October 15, 2004

Shillong, October 15, 2004: The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, has informed that the National Family Benefit Scheme of Rs. 10,000/- only each per beneficiary for both Urban and Rural Areas will be distributed immediately. For beneficiaries residing within Urban Areas, disbursement will be made from Nazir, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Shillong, Room No. 211, and for those beneficiaries residing within Rural Areas, disbursement of the same will be made from the Office of the Block Development Officers concerned from 25-10-2004 onwards during office hours.

Detailed list of fresh beneficiaries can be had from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Development Branch, Room No. 314.

Shillong, October 15, 2004: The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, has informed that the National Old Age Pension Scheme of Rs. 100/- per month with effect from 1-4-2003 to 31-7-2004 for fresh beneficiaries of both State and Central Share for Urban and Rural Areas will be disbursed immediately. For beneficiaries residing within Urban Areas, disbursement will be made from Nazir, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Shillong, Room No. 211, and for those beneficiaries residing within Rural Areas, disbursement of the same will be made from the Office of the Block Development Officers concerned from October 25, 2004 onwards during office hours.

Detailed list of fresh beneficiaries can be had from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Development Branch, Room No. 314.

Shillong, October 15, 2004: In view of the recent flood in the neighbouring District of Goalpara, Assam, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Resubelpara, East Garo Hills has promulgated Section 144 Cr.PC, prohibiting sale of fish in the bordering villages within his jurisdiction for a period of two weeks.

Shillong, October 15, 2004: The Meghalaya Governor, Mr. M.M. Jacob, today attended the Parents’ Day Celebration of Auxilium Higher Secondary School, Nongthymmai, Shillong.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Mr. Jacob lauded the school for its many achievements in the years since its establishment in 1953. Stating that the main aim of our education system is to form good and honest citizens capable of building a peaceful nation, he urged upon the cooperation between parents, staffs, students and the society at large to achieve this goal.

Acknowledging that educational institutions play a vital role in shaping the personalities of the younger generation, Mr. Jacob pointed out that teachers have a huge responsibility in creating moral values and help in building the physical and mental capacities of the youth. Adding that education institutions are the custodians of knowledge and the catalysts of social growth, he said that Universal Education is not only a basic requirement but also a right of every citizen.

Shillong, October 15, 2004: A report on ‘The Study of Child Labour in Shillong’ was released here today at Raitong Building by the Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. P.J. Bazeley. The study, which started earlier this year, was conducted by Impulse NGO Network with the support of the Social Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Mr. Bazeley lauded the good work carried on for the welfare of the society and said that the report is a ‘milestone of social life’, on whose basis, the Government and NGOs concerned with child welfare could implement their future programmes. He said that rules and regulations imposed by the Government regarding child welfare could only be successful if there is a ‘social awakening’ in the issue. He added that the society should come forward and take up these issues as a sacred responsibility.

The report was presented by Ms. H. Kharbhih, President, Impulse NGO Network and Dr. (Mrs) K. Reddy, Department of Home Science, St. Mary’s College.