Shillong, Jan 21: Meghalaya on Tuesday celebrated its 42nd statehood day in a befitting manner with a pledge to alleviate rural poverty and generate income opportunities for thousands of educated unemployed youths.
The state was carved out of undivided Assam on January 21, 1972 after the North Eastern Re-organisation Act, 1971, was passed in the Parliament.
In the State capital Shillong, an official function was held at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in the august presence of the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. R C Laloo as the Chief Guest. Also present on the occasion were A L Hek, Minister incharge of Information & Public Relations, Prestone Tynsong, Minister of Forest & Environment, Roshan Warjri, Minister incharge Home and a host of dignitaries. Speaking on the occassion, Dr. Laloo remembered the visionary leaders and their determination to bestow upon the indigenous people a state of their own.
Dr, Laloo also highlighted on the developmental activities happening in the state in its 42 years journey in the field of agriculture, power, education, health, tourism, transport and communication.
He said the government has been working tirelessly to ensure the benefits of flagship programmes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, National, Rural Health Mission, PMGSY, JNNURM, Total Sanitation Campaign and NREGA to reach the remotest corner and the poorest beneficiary of the state.
Exhorting the commitment of the Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA-II) government, he said rural poverty alleviation, employment generation and livelihood promotion would bring about inclusive growth in the state.
The Deputy Chief Minister informed that the flagship programme of the Government, the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme has proven to be an innovative initiative to bring about inclusive growth to every section of society.
Meghalaya Day Awards were also announced during the programme which will be distributed at a later date. The names of the Awardees are Smti Sylvi Passah, U Tirot Singh Award for Art & Literature, Shri Skylance G Momin, Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Service and Smti Wansuk Myrthong, U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports.
Meanwhile at Tura, the celebration of 42nd Meghalaya Day was held at the DC’s Park,. Prayer for Peace and Harmony in Garo Hills, presentation of songs, dances and skits marked the celebration in Tura. On the occasion, a well known litterateur of Garo Hills, Llewellyn Beaconsfield R. Marak and a popular singer of yesteryears, Late Beckington D. Shira (posthumous) were conferred with Appreciation Awards consisting of a citation and a cash of Rs. 10,000/- each by the District Administration for their outstanding contribution towards A∙chik Literature, Folk Music and Social Services in A∙chik culture and society.(SP News)
