NEW DELHI/SHILLONG: In order to end the ongoing political stalemate in Meghalaya, Congress and NCP on Wednesday night sewed up a coalition at the top level and the new Government is likely to take oath on Thursday night or the day after. As per the broadly agreed formula, Congress, the largest partner, will head the new coalition with DD Lapang as Chief Minister. Both parties would share the ministry in a mutually agreed formula, sources said.
Confirming the deal, senior Congress leader Dr Mukul Sangma said both the parties came to an understanding 'for the sake of stability'.
It is learnt that besides Mr Lapang, the Congress would have six of its legislators as Cabinet ministers, while five other ministerial posts would go to NCP including the post of Deputy Chief Minister which is likely to be held by Conrad K Sangma.
NCP leader Purno A Sangma is unlikely to be part of the Cabinet. According to the agreed formula he will retain the post of Chairman, State Planning Board.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar held talks with Mr Sangma, AICC General Secretary in charge of the state L Falerio and Ahmed Patel.
All later held another meeting with Mr Lapang and state leaders late in the night where the coalition formula was hammered out.
Basically, three formulas were worked out of which the last one was agreed more or less with some changes. The first formula was to share the Chief ministership for the remaining four-year term equally by Mr Lapang and Mr Sangma.
The offer of Congress having Chief ministership and NCP the Speaker's post was also not accepted. Sharing the ministry on fifty-fifty basis was also rejected.
After a marathon meeting it was agreed that while posts of Chief Minister and Speaker would go to Congress, NCP would retain the post of Deputy Chief Minister. Allocation of portfolios has been left to the state units, but Congress is likely to gobble up the plum posts.
There were also reports that the NCP had placed a proposal for non-inclusion of Dr Mukul Sangma in the proposed government. However, NCP leaders declined to comment on the report.
Efforts to form a Congress-NCP government in Meghalaya, which is currently under President's rule, formally started with Mr Sangma meeting Dr Manmohan Singh here on Monday. Leader of the Congress Legislature Party and former Chief Minister Mr Lapang is also camping in the national capital with other Congress leaders.
Mr Lapang is expected to arrive in Shillong on Thursday.
Congress has 26 legislators while NCP has 14 legislators making a total strength of 40 legislators in the new alliance in an effective strength of 55 out of the 60-member House.
Sources said the Centre may revoke President's Rule to enable a Congress-NCP government in a day or two.
Meghalaya was placed under President's rule on March 19 after the then UDP-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) government survived a trust vote on the floor of the State Assembly through a controversial decision by the Speaker.
Speaker BM Lanong cast his vote when there was a 27:27 tie in the 60-member House during division.
Meanwhile, NCP leader Conrad K Sangma said, ''For the sake of political stability and in the interest of the people NCP is bound to work together with Congress.'' ''I don't think any party is ready for mid-term poll and there should be a solution to put an end to this political stalemate,'' Mr Conrad told a news agency over phone from Delhi.
Congress spokesman Dr Roytre C Laloo, meanwhile, has denied reports that a section of Congress legislators are not in favour of any alliance with NCP, adding that Mr Lapang had been authorised to initiate steps for formation of new government with likeminded parties as per the direction of the party's High Command.
"The Congress Legislature Party has authorised Mr Lapang to initiate whatever steps required for formation of a new government in the State," Dr Laloo said. (With inputs from agencies)
HSSLC results today
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The results of the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examinations of Science and Commerce streams, conducted by MBoSE will be announced on Thursday at 9 am. The results will be available on the website - megresults.nic.in
Twin-murder case: Hearing on Friday
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In a fresh development, the Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court has asked twin-murder accused Fullmoon's Dhar lawyer to withdraw the bail petition from the court.
Judge T Vaiphei issued the directive during the hearing of the case recently.
Earlier, the defendant had filed a petition in the High Court pleading bail while also seeking transfer of the case to the District Council Court.
Meanwhile, the defendant has withdrawn the petition and the case has been sent back to the district council court, which would take up the matter for hearing on Friday.
30 non-tribals apprehended
SHILLONG: The KSU’s Jaiaw Circle has apprehended 30 suspected non-tribals from different parts of Jaiaw.
All of them, engaged in construction works in different places of Jaiaw locality, failed to produce any valid document to prove their citizenship. Most of them were from Bihar, Assam, West Bengal. They were later handed over to police.
Meanwhile, KSU leader Hamlet Dohling has expressed concern over delay on the part of the State government to implement work permit system.
No official intimation from NCP: MPA
Purno’s move stuns Donkupar
Congress-NCP alliance
SHILLONG: With NCP and Congress forging an alliance to form a new government in the State, the UDP, a major ally of Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) government, termed the Congress-NCP combination as ‘opportunistic’.
"We didn’t expect Purno Sangma to decide this alone, even when he is still the Chairman of the MPA, a non-Congress alliance, and his decision amounts to political betrayal of the people," dejected former Chief Minister and UDP president Dr Donkupar Roy said.
"I have tried to contact him and confirm on the new alliance, but Mr Sangma is not available," Dr Roy said.
Echoing similar views, leader of the UDP Parliamentary party J D Rymbai said, "We are surprised and disappointed. We (MPA) had vowed to stick together, if the NCP wants to go with the Congress we cannot do anything."
Mr Rymbai, however, maintained that the UDP would not betray the MPA.
Mr Sangma, who has been the most vocal critic of Congress in the North-East, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday night and reportedly discussed the possibility of a Congress-NCP alliance in Meghalaya which has been under President’s rule since March 19.
"Mr Sangma should have informed us before going ahead with this move," Mr Rymbai said.
Meanwhile, the MPA held an emergency meeting to take stock of the current political scenario.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting here on Wednesday, MPA spokesperson Manas Chaudhuri said so far there was no official intimation from NCP "if they want to leave the MPA to forge an alliance with Congress".
"It would be unfair from our part to comment anything on this unless there is an official intimation from the party," he said adding "there were similar reports in the past about the Congress-NCP alliance which never materialised."
On reported meeting between Mr Sangma and the Prime Minister, Mr Chaudhuri said "being a leader of a national party Mr Sangma might have met the Prime Minister to discuss the political scenario at the national level."
Stating that MPA was concerned about the ongoing political instability in the State, he said "the need of the hours is a stable government with a difference".
"The MPA has given Government with a difference", the MPA Spokesperson said, adding that the truth was that what the MPA Government had achieved in the past one year none of the Governments had achieved in the past 37 years since the State achieved its Statehood. Terming Congress as a power hungry party, Mr Chaudhuri said if situation demanded the MPA was ready to sit in the Opposition. He informed that the MPA would meet again to discuss the matter and react at the right time if NCP joins hands with Congress to form the Government. Interestingly, none of the NCP legislators attended the MPA meeting. According to Mr Chaudhuri, majority of the NCP legislators were out of station. UDP legislators Metbah Lyngdoh, Donbok Khymdeit, Nimarson Momin and BJP legislator AL Hek could not attend the meeting as they were also out of station.
Explosives recovered in Jaintia Hills
JOWAI: Jaintia Police recovered explosive materials planted in the house of one Dominica Pala at Thadmusem village in Jaintia Hills on Wednesday morning.
Following a complaint lodged by Ms Pala, police rushed to her residence and seized the explosive materials.
Sources said Ms Pala discovered the explosives in the kitchen and immediately informed the police.
Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police MK Singh said a case has been registered and police are investigating the matter.
JAC warns cement factories: The Joint Action Committee (JAC), an umbrella organisation of Jaintia Social Welfare Organisation (JSWO), Jaintia Coal Miners Association and Jaintia Hills Truck Owner Association, has threatened to resort to agitation if cements factories in Jaintia Hills failed to respond to their demands.
The JAC in its meeting held at Lad-Sutnga demanded that all cements factories in the district should buy coal from within the district.
Meanwhile, JAC Chairman, Balen Thubru has warned non-local suppliers to stop supplying coal to cements factories in the district.
German official studies poll procedures in State
SHILLONG: With a view to understand the electioneering process, Germany sent its representatives to various parts of India. Interestingly, the time chosen for this undertaking coincides with the general elections in the largest democracy of the world.
As part of the mission, Florian Burkhardt, the First Secretary (political and protocol) of the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany, New Delhi came to Shillong recently.
During his visit Florian Burkhardt met leaders of various political parties namely, BJP leader AL Hek, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president Friday Lyngdoh and NCP state President WR Kharlukhi.
Speaking to reporters before leaving for New Delhi here on Tuesday, Burkhardt said that his main objective for meeting the state political leaders was to understand the electioneering process in the state of Meghalaya.
"I met leaders of the Congress, BJP and NCP to understand strategies that are followed in the process of electioneering" Burkhardt said.
He also informed that the German embassy is closely monitoring the elections scenario in India.
The First Secretary (political and protocol) of the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany has stated that it is "interesting and fascinating" to witness the world largest democracy going for the trial of strength".
Other envoys of the German embassy are also camping in various parts of the country on the same mission.
During his meeting with the leaders, the envoy said "we discussed the prospects of various candidates in the state as well as the region".
Exhibition on non-conventional energy
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Non-Conventional and Rural Energy Development Agency organised a two day exhibition-cum-sale on non-conventional energy at Shillong here on Wednesday. Some of the items on sale include solar lanterns, home lighting systems, biogas plants, water heating systems, solar street lights and solar cookers.
SSHR caution
NONGSTOIN: The Seng Samla Hima Rambrai (SSHR) West Khasi Hills has cautioned people against killing of aquatic lives within Hima Rambrai. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the SSHR said that people both from Hima as well as from outside the Hima will have to face penalty if found guilty of such acts.
Meanwhile, the SSHR has condemned Kling Wahlang of Rambrai and Beckstar Nongsiej of Mawmluh for allegedly destroying aquatic lives by using chemicals at river Thwei Synrem of Hima Rambrai. "The Indian Fisheries Act 1987 will take its course on the accused", said the statement of the SSHR.
Meanwhile, the people of Nongstoin have expressed concern on the frequent non-supply of electricity despite the ongoing load shedding in Nongstoin and other parts of the district. Different sections of people including shopkeepers and government employees were disturbed by the irregular supply of electricity by the MeSEB.
Weekly launched
SHILLONG: A Khasi weekly newspaper, Ka ïit Khmih' (The Mirror), was formally launched on Monday. Veteran Khasi newspaper vendor Bah Rit Kharsyntiew launched the paper at a small function held at Motphran.
The paper aims at providing information on different issues relating to society. The paper will be available on every Monday of the week. (By Our Reporter)
jaintia Hills Round-up
District Unit FKJGP constituted
JOWAI: The District unit Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) was formed in Jaintia Hills at a meeting held in Jowai on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by the state leaders of the organisation including its president, Emlang Lytang, general secretary, Joe Marweina and president of North Khasi Hills. The meeting was chaired by the vice president of the organisation, Wellbirth Rani.
FKJGP Shangpung circle president, Tuesday Lytep was appointed as the district president, Hunlang Langstang as the general secretary, Franky Dkhar and Paila Lyngkot as the organising secretaries whereas Danny Chadap was appointed as the Information Secretary besides fourteen others as executive members.
Book forfeited to the West Bengal Govt
JOWAI: The Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner has informed that a Book written in Bengali entitled Sandhya Pader Katha by Sankar Deb Halder and other documents containing copies, reprint and translations has been forfeited to the Government of West Bengal with immediate effect.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, this was done because the contents of the book could have created discord among the different groups and communities.
RTI Act training held
JOWAI: The Jaintia Hills District Administration in collaboration with the Meghalaya Administration Training Institute, Shillong organised a one day training program on the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 for local clubs, voluntary organisations, non-governmental organisations and churches here on Monday at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall, Jowai.
Speaking on the occasion, the Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal who inaugurated the training program, said that the RTI Act 2005 is an important and powerful tool that can be used to seek information on the various functions of government machineries.
House looted
JOWAI: Unknown miscreants broke into the house of one James VP working as a teacher at St. Mary's Mazzarello Higher Secondary School, Jowai and fled away with Rs. 7000. Sources informed that the miscreants broke into the house between 8:30 am to 12:30 pm while no one was present at the house.
‘Knowledge of safety measures should be provided to miners’
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Deputy General of Mines Safety, Eastern Zone, Sitarampur SI Hussain has pointed out that 90 percent of the mining areas in Meghalaya is yet to be recognised by any authority.
"Considering this fact, it is very important that people working in the mines are trained with various safety measures to protect themselves from various unforeseen accidents that might take place while working in the mining areas" Hussain said, while speaking on the concluding function of the 6th North East Metalliferous Mines Safety Week-2008-2009 held at Don Bosco Youth Centre here on Wednesday.
"Coal is one of the mineral resources found in abundance in the state and it is important that its mining be carried out in an efficient manner.''
''Using the latest technology available would bring benefit not only to the state but also to the common people at large," he said.
He said that the Government is trying to bring in a policy so that training on various safety measures relating to mining activities may be imparted even to those people who are working in the mining areas which are not recognized by any authority.
He also pointed out that the state government would be required to play an active role by organising various workshops relating to safety measures of people working in the mines.
Meanwhile, Director of Mines Safety, Eastern Zone R Kulsrestha informed the gathering about the proposal of setting up of a training centre for the people working in the un-recognised mines.
The 6th North East Metalliferous Mines Safety Week-2008-2009 was organised by Mawmluh Cherra Cement Limited (MCCL) and Komorrah Limestone Mining Co. Limited.
Over 800 candidates attend army recruitment rally
JOWAI: Over 800 candidates from Jaintia Hills, Ribhoi and West Khasi Hills District took part in the first day of the Army Recruitment Rally conducted at Kiang Nangbah Stadium, Ladthadlaboh Jowai on Monday. The four day rally was flagged off on Monday by the Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal in the presence of the Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police, MK Singh and Extra Assistant Commissioner, SC Laloo besides army officials including, the Director Recruitment RO (Hq), Shillong, Colonel R.S Guleria, the Deputy Director General (Recruiting), NE States, Brigadier KJ Singh and the Director Army Recruiting, Aizawl, Colonel RA Venkataraman.
The recruitment rally will conclude on May 8 and the written test for the qualified candidates will be conducted on May 31 at the Army Head-Quarter Area 101, Shillong.
More candidates from other districts including those from East Khasi Hills, East, West and South Garo Hills are expected to join the recruitment rally as scheduled.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Goyal said that the youth of Meghalaya have immense potential to excel as soldiers in the army and that is the reason the army is trying to reach every district of Meghalaya.
"A recruitment rally is a golden opportunity for candidates who want to join the army and serve the country", added Goyal
Goyal reflected on the valour of the Armed Forces and said that they are second to none. He also appreciated the efforts of the Army Hq-101 area and the recruiting team from Shillong for organising the rally at Jowai for the benefit of the rural youth. He also announced that a coaching capsule for the common entrance examination will be organised for the qualified candidates after May 10 under arrangements to be made by the District Administration.
The Director Recruiting R/O (Hq) Shillong, Colonel RS Guleria said that recruitment rallies were conducted in Meghalaya for the youth so that they get a fair chance to join honourable professions in the prestigious Indian Army.
"The rally conducted at Jowai is primarily to provide recruitment opportunities to youth of Meghalaya who belong to remote villages of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo Hills Districts", he added.
Further he stated that the system of selection is very fair and highly transparent in which the selection of candidates is purely on merit basis according to their performance both in the physical and the written test.
Col. Guleria also informed that a special recruitment will be conducted with special preference to sports persons who have excelled in their respective disciplines at the state and national level. (From Our Correspondent)
Source: http://www.theshillongtimes.com
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Confirming the deal, senior Congress leader Dr Mukul Sangma said both the parties came to an understanding 'for the sake of stability'.
It is learnt that besides Mr Lapang, the Congress would have six of its legislators as Cabinet ministers, while five other ministerial posts would go to NCP including the post of Deputy Chief Minister which is likely to be held by Conrad K Sangma.
NCP leader Purno A Sangma is unlikely to be part of the Cabinet. According to the agreed formula he will retain the post of Chairman, State Planning Board.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar held talks with Mr Sangma, AICC General Secretary in charge of the state L Falerio and Ahmed Patel.
All later held another meeting with Mr Lapang and state leaders late in the night where the coalition formula was hammered out.
Basically, three formulas were worked out of which the last one was agreed more or less with some changes. The first formula was to share the Chief ministership for the remaining four-year term equally by Mr Lapang and Mr Sangma.
The offer of Congress having Chief ministership and NCP the Speaker's post was also not accepted. Sharing the ministry on fifty-fifty basis was also rejected.
After a marathon meeting it was agreed that while posts of Chief Minister and Speaker would go to Congress, NCP would retain the post of Deputy Chief Minister. Allocation of portfolios has been left to the state units, but Congress is likely to gobble up the plum posts.
There were also reports that the NCP had placed a proposal for non-inclusion of Dr Mukul Sangma in the proposed government. However, NCP leaders declined to comment on the report.
Efforts to form a Congress-NCP government in Meghalaya, which is currently under President's rule, formally started with Mr Sangma meeting Dr Manmohan Singh here on Monday. Leader of the Congress Legislature Party and former Chief Minister Mr Lapang is also camping in the national capital with other Congress leaders.
Mr Lapang is expected to arrive in Shillong on Thursday.
Congress has 26 legislators while NCP has 14 legislators making a total strength of 40 legislators in the new alliance in an effective strength of 55 out of the 60-member House.
Sources said the Centre may revoke President's Rule to enable a Congress-NCP government in a day or two.
Meghalaya was placed under President's rule on March 19 after the then UDP-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) government survived a trust vote on the floor of the State Assembly through a controversial decision by the Speaker.
Speaker BM Lanong cast his vote when there was a 27:27 tie in the 60-member House during division.
Meanwhile, NCP leader Conrad K Sangma said, ''For the sake of political stability and in the interest of the people NCP is bound to work together with Congress.'' ''I don't think any party is ready for mid-term poll and there should be a solution to put an end to this political stalemate,'' Mr Conrad told a news agency over phone from Delhi.
Congress spokesman Dr Roytre C Laloo, meanwhile, has denied reports that a section of Congress legislators are not in favour of any alliance with NCP, adding that Mr Lapang had been authorised to initiate steps for formation of new government with likeminded parties as per the direction of the party's High Command.
"The Congress Legislature Party has authorised Mr Lapang to initiate whatever steps required for formation of a new government in the State," Dr Laloo said. (With inputs from agencies)
HSSLC results today
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The results of the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examinations of Science and Commerce streams, conducted by MBoSE will be announced on Thursday at 9 am. The results will be available on the website - megresults.nic.in
Twin-murder case: Hearing on Friday
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In a fresh development, the Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court has asked twin-murder accused Fullmoon's Dhar lawyer to withdraw the bail petition from the court.
Judge T Vaiphei issued the directive during the hearing of the case recently.
Earlier, the defendant had filed a petition in the High Court pleading bail while also seeking transfer of the case to the District Council Court.
Meanwhile, the defendant has withdrawn the petition and the case has been sent back to the district council court, which would take up the matter for hearing on Friday.
30 non-tribals apprehended
SHILLONG: The KSU’s Jaiaw Circle has apprehended 30 suspected non-tribals from different parts of Jaiaw.
All of them, engaged in construction works in different places of Jaiaw locality, failed to produce any valid document to prove their citizenship. Most of them were from Bihar, Assam, West Bengal. They were later handed over to police.
Meanwhile, KSU leader Hamlet Dohling has expressed concern over delay on the part of the State government to implement work permit system.
No official intimation from NCP: MPA
Purno’s move stuns Donkupar
Congress-NCP alliance
SHILLONG: With NCP and Congress forging an alliance to form a new government in the State, the UDP, a major ally of Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) government, termed the Congress-NCP combination as ‘opportunistic’.
"We didn’t expect Purno Sangma to decide this alone, even when he is still the Chairman of the MPA, a non-Congress alliance, and his decision amounts to political betrayal of the people," dejected former Chief Minister and UDP president Dr Donkupar Roy said.
"I have tried to contact him and confirm on the new alliance, but Mr Sangma is not available," Dr Roy said.
Echoing similar views, leader of the UDP Parliamentary party J D Rymbai said, "We are surprised and disappointed. We (MPA) had vowed to stick together, if the NCP wants to go with the Congress we cannot do anything."
Mr Rymbai, however, maintained that the UDP would not betray the MPA.
Mr Sangma, who has been the most vocal critic of Congress in the North-East, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday night and reportedly discussed the possibility of a Congress-NCP alliance in Meghalaya which has been under President’s rule since March 19.
"Mr Sangma should have informed us before going ahead with this move," Mr Rymbai said.
Meanwhile, the MPA held an emergency meeting to take stock of the current political scenario.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting here on Wednesday, MPA spokesperson Manas Chaudhuri said so far there was no official intimation from NCP "if they want to leave the MPA to forge an alliance with Congress".
"It would be unfair from our part to comment anything on this unless there is an official intimation from the party," he said adding "there were similar reports in the past about the Congress-NCP alliance which never materialised."
On reported meeting between Mr Sangma and the Prime Minister, Mr Chaudhuri said "being a leader of a national party Mr Sangma might have met the Prime Minister to discuss the political scenario at the national level."
Stating that MPA was concerned about the ongoing political instability in the State, he said "the need of the hours is a stable government with a difference".
"The MPA has given Government with a difference", the MPA Spokesperson said, adding that the truth was that what the MPA Government had achieved in the past one year none of the Governments had achieved in the past 37 years since the State achieved its Statehood. Terming Congress as a power hungry party, Mr Chaudhuri said if situation demanded the MPA was ready to sit in the Opposition. He informed that the MPA would meet again to discuss the matter and react at the right time if NCP joins hands with Congress to form the Government. Interestingly, none of the NCP legislators attended the MPA meeting. According to Mr Chaudhuri, majority of the NCP legislators were out of station. UDP legislators Metbah Lyngdoh, Donbok Khymdeit, Nimarson Momin and BJP legislator AL Hek could not attend the meeting as they were also out of station.
Explosives recovered in Jaintia Hills
JOWAI: Jaintia Police recovered explosive materials planted in the house of one Dominica Pala at Thadmusem village in Jaintia Hills on Wednesday morning.
Following a complaint lodged by Ms Pala, police rushed to her residence and seized the explosive materials.
Sources said Ms Pala discovered the explosives in the kitchen and immediately informed the police.
Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police MK Singh said a case has been registered and police are investigating the matter.
JAC warns cement factories: The Joint Action Committee (JAC), an umbrella organisation of Jaintia Social Welfare Organisation (JSWO), Jaintia Coal Miners Association and Jaintia Hills Truck Owner Association, has threatened to resort to agitation if cements factories in Jaintia Hills failed to respond to their demands.
The JAC in its meeting held at Lad-Sutnga demanded that all cements factories in the district should buy coal from within the district.
Meanwhile, JAC Chairman, Balen Thubru has warned non-local suppliers to stop supplying coal to cements factories in the district.
German official studies poll procedures in State
SHILLONG: With a view to understand the electioneering process, Germany sent its representatives to various parts of India. Interestingly, the time chosen for this undertaking coincides with the general elections in the largest democracy of the world.
As part of the mission, Florian Burkhardt, the First Secretary (political and protocol) of the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany, New Delhi came to Shillong recently.
During his visit Florian Burkhardt met leaders of various political parties namely, BJP leader AL Hek, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president Friday Lyngdoh and NCP state President WR Kharlukhi.
Speaking to reporters before leaving for New Delhi here on Tuesday, Burkhardt said that his main objective for meeting the state political leaders was to understand the electioneering process in the state of Meghalaya.
"I met leaders of the Congress, BJP and NCP to understand strategies that are followed in the process of electioneering" Burkhardt said.
He also informed that the German embassy is closely monitoring the elections scenario in India.
The First Secretary (political and protocol) of the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany has stated that it is "interesting and fascinating" to witness the world largest democracy going for the trial of strength".
Other envoys of the German embassy are also camping in various parts of the country on the same mission.
During his meeting with the leaders, the envoy said "we discussed the prospects of various candidates in the state as well as the region".
Exhibition on non-conventional energy
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Non-Conventional and Rural Energy Development Agency organised a two day exhibition-cum-sale on non-conventional energy at Shillong here on Wednesday. Some of the items on sale include solar lanterns, home lighting systems, biogas plants, water heating systems, solar street lights and solar cookers.
SSHR caution
NONGSTOIN: The Seng Samla Hima Rambrai (SSHR) West Khasi Hills has cautioned people against killing of aquatic lives within Hima Rambrai. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the SSHR said that people both from Hima as well as from outside the Hima will have to face penalty if found guilty of such acts.
Meanwhile, the SSHR has condemned Kling Wahlang of Rambrai and Beckstar Nongsiej of Mawmluh for allegedly destroying aquatic lives by using chemicals at river Thwei Synrem of Hima Rambrai. "The Indian Fisheries Act 1987 will take its course on the accused", said the statement of the SSHR.
Meanwhile, the people of Nongstoin have expressed concern on the frequent non-supply of electricity despite the ongoing load shedding in Nongstoin and other parts of the district. Different sections of people including shopkeepers and government employees were disturbed by the irregular supply of electricity by the MeSEB.
Weekly launched
SHILLONG: A Khasi weekly newspaper, Ka ïit Khmih' (The Mirror), was formally launched on Monday. Veteran Khasi newspaper vendor Bah Rit Kharsyntiew launched the paper at a small function held at Motphran.
The paper aims at providing information on different issues relating to society. The paper will be available on every Monday of the week. (By Our Reporter)
jaintia Hills Round-up
District Unit FKJGP constituted
JOWAI: The District unit Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) was formed in Jaintia Hills at a meeting held in Jowai on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by the state leaders of the organisation including its president, Emlang Lytang, general secretary, Joe Marweina and president of North Khasi Hills. The meeting was chaired by the vice president of the organisation, Wellbirth Rani.
FKJGP Shangpung circle president, Tuesday Lytep was appointed as the district president, Hunlang Langstang as the general secretary, Franky Dkhar and Paila Lyngkot as the organising secretaries whereas Danny Chadap was appointed as the Information Secretary besides fourteen others as executive members.
Book forfeited to the West Bengal Govt
JOWAI: The Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner has informed that a Book written in Bengali entitled Sandhya Pader Katha by Sankar Deb Halder and other documents containing copies, reprint and translations has been forfeited to the Government of West Bengal with immediate effect.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, this was done because the contents of the book could have created discord among the different groups and communities.
RTI Act training held
JOWAI: The Jaintia Hills District Administration in collaboration with the Meghalaya Administration Training Institute, Shillong organised a one day training program on the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 for local clubs, voluntary organisations, non-governmental organisations and churches here on Monday at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall, Jowai.
Speaking on the occasion, the Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal who inaugurated the training program, said that the RTI Act 2005 is an important and powerful tool that can be used to seek information on the various functions of government machineries.
House looted
JOWAI: Unknown miscreants broke into the house of one James VP working as a teacher at St. Mary's Mazzarello Higher Secondary School, Jowai and fled away with Rs. 7000. Sources informed that the miscreants broke into the house between 8:30 am to 12:30 pm while no one was present at the house.
‘Knowledge of safety measures should be provided to miners’
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Deputy General of Mines Safety, Eastern Zone, Sitarampur SI Hussain has pointed out that 90 percent of the mining areas in Meghalaya is yet to be recognised by any authority.
"Considering this fact, it is very important that people working in the mines are trained with various safety measures to protect themselves from various unforeseen accidents that might take place while working in the mining areas" Hussain said, while speaking on the concluding function of the 6th North East Metalliferous Mines Safety Week-2008-2009 held at Don Bosco Youth Centre here on Wednesday.
"Coal is one of the mineral resources found in abundance in the state and it is important that its mining be carried out in an efficient manner.''
''Using the latest technology available would bring benefit not only to the state but also to the common people at large," he said.
He said that the Government is trying to bring in a policy so that training on various safety measures relating to mining activities may be imparted even to those people who are working in the mining areas which are not recognized by any authority.
He also pointed out that the state government would be required to play an active role by organising various workshops relating to safety measures of people working in the mines.
Meanwhile, Director of Mines Safety, Eastern Zone R Kulsrestha informed the gathering about the proposal of setting up of a training centre for the people working in the un-recognised mines.
The 6th North East Metalliferous Mines Safety Week-2008-2009 was organised by Mawmluh Cherra Cement Limited (MCCL) and Komorrah Limestone Mining Co. Limited.
Over 800 candidates attend army recruitment rally
JOWAI: Over 800 candidates from Jaintia Hills, Ribhoi and West Khasi Hills District took part in the first day of the Army Recruitment Rally conducted at Kiang Nangbah Stadium, Ladthadlaboh Jowai on Monday. The four day rally was flagged off on Monday by the Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal in the presence of the Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police, MK Singh and Extra Assistant Commissioner, SC Laloo besides army officials including, the Director Recruitment RO (Hq), Shillong, Colonel R.S Guleria, the Deputy Director General (Recruiting), NE States, Brigadier KJ Singh and the Director Army Recruiting, Aizawl, Colonel RA Venkataraman.
The recruitment rally will conclude on May 8 and the written test for the qualified candidates will be conducted on May 31 at the Army Head-Quarter Area 101, Shillong.
More candidates from other districts including those from East Khasi Hills, East, West and South Garo Hills are expected to join the recruitment rally as scheduled.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Goyal said that the youth of Meghalaya have immense potential to excel as soldiers in the army and that is the reason the army is trying to reach every district of Meghalaya.
"A recruitment rally is a golden opportunity for candidates who want to join the army and serve the country", added Goyal
Goyal reflected on the valour of the Armed Forces and said that they are second to none. He also appreciated the efforts of the Army Hq-101 area and the recruiting team from Shillong for organising the rally at Jowai for the benefit of the rural youth. He also announced that a coaching capsule for the common entrance examination will be organised for the qualified candidates after May 10 under arrangements to be made by the District Administration.
The Director Recruiting R/O (Hq) Shillong, Colonel RS Guleria said that recruitment rallies were conducted in Meghalaya for the youth so that they get a fair chance to join honourable professions in the prestigious Indian Army.
"The rally conducted at Jowai is primarily to provide recruitment opportunities to youth of Meghalaya who belong to remote villages of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo Hills Districts", he added.
Further he stated that the system of selection is very fair and highly transparent in which the selection of candidates is purely on merit basis according to their performance both in the physical and the written test.
Col. Guleria also informed that a special recruitment will be conducted with special preference to sports persons who have excelled in their respective disciplines at the state and national level. (From Our Correspondent)
Source: http://www.theshillongtimes.com
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