September 22, 2004

Shillong, September 22, 2004: The Under Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Secretariat Administration Department (Establishment), has informed that the visiting hours to the Secretariat/Government Offices is re-fixed from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. daily for members of the public to meet the Ministers and Officers accommodated in the Main and Additional Secretariat Buildings. Visitors to the Chief Minister will be allowed only with special permission obtained from the Private Secretary to the Chief Minister. However, every Wednesday is a “no meeting” and “no visitor day”.

The above order will take effect from October 1, 2004.

Shillong, September 22, 2004: In a Government notification issued recently, it is informed that Mr. P.S. Thangkhiew, Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya and Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Elections, Planning and Programme Implementation Department, has been appointed as Member Secretary, State Development Reforms Commission (SDRC), with immediate effect.

It may be mentioned that the terms of reference of the SDRC, under the Chairmanship of Mr. E.K. Mawlong, are to examine the parameters of ongoing development programmes, from time to time, with a view to determine whether such programmes have been/are achieving the desired results. If not, to suggest suitable modifications thereof with a view to ensure their effectiveness; to examine the need for undertaking new programmes for accelerated development of the rural areas with particular emphasis on poverty alleviation and to suggest working parameters therefore, from time to time.

Shillong, September 22, 2004: World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27, 2004. The selected theme for this year is “Sport and Tourism: Living forces for mutual understanding, culture and the development of Society”.

To mark the occasion, the Department of Tourism, Meghalaya, is organising a Trek on David Scott’s Trail for school students, along with a traditional Archery demonstration by locals of Mawbeh village.