July 7, 2004

Shillong, July 7, 2004: A two days workshop on Transport Computerization in North Eastern States was inaugurated today at the NIC complex by the Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. P. J. Bazeley. The workshop is being organized by NIC in collaboration with the Transport Department, Government of Meghalaya.

In his inaugural address, Mr Bazeley said that road transport being a major mode of transportation in the North East, computerization of transport would to a great extent ease the hurdles faced by the common man. Besides keeping a check on revenue leakage and promoting information transparency, transport related crimes which are on the rise in the region would also be curtailed, he added. Saying that the workshop is a commendable initiative by NIC, he felt the need of infusing IT not only in the transport department but also in every domain for efficient computer centric governance.

Dr. Mahesh Chandra, Director National Transport Informatic Group, New Delhi, attended the workshop as the main resource person.

The function was chaired by Mr. J Mauskar, Principal Secretary, Transport Department.

Shillong, July 7, 2004: The Deputy Commissioner (Excise), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has informed that the Excise staff of the District in its drive against illicit liquor conducted raids in restaurants, stalls, bars in the town and its outskirts. During the month of June 2004, the Excise staff detected 68 cases with a seizure 134.475 lts of illicit liquor and 56.595 lts of IMFL. 58 persons were arrested in this connection.

Shillong, July 7, 2004: The Legal Literacy Campaign which was scheduled to be held at the Tura Circuit House, on July 6, 2004 could not take off due to inclement weather, very low turn out of participants and absence of resource persons, and had to be postponed indefinitely.

It may be mentioned that the campaign is conducted every year under aegis of Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority to make the people of their legal rights and duties in their day to day life.

Shillong, July 7, 2004: The MCCI Chairman and MLA of Rangsakona Constituency, Mr Zenith M Sangma formally inaugurated the two newly constructed Community Halls at Damalgre and Wakkagre villages under Betasing Block amidst great cheers on July 6, 2004.

As informed by the MLA, the Community Hall at New Upper Damalgre was constructed under Sampoorna Gram Rozgar Yojana-II (SGRY) scheme at a total cost of Rs. 2.22 lakhs, while the one at Wakkagre village was built at a total cost of Rs 2.80 lakh under SGRY-II scheme.

Speaking as the chief guest at the function at New Upper Damalgre, Mr Sangma said that there were various requirements would be gradually fulfilled as the present government was working in good team spirit and was taking all possible steps to take up all kinds of schemes as well as reconstruction schemes. He also stressed the need for change in attitude among the people and said that only if people have sacrificing attitude there would be greater scope for development.

At Wakkagre village, the MLA informed that all 186 villages under the Block was being covered under different developmental schemes and projects like BPL schemes, construction of spring chambers, village courts, playgrounds, etc. He also revealed his vision as the chairman of MCCL to the gathering which was to open a cement factory in Garo Hills and to select one of the places near Ampati for the same. Speaking about the government’s developmental projects for Garo Hills, he said that a Ropeway project from Gambegre to Ranggira would be taken up soon for which the state government would require a grand of six crore of rupees from Central Reserve Fund. He also informed about the government’s plan to develop Pelga Wari (Falls) into a tourist spot. Stating that the developmental work could be achieved overnight, Mr Sangma appealed to the villager to be patient and give their support and cooperation to speed up the process.

Also speaking on the occasion, the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relation, Tura Mrs. O D Sangma said that the people need to fully utilise the scheme being offered by the government, whether big or small with grateful acceptance because only when people learn to value small things they would be able to achieve greater things.

Block Development Officer, Betasing CD Block Mr S N Sangma chaired both the functions and in his welcome address, he briefly highlighted the purpose for construction of these Community Halls. Local leaders were also among others who spoke on the occasion.