Tuesday, May 26

Meghalaya

Meghalaya Government reaffirms ban on manual scavenging
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Government reaffirms ban on manual scavenging

The Meghalaya government has issued a stern reminder that the practice of manual scavenging remains illegal and punishable by law. In a news statement dated August 29, 2024, the Sohra Civil Sub Division's Sub Divisional Officer stressed the need to uphold the "Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavenger and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013." The announcement makes it clear that "no person, local authority or any agency shall construct an insanitary latrine, or engage or employ, either directly or indirectly, a manual scavenger." It also makes it clear that anyone who has previously been engaged in this kind of job "shall stand discharged immediately from any obligation, express or implied, to do manual scavenging." This reaffirmation seeks to end the cruel practice of manually cleaning...
Leader of the Bangladesh Awami League Discovered Dead in Meghalaya
Meghalaya

Leader of the Bangladesh Awami League Discovered Dead in Meghalaya

In a shocking discovery, the semi-decomposed body of a prominent leader of ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League was found in Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills district, as per reports on Thursday. The deceased politician has been identified as Ishaque Ali Khan Panna. On August 26, his lifeless body was reportedly discovered in a betel nut orchard about 1.5 kilometers from the border between Bangladesh and India. Panna was a highly recognized figure in the Pirojpur district and had previously held the position of general secretary for the Bangladesh Chhatra League. Since the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina fell on August 5, he had been evading capture. His passport served as proof of identity. The deceased's body has been taken to the Khliehriat Civi...
The Meghalaya government allocates ₹840 crore to improve tourism infrastructure in the state
Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government allocates ₹840 crore to improve tourism infrastructure in the state

The Government of Meghalaya has committed Rs 840.29 crore in its endeavour to upgrade the State's tourism infrastructure and make Meghalaya one of the leading destinations for quality and sustainable tourism. This would mean that the initiative will benefit locals as well as visitors. The importance of the topic to the state economy was explored in detail by Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh during a discussion of it in the state assembly. According to him, almost 50,000 people in Meghalaya are either directly or indirectly employed in the tourism industry. Lyngdoh continued, "Tourism is an important constituent of the economy of the state, and the government is committed to fostering growth in this sector for employment opportunities, economic activities, and improvement in the qua...
Meghalaya Assembly rejects non-creamy layer Reservation Bill in voice vote
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Assembly rejects non-creamy layer Reservation Bill in voice vote

On August 27, the Meghalaya Assembly decisively rejected the Meghalaya Reservation for Non-Creamy Layer of Scheduled Tribes (in State Reservation Policy) Bill, 2024, in a voice vote. The bill, proposed by Adelbert Nongrum, an opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator from North Shillong, failed to secure the necessary support. Following the vote, Assembly Deputy Speaker Timothy D. Shira announced, “The No’s have it, the motion is not carried and leave to introduce the Bill is not granted.” Nongrum had argued that the bill aimed to provide reservation for the non-creamy layer of Scheduled Tribes within the state, aligning with the State Reservation Policy. He presented empirical data indicating that a significant portion of the Scheduled Tribe population in Meghalaya is econ...
Meghalaya government to consider the relocation extension request of the Harijan committee
Meghalaya

Meghalaya government to consider the relocation extension request of the Harijan committee

The Meghalaya government will hold a meeting this week to discuss the representation received from the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC). In response to the proposed relocation of 342 families from the Them Iew Mawlong region, also referred to as Harijan Colony, the committee has requested further time to respond. Additionally, Prestone Tynsong, the deputy chief minister of Meghalaya, announced on Tuesday that a meeting would be arranged to determine the next steps for this proposal. He told reporters, "We will meet this week to discuss the matter and then make a decision." The Harijan Panchayat Committee was given a strict deadline of 15 days by the Meghalaya government to react to the relocation plan. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong acknowledged that the government had previou...
Harijan Panchayat Committee seeks time extension due to Sikh leaders’ unavailability
Meghalaya

Harijan Panchayat Committee seeks time extension due to Sikh leaders’ unavailability

The Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) has requested an extension from the Meghalaya government to respond to the relocation plan for 342 families from Them Iew Mawlong. The original 15-day deadline, set by the government, was deemed insufficient by the committee for thorough consultations. In a statement issued on August 26, HPC Secretary Gurjit Singh explained that the committee needs additional time to engage with key Sikh community leaders and organizations. "We plan to consult with the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee in Amritsar, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, and other senior leaders for their guidance," Singh stated. However, he noted that these leaders are unavailable for consultations for the next two to three weeks d...
Union Minister Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary praises Meghalaya’s unique heritage, promises sustainable development
Meghalaya

Union Minister Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary praises Meghalaya’s unique heritage, promises sustainable development

Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, highlighted Meghalaya’s distinctive landscapes and rich cultural heritage during a press conference on Friday. Addressing reporters on his third day in the state, Dr. Choudhary underscored the central government's commitment to ensuring that Meghalaya's growth is both inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Dr. Choudhary, who had recently returned from South West Khasi Hills, emphasized the importance of balancing development with conservation. “Meghalaya holds a special place in our country due to its unique landscapes and vibrant community. We are dedicated to promoting sustainable growth that aligns with the state’s environmental values,” he said. The Union Minister detailed several central government initiatives aim...
The sequel to the 1997 war film Border has sparked excitement about the cast and plot
Meghalaya

The sequel to the 1997 war film Border has sparked excitement about the cast and plot

The sequel to the 1997 war film Border has sparked excitement about the cast and plot. Sunny Deol is returning, while other details remain under wraps. Varun Dhawan is set to join the cast, and fans are eagerly awaiting the news. TV stars Nakuul Mehta and Kriti Sanon have also expressed their reactions to the news. Varun Dhawan has announced his joining the cast of Border 2, a war film directed by JP and Nidhi Dutta. The actor will play an army person. Nakuul Mehta, Kriti Sanon, and fashion designer Manish Malhotra reacted to the announcement, with Nakuul Mehta saluting the actor, Kriti Sanon expressing his admiration, and Manish Malhotra expressing his heartfelt support. Varun shared a clip in which he praises the Border franchise as "India's Biggest War Film Gets Bigger," stating ...
Congress criticizes the Union Government for the untimely allocation of funds for the Sikkim landslide
Meghalaya

Congress criticizes the Union Government for the untimely allocation of funds for the Sikkim landslide

The Congress has criticized the Union Government for failing to allocate funds to mitigate the Sikkim landslide and allowing unplanned hydro-projects in the region, which is prone to disasters. Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary and Congress leader, has accused the government of vendetta politics, claiming they failed to allocate sufficient funds for irrigation and flood mitigation in West Bengal. The Union Budget of July 2024 promised assistance without specific funds for Sikkim, a region in West Bengal, according to Ramesh. The budget was seen as confrontational federalism, indifferent to the equally affected areas. A massive landslide disaster in Sikkim damaged the Teesta V, a 510 MW hydroelectric power station on the Teesta river. The disaster follows the October 2023 Glacial L...
Meghalaya on high alert, rising water levels at Umiam Dam prompt warning for residents
Meghalaya

Meghalaya on high alert, rising water levels at Umiam Dam prompt warning for residents

The Ri Bhoi District administration has issued a warning to residents as water levels at the Umiam Dam near capacity, raising concerns about potential releases. As of August 13, the water level stood at 3,209.68 feet, prompting officials to advise caution, especially with the forecast of further heavy rainfall. In an official statement, the Deputy Commissioner urged people living downstream of the Umiam Dam to exercise extra vigilance. "Residents are advised to stay clear of rivers and streams to prevent accidents," the press release stated. The administration also highlighted the risks beyond rising water levels. In the event of flooding, residents are cautioned against approaching electric poles or power lines due to the danger of electrocution. This alert coincides with the monso...