Category: Regional

International Reinvent Northeast – Dimapur edition launched during Wangala Mini Hornbill Festival by Delhi Fashion Club in association NGTC For culture & Tourism promotion

Shillong Today

Nov 24: Nagaland is not only the land of festivals but also the land of culture, tourism, and talent. With the aim to
promote the culture, tourism, textile, and talent of the northeast, DFC Dimapur ( Delhi Fashion club ) in association
NGTC (Nagaland Garo Tribal Council ) jointly organized a fashion sequence “International Reinvent
Northeast” Dimapur Edition during two days Wangala cum 1 st Mini Hornbill Festival on 22 nd Nov at Dimapur,
Nagaland.
This Show included 18 beautiful models of the Garo tribe from Nagaland and 1 Model named Shilla Ch Marak from
Shillong, Meghalaya. For this show audition was conducted in Nagaland & Meghalaya. All the selected models first
underwent a strict training and grooming workshop session organized by the Delhi Fashion club in association with
Lakme Academy, GS Road, Guwahati for 2 days between 19-20 Nov at Dimapur, Nagaland. This show included the
promotion of colorful handlooms and cultural Garo traditional fusion wear which was nicely amalgamated with
Garo tribal accessories. Delhi fashion club also chose 6 Models named Molina Momin, Molina Momin, vinitoli,
ShillaMarak ch marak, Tunali & Momulin to be the next DFC Models for upcoming events and get more groomed &
promoted to national & international level.
This event also marked the launch of the DFC Dimapur chapter which aims to promote the talent of Nagaland state.
This event was beautifully choreographed by celebrity fashion director and youtube personality Mr. Harshit
Dhingaun who has more than 217k+ subscribers, Ex- a Channel V Fame Reality star & has been working with
Bollywood celebrities. The stylist and show manager was Mrs. Sharmila Momin who did a great job with garments
and accessories. DFC Show coordinator for the event was Mr. RahuL D Sangma. The Make-up & Hair partner for this
show was Lakme Academy, Complete team of 8 members specially traveled all the way from GS Road, Guwahati
to Dimapur for this show.
Special guest and VIP for this show was Mrs. Vikali A. Zhimomi, State President, Women’s wing, Nationalist
Democratic Progressive Party ( NDDP ), On request of the organizing team, She also walked gracefully on the ramp
like a model which was highly appreciated by the crowd and all loved it. She gave away the certificate to all the
models and appreciated such initiatives which support women empowerment and initiatives which support women empowerment and also promote the rich
culture & tourism of the Northeast. This show was highly appreciated by Mr. Karampal G. Momin, President, NGTC
who also walked the ramp in the end of the show along with show VIP Mrs. Zhimomi.
More editions for International reinvent northeast shall be launched in northeast states & the main event will be
hosted in the Capital, New Delhi giving it national & international appeal with the collaboration of international
designers too. This event pre-promotion is already being done in Delhi, Shillong, Guwahati, and Dimapur now.
In Past, the Delhi Fashion club has been associated with Asian designer week, International fashion week in Goa, IFW
Chandigarh and India Fashion week designers as well. For the last 6Yrs, DFC has been promoting northeast talents in
mainland India through a series of events and Youtube videos.
Delhi Fashion club is a fashion management association founded in 2016 by celebrity fashion director Mr. Harshit
dhingaun with the aim to boost the fashion industry and help talented people across India grow together with various
activities like fashion shows, workshops, and shoots, DFC is appreciated by the Government of India for promotion of
northeast handlooms through a series of events and on youtube channel TheVOY voice of youth. They have named
this initiative Reinvent northeast. Now, the team is planning to launch more chapters in Shillong and Dimapur
to slowly promote and cover the northeast completely. DFC has already launched in Guwahati, Bangalore, Mumbai, Goa,
Dehradun & Chandigarh. Visit https://www.delhifashionclub.org for more updates.

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Government and IITs coming up with “planning of villages”: IITG Director Social Scientists should lead Research: IITG Director at USTM workshop

Shillong Today

9th Mile, Khanapoara, Ri Bhoi, November 10, 2022: Rural development is very critical for us. If India wants to become a 5 trillion economy, we need to solve the problems in its villages. For the first time in India, the Government, teaming up with top IITs of India has come up with “planning of villages”. This was stated by Prof. TG Sitharam, Director, IIT Guwahati while addressing the valedictory session of the 2-week-long capacity building programme on “Research & Training-Learning Process for the Faculty in Social sciences” here yesterday. The programme was organised by the Department of Rural Development, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) with support from the Indian Council of Social Science Research.

The session was also addressed by Prof V Suresh Babu, NIRDPR-NERC; Ms Anusua Butta Baruah, IAS, Scey., Food, Civil Supply and Consumer Affairs, Govt. of Assam, Prod GD Sharma, VC, USTM, apart from others. Addressing the participants, Prof Sitharam said that the initiative of village planning is expected to be done in the tune of town planning or city planning which is quite different from the existing concept of development of villages. This rural planning would be short term as well as long term.

The short-term plan is for 5 years and the long-term planning is for 25 years. “IIT Guwahati has selected two villages from Kamrup (Rural) District of Assam in the initial stage. We are finding out which are the prime locations or properties in the villages, how do we manage the solid waste in the villages, how do we give water supply etc. basically planning for development.” Social entrepreneurship has to happen in a big way, he emphasised.

He also said that this village planning is exactly like town planning. “This village planning the process is being started for the first time in India taking only 20 villages across India as of now, which is being done by the Ministry of Panchayat Raj, all IITs and 10 schools of planning”, he added.

Speaking on research, he said that funding for Social Science Research Research is limited while in science and technology research the Government provides huge funds. Therefore, he advised that “social scientists should bring scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs into its course.

That will change the complete perspective”. “I strongly believe that social scientists should lead the research. People from a humanities background should design research problems and involve scientists and technologists in the
process of doing it, it is a key aspect of doing research. Then it will be much more fruitful as far as output is concerned. “At the end of the day, research and development is done for whom? It is for the common people. So, we should come out of the ways in which we have been doing research and broadening our perspective”, he stated.

He said that all kinds of developments, be it healthcare, engineering solutions for flood control, or disaster management, should emanate from our villages. Humanities play a major role in research and development with the science and technology component coming into its purview.

The program ended with the distribution of certificates and mementos to all the participants of the 2-week-long capacity building programme on Research & Training-Learning Process.

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8th Convocation of USTM Successfully Concludes

Shillong Today
8th Convocation of USTM Successfully Concludes

9th Mile, Ri Bhoi, Sept. 20: The Eighth Convocation of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has been held successfully here on Tuesday  in the presence of a galaxy of Vice Chancellors, heads of institutions and dignitaries. Altogether 1305 graduates were awarded degrees, out of which 15 scholars were awarded PhD degrees, 775 students were awarded Post Graduate degrees and 515 students were awarded Undergraduate degrees. Honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc.) was conferred upon Dr. N. N. Dutta, Founder and Chancellor, Assam Down Town University while Padma Shri Manas Chaudhuri, former Editor of The Shillong Times and former Education Minister of Meghalaya received Honorary D.Litt. degree from the Governor of Meghalaya at the Convocation. The convocation was presided over by Shri Satya Pal Malik, Governor of Meghalaya & Visitor, USTM.

Education Minister of Meghalaya, Lahkmen Rymbui, and a host of Vice Chancellors graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.The distinguished dignitaries present in the Convocation include, Dr. B. J. Rao, VC, University of Hyderabad; Dr. N. Lokendra Singh, VC, Manipur University; Dr. R. M. Pant, VC, Assam University, Silchar; Prof. Saket Kushwaha, VC, Rajiv Gandhi University, Aunachal Pradesh and Dr. V. K. Jain, former VC, Tezpur University,apart from Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor and Prof GD Sharma, VC, USTM.
In his Convocation Address, Prof B. J. Rao, Vice Chancellor of University of Hyderabad said, “A degree is no longer a passage to certain employment. There is a need to add new skills with latest technologies. Innovation and creativity are the keywords of our times”. He urged the students to realize their responsibilities towards the Country and the Society at large.
Addressing the gathering, Meghalaya Governor Shri Satya Pal Malik said, “The university is an outcome of its founder Mahbubul Hoque’s vision to change lives of the people of the region by empowering them with education”. He congratulated all the awardees including Padmashri Manas Chaudhuri and Dr NN Dutta, the recipients of the Hon. D.Litt & D. Sc. and thanked USTM for giving recognition of great works done by the awardees.
The Chancellor of USTM Shri Mahbubul Hoque welcomed all for their participation and said, “We aspire to become a world class university and appeal to all the stakeholders to join us in our endeavor to transform this university into a world class institution and participate in the nation-building process”. He also expressed his gratefulness to the Government of Meghalaya for its help in the creation of USTM.
Earlier, the University report was presented by the Vice Chancellor of USTM Prof G. D. Sharma. This was followed by award of degrees and gold medals. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Best PG Student award went to Ms Ajungla Kundang, MA Rural Developmentand PA Sangma Best UG student award went to Ms Yashodhara Goswami, B. Sc. Biotechnology.Apart from this, 24 gold medals were awarded to the best Post Graduates of the respective departments while 21 gold medals were given away to the best undergraduate students from different departments.
Dr. N. N. Dutta, the recipient of the Hon D.Sc. degree has enormous contribution in the field of Healthcare & Research Sector & Academic Administration specially in establishing higher educational institutions in the North East. Padma Shri Manas Chaudhuri is well known for his immense contribution in the field of Literature, News-Media, Political Reforms and Social Transformation.
The Convocation began with the grand and elegant Academic Procession which was participated by the Registrar of the University, Academic Council members, members of Board of Governors, Deans of different schools, Heads of different Departments and the Award recipients. The Convocation came to close with administration of oath and the signing of the National Anthem.

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One Day Roundtable Conference to disseminate findings of ‘Northeast Public Health Cadre Study, and, the Public Health Education in India Study’ held in Shillong

Shillong Today

Conference witnesses’ presence of representatives from Health & Family Welfare Departments of 5 NE States to deliberate on major findings

Shillong 27 Aug : One day round table organized jointly by the Government of Meghalaya and the Centre of Budget and Policy Studies, Bengaluru on 26th of August 2022. It was attended by representatives from the department of Health and Family Welfare from the states of Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.

The focus of the Roundtable Conference  discussed the findings of a study conducted by the Centre for Budget and Policy Studies titled ‘Does the Northeast need a Public Health Cadre: A study of four Northeastern states’ which was conducted in the latter half of 2021. The study took an in-depth look at Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland from the aspect of public health landscape, health budgets, current administrative structure and essential public health functions to understand whether these states would benefit from the presence of a public health cadre. CBPS’s second study looked at the current landscape of the Master’s in Public Health Programmed in the country. The study was led by Director of Centre of Budget and Policy Studies, Bengaluru, Dr Jyotsna Jha, with the support of Thakur Foundation.

The CBPS study on feasibility of Public Health cadre for NE states pointed out the following as 1) that NE states performed better than the national average on MCH indicators. 2) There was high dependency on central funding for public health (through the NHM.) 3) Certain essential public health functions (EPHF) such as Research and innovations, assuring a competent PH workforce were almost nonexistent across all four states. 4) There was an acute shortage of trained public health professionals in all four states, and hence medical specialists filled PH posts.

Speaking at the conference, the Principal Health Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Shri. Sampath Kumar, IAS stated that adequate focus should be put on the need for blended programmed for public health among various states, in order to tackle the shortage of medical specialists in Northeast Indian States. He also enunciated the need to follow a three-dimensional approach to health with equal focus on Preventive Care, which encompasses Promotive care, Curative Care and Enabling Dimension. He added that before the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of healthcare was mostly limited to curative care. The pandemic has put forth a realization that the health system means now to be reinforced with much greater capacity in public health. Proper investments should be made, both in terms of infrastructure as well as in terms of human resources to have the required skills for delivering public health programmes.

It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya Health Policy which came into effect in May 2021 ensures that the focus of health equally shifts to preventive care from just curative care, in order to bring about a healthy and productive population, while also focusing on creating an enabling dimension, by empowering communities to become producers of health services and not merely beneficiaries, such as through the newly effected institutions like the Village Health Councils (VHCs) in Meghalaya.

The Additional Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Mr. Ramkumar, IAS inaugurated the round table and emphasized that before embarking on the journey of creating a public health cadre, it is important for state to examine their public health system and arrive at a cadre structure that works best for them.

The participants from all five states undertook a group exercise to assess the status of the essential public health functions in each of the states. In the process of rating their state on the different essential public health functions (EPHFs) the participants were able to reflect on the current gaps and came up with probable solutions to improve these gaps. Hence through this exercise the participants were able to reflect on the fact that an in-depth understanding of the gaps in their public health system/functions is a pre-requisite for a public health cadre.

A presentation was also made on a study that mapped the Master’s in Public Health courses in India. From the study it was seen that there are currently 105 institutions offering MPH in India, however only 4 of these institutions are in the Northeast. Only 37% of institutions were public institutions. However, students were plagued with high fees (average 2.9 lakhs for private and 87,000 for public institutions), insufficient information on the course online and poor field immersions. There is also currently no accrediting agency for MPH in India. A brief presentation highlighting the contribution of IIPH-Shillong in public health education in the Northeast was also given during the Round Table session.

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Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2022 announces Dates, Event plan and Ticket portal

Shillong Today

Shillong Aug, 24: The 2022 Edition of the Cherry Blossom Festival has been announced by Meghalaya Tourism.
This year’s edition will have India’s Biggest Music Contest and Pre-Festival Events in a multi city Indian, Thailand and Malaysian Tour in addition to the International Concert and Literature Festival.


The dates of all these events span through October and November 2022. Online Tickets will be sold for all the events planned and will be made available from 24th August 2022. Details with regards to Dates, Event Plan, Contest applications, Stall applications can be found at www.shillongcherryblossom.com

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DoT announces commissioning of three new towers with state-of-the-art technology for Meghalaya

Shillong Today

Shillong, Aug 16: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), North East Licenced Service Area (NE LSA), Shillong has announced the commissioning of three new towers with state-of-the-art technology, for citizens of the rural areas of the state of Meghalaya under Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) at Panchiring A in South West Khasi Hills District and at Mawpen and Katradua in East Khasi Hills District.

 

Villagers of seven villages namely Panchiring A, Mawpen, Katradua, Mawhati, Phodkroh, Panchiring B, and Upper Panchiring will now avail the state-of-the-art telecom services through high-speed 4G mobile broadband services for accessing various e-Governance initiatives of the Governments at Centre and State. With this, the total mobile coverage is extended to 5540 villages in Meghalaya by various licensees of DoT.

 

During the last year, 368 new towers, 743 new Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) have been added and 507 uncovered villages have been provided with mobile services in the state of Meghalaya.

 

Ravi Goel, Senior Deputy Director General & Head of NE LSA of DoT on this occasion informed that extension of 4G services under DoT’s ambitious ‘4G Saturation Program’ to additional 1512 villages of Meghalaya has been proposed by DoT NE LSA and is under consideration of DoT HQ & USOF.

 

He also informed that to assure the public safety from EMF radiations, India has implemented 10 times stricter norms than those prescribed by ICNIRP and for ensuring the same, DoT NE LSA regularly tests the BTSs for compliance to these EMF norms, and till date 3557 out of 7190 BTSs have been tested in Meghalaya state and all of these have been found compliant to the norms.

 

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Meghalaya and Assam frontrunners in Progress of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme

Shillong Today

Shillong, Dec 26: The Ministry of Power, had launched the Reforms-based and Results-linked, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), with the objective to improve the operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of State owned DISCOMs/ Power Departments by providing financial assistance to DISCOMs for modernisation and strengthening of distribution infrastructure, aiming at improvement of the reliability and quality of supply to end consumers.

The State governments of Meghalaya and Assam have become the frontrunners in planning their operational and financial reforms as well as the underlying works to accomplish the same under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (Nodal Agency – REC).

Accordingly, their state-level Distribution Reforms Committee (DRC) and State Cabinet have approved the proposals, including Action Plan and DPR, for consideration under the scheme.
The Action Plans from the states include multiple reform measures aimed towards loss reduction, implementation of smart prepaid metering of majority of their consumer base, 100 percent feeder level energy accounting by financial year 2023, reconductoring of old / frayed conductors, conversion to LT ABC, bifurcation of feeders, segregation of agriculture feeders, and upgradation of billing and other IT/OT systems, in addition to works towards improving quality and reliability of supply.

Under these plans, the State governments have also committed to ensure financial viability of the Discoms, such as liquidation of outstanding subsidy dues and Govt. department dues, implementation of tariff reforms, measures to enhance consumer services etc.

These proposals would now be put forward to the Monitoring Committee set up by the Ministry of Power for approval.
This time, two of the North-Eastern states have shown exemplary initiative in plan formulation for turning around of their power sector.

Also, several other states are also in advanced stages of submission of their proposals under the scheme.

Thirty nine out of 55 beneficiary Discoms (Nodal Agencies REC and PFC) have already submitted their draft proposals and are in active discussions with Nodal Agencies for their finalization, while the balance Discoms are also expected to send their proposals shortly.
It is noteworthy that Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme has an outlay of Rs.3,03,758 crore with an estimated budgetary support from Central Government of Rs. 97,631 crores, which would be available till financial year 2025-26.

The assistance is reforms linked and will be based on meeting pre-qualifying criteria as well as upon achievement of performance benchmarks by DISCOMs evaluated based on an agreed and customised evaluation framework tied to financial and operational improvements.

The unique feature of the scheme is that its implementation is based on the action plan worked out for each state to address state specific issues, rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Key interventions envisioned under this program include providing support to DISCOMs to undertake activities for ensuring 100 percent system metering, implementing Prepaid Smart Metering, Energy Accounting, and implementing infrastructure works for Loss Reduction, as well as for Modernization and System Augmentation aimed at improving the quality and reliability of power supply.

In addition, segregation of feeders dedicated only for supply of power for agricultural purposes, which are proposed to be solarized under the KUSUM scheme, will be sanctioned on priority under the scheme.

Along with their proposals, DISCOMs will also need to submit an Action plan for strengthening their distribution system and improving performance by way of various reform measures targeting improvement in operational efficiency, financial viability and quality and reliability of power supply.
Given the current state of operational and financial losses of Discoms in the country and to provide a much-needed fillip to the power sector as well as the overall economy in the pandemic affected year, multiple meetings and workshops with Discoms have been conducted to assess their level of preparedness for taking benefits under the scheme by the Ministry of Power and the Nodal Agencies, chaired by the Minister of Power, R. K. Singh.

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Photo exhibition to commemorate Golden Jubilee Year of Bangladesh Liberation War concludes

Shillong Today

Shillong, Dec 24: In the context of Golden Jubilee Year of Bangladesh Liberation War 1971, India’s victory over Pakistan and unforgettable contribution of Border Security Force (BSF) in the victory, the ‘Swarn Jayanti Shaurya Pradarshani Yatra’ Mobile Photo Exhibition which started on December 3 from South Bengal Frontier headquarter Kolkata.

It had covered around 1,400- km up to Shillong.

The Main motto of this Yatra is to inculcate spirit of patriotism in youths and also to spread awareness about the contribution of BSF & Mukti Bahini in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

During the programme, documentaries, Videos, Photographs of Bangladesh Liberation War 1971 highlighting role of BSF and Mukti Bahini in Bangladesh liberation were screened.

Moreover, BSF Brass Band also performed patriotic songs echoing sense of commitments towards nation mesmerized the spectators.

The Mobile Photo Exhibition was placed at Dawki on December 22, Sohra on December 23 and culminated at BSF Campus Mawpat, Shillong.

Large number of youth and civil public witnessed the programme and highly appreciated the role of BSF & Mukti Bahini in ‘Bangladesh Liberation War 1971’ and also thanked BSF for ensuring security to the nation.

The Closing Ceremony of the ‘Mobile Photo Exhibition’ was organized at BSF Camp Mawpat, Shillong, in the presence of Inderjeet Singh Rana, IG, BSF Meghalaya as Chief Guest.

In his address, he proudly depicts the active role of Border Security Force in the Bangladesh Liberation War-1971 with West-Pakistan.

BSF Jawans who gave supreme sacrifice during 1971 War were recognised/decorated by the Govt. of India by giving Gallantry Awards.

Meghalaya has also its own role to play during 1971 war.

A major battle was fought at Kilapara located near Indo-Bangladesh Border in West Garo Hills. In this battle, nine jawans of BSF laid their lives for nation while fighting in support of Bangladesh.

A “War Memorial Kilapara”, in the memory of martyred soldiers, is constructed where martyrs are remembered for their sacrifices.

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Rajnath Singh dedicates to the Nation renovated Rezang La Memorial at Chushul in Ladakh

Shillong Today
Rajnath Singh dedicates to the Nation renovated Rezang La Memorial at Chushul in Ladakh

Shillong, Nov 18: Raksha Mantri, Rajnath Singh dedicated to the Nation renovated Rezang La Memorial at a solemn ceremony at Chushul in Ladakh on November 18, 2021.

The Memorial was constructed in 1963 in the Chushul plains, at an altitude of over 15,000 feet, right at the India-China border to honour the troops of Charlie Company of 13 KUMAON Regiment, who on November 18, 1962, had defended Rezang La and the surrounding areas located at over 16,500 feet on the Kailash Ranges in Eastern Ladakh. The decision to renovate the Memorial was taken by Singh when he had visited Leh in June 2021. In a major upgradation exercise, the renovation of the Memorial commenced in mid-July and the complex was ready within three months for inauguration on the 59th anniversary of the battle.

The Raksha Mantri paid homage to the gallant Indian soldiers who fought the Battle of Rezang La and laid wreath at the Memorial. In his address, he said, the courage and sacrifice of the Charlie Company will always inspire future generations, describing the Rezang La memorial as an epitome of the passion, determination and fearless spirit of the bravehearts of the country.

“The renovation of the memorial is not only a tribute to our valiant Armed Forces, but also a symbol of the fact that we are fully prepared to protect the integrity of the nation. This monument symbolises the Government’s stand of giving a befitting reply to anyone who threatens our sovereignty and integrity,” said Singh.

The Raksha Mantri also lauded the Indian soldiers, who continue to carry forward the valour & patriotism of the fallen heroes and protect the country fearlessly. Reaffirming the Government’s commitment of the welfare of the Armed Forces personnel and their families, he assured them of all possible support to fulfill their needs.

Rajnath Singh dedicates to the Nation renovated Rezang La Memorial at Chushul in Ladakh 1

Singh appreciated that the renovation of the memorial was carried out on the lines of a national-level memorial without compromising with the original structure and sentiments attached to it. He said, the renovated memorial will attract people from within the country & abroad; bolster the feeling of nationalism and encourage tourism. He congratulated all those who worked tirelessly in harsh conditions for the renovation of the monument.

It was a saga of unparalleled bravery as Major Shaitan Singh and 113 soldiers had made the supreme sacrifice, fighting one of the world’s rarest ‘last man, last bullet’ battles. Major Shaitan Singh was bestowed with the Nation’s highest gallantry award, the Param Veer Chakra, posthumously. The entire project of Rezang La Memorial was spearheaded by the troops of Chushul Brigade, the very same formation under which the Armed Forces had defended the entire Ladakh sector in 1962.

The renovated complex includes a double-storied museum, a mini-theatre to screen a special documentary on the battle, a large helipad and various other tourist amenities. The Rezang La Memorial, located very close to the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, is set to become a major tourist attraction in the coming years.

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Shri RK Mathur, Member of Parliament from Ladakh Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen CP Mohanty, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General YK Joshi and other military officials were present on the inauguration of renovated Rezang La Memorial. Those associated with 13 KUMAON, including Brigadier RV Jatar (Retd) who had participated in the battle as a Captain; Major Shaitan Singh’s son Shri Narpat Singh Bhati & the family of the then Commanding Officer of 13 KUMAON, Lt Col HS Dhingra and other veterans also attended the event and were felicitated.

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IT department carries search operations detects unaccounted incomes

Shillong Today
No information about AITC MLAs merging with us: BJP state prez

Shillong, Oct 8: The Income Tax Department carried out search and seizure operations earlier this week in the case of two groups based in the North-East Region and West Bengal.

According to the Ministry of Finance, a total of 15 premises were covered in the search action, which was spread across Kolkata, Guwahati, Rangia, Shillong and Patna.

A statement from the Ministry of Finance stated that one of the group is engaged in the business of cement manufacturing.

“During the search action, it was found that this group generated unaccounted income by indulging in out-of-books sales and booking bogus expenses. This unaccounted income is laundered back into the business through shell companies,” the Finance Ministry said.

Evidences found during the search revealed that many paper companies are run by the group to provide accommodation entries to its flagship concern.

According to the Finance Ministry these paper companies were found to be non-existent at their given addresses.

The Finance Ministry said, “During the search, incriminating evidence indicating bogus unsecured loans, bogus commission paid, bogus share premium received through shell companies etc. was also found. These evidences indicate that an amount of more than Rs. 50 crore may be unaccounted.”

The group was also found to be wrongly showing tribal individuals as creditors, such amounts being to the tune of around Rs. 38 crore.

Further, details of certain offshore entities/ bank accounts were found during the search, which are apparently not declared in the relevant returns of income.

Meanwhile, the other group is actively engaged in executing railway contracts in Assam, Mizoram and other parts of North East.

During the search operation incriminating documents, loose sheets and digital evidences were seized indicating undisclosed investments in land and properties.

Also large number of sale deeds pertaining to land and properties have been found, the valuation whereof could be in excess of Rs. 110 crore.

“During the search, corroborative evidence could not be produced to explain the source of acquisition of these assets. Further, documents containing details of cash transactions amounting to more than Rs. 13 crore in the sale of properties have been found,” the Finance Ministry said.

The Ministry said that these search and seizure actions resulted in detection of undisclosed income in excess of Rs. 250 crore.

“Unaccounted cash of more than Rs. 51 lakh has been seized. Nine bank lockers have been put under prohibitory orders and are yet to be operated,” the Finance Ministry added.

Further investigations are in progress.

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HFU approaches SBI for funding agri and allied sectors in state

Shillong Today
HFU approaches SBI for funding agri and allied sectors in state

Shillong, Sep 12: Hill Farmers’ Union (HFU) president Commander Shangpliang recently met the Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, North East Circle, RS Ramesh for Agri Business Cluster Development in Guwahati SBI Secretariat.

Shangpliang informed that the union is for introducing various business opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors to double the income of the farmers.

“However we could not go ahead in various projects due to fund constraints,” Shangpliang said.

According to the HFU president, the Chief General Manager expressed his willingness to work with farmers of Meghalaya and he had assured the union that funds should not be a problem.

According to Shangpliang, the union in collaboration with the State Bank of India will soon be launching a pilot project in livestock in Meghalaya.

He also urged the State government to increase the budget for agri and allied sectors in the state.

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