October 1, 2004

Shillong, October 1, 2004: The Government of Meghalaya has directed holding of fresh elections of Ward Commissioners of all thirteen wards of Resubelpara Municipal Board.

In a notification issued here yesterday, the State Government maintained that in the election of ward commissioners of the Resubelpara Municipal Board held on August 27 last, some of the contesting candidates of each ward were allowed to use the symbol of political parties which was not in conformity with the provisions of section 15 A of the Meghalaya Municipal Act (Assam Municipal Act, 1957 as adapted and amended by Meghalaya)

The notification further says that in view of this, the State Government decline to notify the result of election of ward commissioners of the Resubelpara Municipal Board and directed holding of fresh election to be conducted by specified authority in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Meanwhile, in another notification the State Government deem the purportedly first sitting of the Resubelpara Municipal Board as null and void abinitio as the meeting was convened without the election of the ward commissioners having been duly notified by the State Government in terms of the provisions of Section 26 of the Meghalaya Municipal Act (Assam Municipal Act, 1957 as adapted and amended by Meghalaya till date) and without the required authority of State Government in terms of the provisions of Section 33 of the said Meghalaya Municipal Act.

Shillong, October 1, 2004: Upon receiving no representation/objection to the Additional District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District order under Section 133 Cr.PC, prohibiting dumping and storing of building materials such as stones, sand, etc. on the roadside in Laban, Kench’s Trace, Oxford, Bishnupur and Rilbong, till September 13, 2004, the Additional Magistrate order shall hereby be made absolute.

Shillong, October 1, 2004: The Sub-Divisional Officer, Ampati Civil Sub-Division, Mr. F. C. A. Sangma met the nokmas and goanburas of the constituencies under the Sub-Division on Wednesday to create awareness among the people regarding the Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls with January 1, 2005 as the qualifying date.

In the meeting, the SDO appealed to the nokmas and goanburas to actively participate in the electoral process and to give their proper and correct age during the enumeration. The problems faced by the villagers in the recent floods were also discussed in the sidelines of the meeting .

The EAC in-charge Election Ms. H.D.B. Sangma assisted the SDO in briefing the nokmas and gaonburas. The meeting was well attended by the officers of the Ampati Sub-Division including the officer in-charge, Ampati Police Station.

Shillong, October 1, 2004: The District Level Children’s Science Congress, 2004 was organised by the District Planning Office, Tura at Christian Girl’s Higher Secondary Scholl, Tura on September 29, 2004. Altogether ten schools from the Distract participated in the Science Congress, where the students presented their projects based on the theme “Harness Water Resources for better Future”.

Former Secretary MBOSE and Joint Director Higher & Technical Education, Mr. L.D. Shira inaugurated the programme as the Chief Guest. In his brief inaugural address, Mr. Shira stressed on the need to preserve water sources and catchment areas and to safeguard them against pollution.

Earlier, the District Planning Officer, Mrs. S.N. Marak, who is also the District Coordinator for the celebration of Year of Scientific Awareness, in her welcome address said although the children’s Science Congress is an annual affair, but this year the programme is being taken up as a part of the “Year of Scientific Awareness, 2004”.

The highlights of the inaugural function was the song on the Year of Scientific Awareness by Tura Public School and a short skit presented by the Aeroville Secondary School, Tura.

Later, the vote of thanks was proposed by Research Officer, District Planning Office, Tura, Mrs. F.S. Momin.

Shillong, October 1, 2004: The Deputy Commissioner (Supply), Ri Bhoi District, intends to appoint Government Agents/Nominees for supply of food grains for the year 2005, where 5 nominees each will be appointed from Umroi, Umsning, Nongpoh and Khanapara, 4 nominees from Byrnihat, 3 nominees each from Umiam and Patharkhmah and 1 nominee each from Umden and Mawhati.

For detailed information, applicants may contact the Office of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply) on any working day. All applications should reach his Office on or before October 10, 2004.

Shillong, October 1, 2004: The Meghalaya Deputy Speaker, Mr. P. W. Muktieh attended the Parent’s Day celebration of the Raid Hoppati Secondary School, Kharpati, Ri Bhoi District on September 30, 2004. The function, which was held within the school premises at Kharpati saw the active participation of students, local headmen, leaders and teacher.

Speaking on the day, Mr. Muktieh stressed on the importance of unity and cooperation among teachers, students and parents for the over all development of the students. Stating that schools with high enrolment get the first preference with regard to any schemes of the Government, he urged upon parents to send their children to school not only for the benefit of the individual child but also for the overall development of schools in the area.

Terming teachers as nation builders, Mr. Muktieh called upon the teaching body to work with dedication and to impart best quality education to the student so that one day they too can be leaders of the State and the Nation as a whole. He further assured the Managing Committee of allocating funds for the construction of the school footpath.

Earlier on the day, Mr Muktieh inaugurated the Bus-shed at Kharpati.

Shillong, October 1, 2004: The Pahamsyiem Micro Watershed Project, implemented by the District Horticulture Office, Nongpoh, was inaugurated on September 29, 2004 by the Meghalaya Minister for Home, Agriculture, etc., Mr. H.D.R. Lyngdoh at Pahamsyiem Christ King School premises.

Stating that Pahamsyiem is very fortunate to have the scheme for 5 consecutive years, Mr. Lyngdoh, in his speech, said that 11 such projects would soon be implemented in the District for the benefit and wellbeing of the farmers. Citing example of the Home Science College at Tura inaugurated recently, he said that development would come only if peace prevails, and therefore urged upon the public to maintain peace and harmony for speedy development of the District.

Mr. Lyngdoh also informed that a Post Graduate Agricultural College would be set up at Umiam at the cost of Rs.80 crores and the Foundation Stone will be laid in November this year.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Mr. Cleophas B. Syiem, local MDC, Mr. D. Nongshli, Mr. J. Syiem, Sordar Nongpoh and Mr. E.Shanpru, DHO.

Shillong, October 1, 2004: The 7th Dr. Mahbub-Ul-Haq Inter School Debate Competition Regional Round was held today at the All Saint’s Cathedral Hall. The debate was organised and sponsored by the NEC. The theme of the debate was “Economic growth alone will ensure the well being of the poorest Schools" from the North East States except Manipur took part in the competition.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Mr. K.Taori, Secretary NEC said that the main objective of the debate was to create awareness, to help students discuss on important issues and also to tap the hidden potentials of the young minds.

The winner of today’s competition would be eligible for the National Level Debate Competition to be held later.

The winner and runners-up trophy was bagged by St. Mary’s School, Meghalaya and St. Mary’s School, Assam respectively.

The best speaker was awarded to Miss. P. Das, St. Mary’s School, Assam and Mr. P. Pyngrope, Laitumkhrah Presbyterian School, Meghalaya.