the referee then blew the final whistle.
Tomorrow’s fixtures: Group A, Shillong – No matches scheduled Group B, Jowai – Sein Pynbhalang vs Youth Club Pdengkarong, 2:30pm Group C, Mawkyrwat – Mawten vs Shillong Lajong, 3pm Group D, Tura – No matches scheduled
