October 28, 2004

JOINT REVIEW MEETING OF WORLD BANK ASSISTED IIIrd TECHNICIAN EDUCATION PROJECT HELD

Shillong, October 28, 2004: Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. P. J. Bazeley today inaugurated the 7^th Joint Review Meeting of World Bank Assisted IIIrd Technician Education Project at Hotel Polo Towers, Shillong. Organised by the State Project Implementation Unit Society, Government of Meghalaya, the two day meeting aims at reviewing the implementation status of Polytechnics in the North Eastern States of Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Island. The meeting was attended by senior officials of the World Bank, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), National Project Implementation Unit (NPIU) and Project States.

With the aim of bringing about an industrial and entrepreneurial culture amongst the people and to develop the necessary skills and expertise through training institutions, the World Bank has sanctioned an amount of Rs.380 crores for the establishment of Polytechnics in different States and Union Territories of the Country.

Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, Mr Bazeley informed that civilization in the region was brought by colonial powers through the vessel of education. However, the form of education that was imparted was found wanting thereby creating a huge mass of educated unemployable in the region. Citing that unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing the region, he stressed upon the need for a change in the system of education, wherein emphasis is also laid on producing skilled and competent technician man power. Reiterating the State Government’s commitment towards creating centers of excellence in the field of technician education, he expressed gratitude to the World Bank and the MHRD for assisting the State Government in setting up two more Polytechnics namely, the Jowai Polytechnic and the Tura Polytechnic in the State and upgrading the services of the Shillong Polytechnic.

Acknowledging the fact that the take off of the said Projects in the State took time, Mr. Bazeley informed the gathering that much progress has been made in the past six months and that High Power Committee to the level of the Chief Secretary has also been set up to oversee the progress of work and to ensure that it achieves its goal within the stipulated period i.e. December 2005.

The meeting was presided over by the Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Education Department , Mr. G. P. Wahlang. The Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Education Department, Mr. L. Roy gave the welcome address while the Project Director, SPIUS, Shillong, Mr. W. Khyllep delivered the vote of thanks.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Mr. R.N. Mathur, Central Project Adviser, NPIU, Pro. S.K. Srivastava, Team Leader, World Bank and Dr. C.T. Mahajan, Department Education Adviser (T), Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development.

Shillong, October 28, 2004: The 49^th Wildlife Week Celebration 2004 concluded today in a function held at the Don Bosco Youth Centre Hall, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, where the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Mr. S.K. Tiwari was the Chief Guest. The function was presided over by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. V.K. Nautiyal.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tiwari said that the precious flora and fauna are threatened due to the adverse effect of human activities like destruction of habitat, commercial over-exploitation and others. Congratulating the students who have won various competitions organised during the celebration, Mr. Tiwari said that this itself demonstrates that the students have vast knowledge and awareness on how to conserve wildlife. Therefore, he urged upon them to take moral responsibility to protect wildlife and disseminate their knowledge to others so that everyone can contribute in every possible way for the cause of wildlife conservation.

The Conservator of Forests, Headquarter, Mr. P.S. Rynjah, in his speech, said that ‘wildlife are creation of God and He has given us the authority to protect them’, so that they have the right to survive to maintain the ecological balance. Since flora and fauna co-exist together, he urged upon the gathering, particularly the students to preach this message to friends, fellow students and the public to protect wildlife and conserve its habitat.

Earlier, Mr. S.K.Tiwari gave away the prizes to the winners of the Essay and Sit & Draw Competitions, which were held during the celebration.

In the essay competition (Class VIII to X) on the topic ‘The Importance of Wildlife Conservation and its present scenario’, Daphishisha Dohling of Laban Presbyterian Higher Secondary School bagged the 1st prize, Ranjana Thakur of Laban Assamese Girls’ Secondary School won the 2nd prize, while the 3rd prize goes to Paiabakor Lyngdoh Mawlong of Seng Khasi Higher Secondary School, Bhaswati Das of Laban Assamese Girls’ Secondary School, Baiahunsha M. Umlong of St. Gabriel’s Higher Secondary School, Upper Shillong, Sunita Ghising and Sita Thakur, both of Gorkha Secondary School, Upper Shillong. Two consolation prizes were also given to Pemichan Shimray and Daldy Sangma, both of Elswer School, Laban.

In the Sit & Draw competition (upto Class IV) on the theme ‘The Wild Animal I like best’ with slogan, the 1st and 2nd prize were bagged by Simon Ch. Sangma and Bishal Das respectively, both from Seven Set School, and the 3rd prize goes to Lyngksiar N. Khongwir of Seven Set School, and Banshan Wahlang of St. John’s Secondary School. Two consolation prizes were also given to Nampherlibok Swett of Christian Academy School and Abhilasha Khongshei of Pine Mount School.

The Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry, Mr. C.P. Marak gave the welcome address while the Divisional Forest Officer, East Khasi Hills Social Forestry Division, Mr. A. Lyngdoh, delivered the vote of thanks.

Shillong, October 28, 2004: A month long oriented theatre workshop, organised by the Department of Arts and Culture, Meghalaya in collaboration with the North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur and the National School of Drama, New Delhi, ended with the presentation of the play ‘The Wonder Leaf’ on October 19, 2004 at the District Library Auditorium, Jowai. The Commissioner and Secretary of Arts and Culture, Mr. H. Marwein, inaugurated the said play.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Marwein said that our culture has been influenced by many factors and therefore felt the need for reviving and preserving our traditions and cultures which part and parcel of our identity. Praising the organisers for the initiatives, he expressed hope that such programmes will further develop and bring to the forefront the artistic talents of the youth of the region.

On the day, certificates were also distributed to all 19 participants from different Clubs of Jowai.

Among others who spoke on the occasion was Mr. P. Bendopadhay, representative of the National School of Drama. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner, Jaintia Hills District, Mr. I. Jyrwa, gave the welcome address and the vote of thanks was delivered by the Director Arts and Culture, Meghalaya, Mr. C.C. Mihsil.

Shillong, October 28, 2004: The Grand Investiture Ceremony of 38 Guides and 15 Scouts was held at St. Ursala Secondary School, Mawlong, Cherrapunjee on October 20, 2004, to mark the introduction of the Bharat Scouts and Guides in the area. The Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Donkupar Roy was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Also present were the Director of Higher and Technical Education, Mr. W. Khyllep, local MLA, MDC, Sordar and heads of villages.

The Investiture was conducted by the State Secretary and staff of the Bharat Scouts and Guides from Shillong. The ceremony was followed by cultural items, march past, drill display and prize distribution to the winners of various school activities.

In his valedictory speech, the Deputy Chief Minister, urged the people of Mawlong to come together and work hard for the progress of the school and to cooperate with the newly formed Scouts and Guides unit in fulfilling the purpose of contribution for the development of the youth and the society.

Shillong, October 28, 2004: The celebration of the Wildlife Week under the aegis of the Department of Forest and Environment, Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Wildlife Division, Jowai, and Mar Chaphrang Development Society (MCDC) was held at Chutwakhu Hall, Jowai on October 9, 2004. The Meghalaya Chairman of Resource and Employment Generation Council, Mr. S. Mulieh, was the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mulieh said that the aim of the celebration is to create awareness among the general masses on the need of preservation and conservation of wildlife. He lauded the efforts of the organisers in holding such a meaningful programme, which is expected to benefit the inhabitants of the District. He said that man and animals are inter-dependent on each other, as such, these living creatures have the same rights to exist as we do and it is our duty to guard and preserve them from extinction.

Among others who spoke in the gathering were Mr. D. Kharshiing, Member State Board for Wildlife and Mr. S. C. Laloo, EAC, Jaintia Hills.