August 11, 2004

Shillong, August 11, 2004: The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has announced the programme for the celebration of Independence Day 2004.

The day will commence with flag hoisting at all Government and private institutions, offices and private residential buildings. This will be followed by the Independence Day Run, which will be flagged up from Fire Brigade Ground, Nongthymmai at 7:30 AM and culminate at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex., Polo

The official programme at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex will include unfurling of the National Flag by the VIP, salute and fly-pass by the IAF helicopter, inspection of the parade contingents, March past and speech by the VIP. To entertain the gathering, a Rock Concert featuring bands from Kolkotta, Kohima, Aizawl and Shillong will also be held.

Other highlights of the day would also include, distribution of gifts and food items by NGO’s and free Cinema Show for children at local cinema halls.

Shillong, August 11, 2004: Together with the rest of the country, Ri Bhoi District will celebrate August 23, 2004 as “Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas” to mark the birth anniversary of (L) Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi. This was informed by the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh, Mr. W. L. Lyngdoh.

The programme is being organized with the aim of creating awareness on renewable energy and to pay tribute to the late Prime Minister’s vision of propelling India into the 21^st century through the application of modern science and technology.

The celebration will comprise of Rally to be held on August 20th from Ri Bhoi College to St. Paul’s School, where the Meghalaya Deputy Speaker, Mr Muktieh and Mr. S W Rymbai, Parliamentary Secretary will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour respectively. A debate competition for students of classes VII-IX and classes X-XII and a drawing and painting competition for Lower and Upper Primary School students will also be held. Cash prizes ranging from Rs. 1000 – 2000/- await the winners of the various competitions.

Shillong, August 11, 2004: Meghalaya Deputy Speaker, Mr. P W Muktieh convened a meeting on August 9, 2004, with flood-affected victims, caused by incessant rains at Mawhati. The meeting, which was attended by the Headmen, local leaders and flood victims from around 20 villages, was held at the RCLP School, Mawhati.

Mr. Muktieh while addressing the gathering, informed that the State Government has appealed to the Central Government to allot Rs 200 crores as relief fund to the flood victims in the State and hoped that the fund comes in time so that the same could be disbursed to the victims during their time of despair. He also urged upon the headmen to submit a list of names of those affected by the floods so that necessary aid can be rendered to them.

Later, Mr Muktieh attended a football final match at Mawhati Playground where Umsaitsneh Sports club defeated Umsohlait Sports Cub in the tiebreaker.

Shillong, August 11, 2004: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr D D Lapang today inaugurated the 2-day conference of the Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Officers of the State in the Main Secretariat Conference Hall, Shillong. The conference is scheduled for two days on 11th and 12th August 2004. The Home Minister, Mr H D R Lyngdoh and other senior officers of the Government also attended the inaugural function, which was presided by the Chief Secretary, Mr P J Bazeley.

Addressing the meeting, Dr Lapang said that the conference is an effective forum for the Officers to deliberate on the issues and strategies to enhance the quality and efficiency of Administration in the State. He underscored that the DCs and the SDOs, being the Government’s authorised representative at the District and Sub-Divisional level, must ensure that the Government’s plans and programmes are translated into action effectively in the Grassroots level.

While stressing on the need to maintain discipline, Dr Lapang said that the Officers should be a role model to encourage positive attitude among their subordinates to be responsive and accountable to the responsibilities entrusted on them for effective governance.

Maintaining that peaceful atmosphere in the State is the prerequisite for development, Dr Lapang advocated that all efforts should be taken by the administration to ensure that law and order is maintained. Stressing on the importance of Public Relations in the day to day duties of an administrator, Dr Lapang advised that the DCs and SDOs while interacting with the public should be tactful and diplomatic to a certain extend but not to keep their dignity at stake. The Chief Minister also exhorted that Court cases should be disposed off promptly as it concerns justice to the people.

While declaring the conference inaugurated, Dr Lapang hope that the deliberations and discussion in the conference will go a long way in developing and improving the value of administration and effective governance in the State on which the people can have faith and confidence.

The Home Minister, Mr H D R Lyngdoh who also spoke in the function stressed on the importance of discipline and dedication among the officers who are the backbone of development in the grassroots level.

Others who attend the inaugural function include the Additional Chief Secretary, Mr S K Tiwari and the Principal Secretaries, Mr.W M S Pariat and Mr G P Wahlang.