June 28, 2004

Shillong, June 28, 2004: With an aim of imparting training to the NGOs (Members of the Local Organizing Committee), for launching the Y.S.A., 2004 Programme at the grassroots level, the District Organizing Committee (DOC), Shillong in collaboration with the State Council of Science Technology & Environment (SCSTE), Shillong, organized the District Orientation Workshop at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong, on June 23, 2004, where Shri. F R Kharkongor, ADC & DPO, Shillong was the Chief Guest.

Among others who attended the workshop were members of the 10 selected NGOs of the District, Members of the DOC and SOC. The resource persons were members of the Regional Organizing Committee (ROC), Guwahati.

Shillong, June 28, 2004: The District Organizing Committee (DOC), East Khasi Hills, Shillong in collaboration with the State Organizing Committee (SOC) and Local Organizing Committee (LOCs) will conduct the Pre-Jatha activities of the Year of Scientific Awareness 2004. This was informed by the Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, District Organizing Committee, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong.

The date of conducting the Pre-Jatha activities for Sohra is on 29-06-04, Wahkaliar on 06-07-04, Shella on 13-07-04, Lawbah on 20-07-04, Mawsynram on 27-07-04, Tyrsad on 03-08-04, Smit on 10-08-04, Mawkynrew on 17-08-04, Jatah on 24-08-04 and Lyngkhoi on 31-08-04.

For further details, interested NGOs, individual may contact Planning Branch, Room No.313, Phone No. 2223199 in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Shillong.

Shillong, June 28, 2004: A five days training programme on “Utilization of IT Tools in Government” was inaugurated today by the Principal Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, IT Department, Mr W. M. S. Pariat at the National Informatic Centre, Shillong. The function was chaired by the Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, IT Department, Mr. Shreeranjan.

Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, Mr Pariat said that in view of the slow progress that the State Government is making in terms of IT utilization, the 5 days training programme gains significance as it aims at making state government functionaries aware of rapid technological development in the area of IT, assist in enhancing and upgrading skills in IT tools and help them in their decision-making capabilities by brining in more accuracy.

Informing that the participants of high level officers have been carefully selected to ensure that the training has maximum impact, Mr Pariat expressed hope that once the training is over, the officers would take upon themselves the responsibility to encourage utilization of IT tools in their respective departments for greater efficiency and transparency in their day to day functioning.

It may be mentioned that the training programme organised by the State NIC and sponsored by the Department of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) is aimed at sensitizing the State Government Officers in Information Technology (IT) tool and various software applications for greater efficiency while performing their duties. Over 30 Officers from various State Government Departments are expected to attend the programme, which is the second of its kind to be held in the State capital.

Shillong, June 28, 2004: The Meghalaya Governor, Mr. M. M. Jacob today inaugurated the year long celebration commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Sri Sarada Sangha, Shillong at the Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Quinton Road, Shillong. Also present on the occasion was the Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. P. J. Bazeley who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Presided by the Rev. Swami Brahmadevananda, the function saw the participation of Mrs. J. Phanbuh, MLA, Laban constituency, dignitaries and patrons of the Sangha.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Mr Jacob lauded the initiatives taken by the Sangha in spreading the message of oneness through its many social upliftment activities irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Lamenting upon the compartmentalization of activities of many social organisations functioning in the State today, he stressed on the importance of communication and interaction among the different organisations, so as to deal with existing problems plaguing society from a holistic point of view. Urging the Sangha to continue with its dedicated service, he expressed hope that the in the coming years the organization will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Earlier, Mr Bazeley, appreciating the work carried by the Sangha, expressed hope that with its focus on compassion for the development of humankind, this organisation will serve as a role model for others to achieve great heights.

On the occasion, the Sri Sarada Sangha also presented financial assistance to distressed women and children.

It maybe mentioned that the Sri Sarada Sangha is a women’s organization which is inspired by the life and work of Sri Sri Na Sarada Devi. At present there are 52 branches of the Sangha all over the country.

Shillong, June 28, 2004: As a part of global programme, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed at Nongpoh on June 25, 2004. The programme organised by the Social Welfare Department was held at the Science Hall where the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. W L Lyngdoh, was the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lyngdoh said that the danger of drug abuse and illicit trafficking have become a threat to the society. He informed that there were already 2000 drug affected persons in our State including 200 in Ri Bhoi District. He said that the best way to fight against this menace is to avoid any adventure into it. He called upon everyone to take out the message to others about the ills of drugs. He appreciated the KRIPA Foundation, Shillong, which has taken corrective measures on this aspects and invited the other NGOs to follow the example to safeguard our society.

Shillong, June 28, 2004: The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati, in collaboration with the District Industries Centre, Ri Bhoi, Nongpoh, will conduct a four week training on Entrepreneurship Development Programme on Food Processing at Nongpoh from July 6 to August 2, 2004 for participants. Interested candidates with 10^th Class passed may apply in plain paper to the General Manager, DIC, Nongpoh on or before July 5, 2004

Candidates are to note that no TA/DA will be paid to the trainees for the interview or training.