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From Our Correspondent

From Our Correspondent

MAWKYRWAT, May 27: Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, visited South West Khasi Hills district on Monday to review the implementation of central government schemes and interact with beneficiaries.

The Minister began his visit at Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital, where he distributed Ayushman Bharat cards and assessed healthcare services. He later inspected natural farming sites under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) at Wahsiej village. During an interaction with Self-Help Groups and “Lakhpati Didis,” Varma commended their efforts in organic farming and sustainable livelihood generation.

As part of the visit, the Minister inaugurated houses constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and handed over keys to the beneficiaries. He also inspected MGNREGS projects at Mawpon, where he participated in a tree plantation programme.

Recognising the district’s tourism potential, Varma visited the Rialng viewpoint at Mawranglang and encouraged the promotion of eco-tourism in the region.

Concluding the visit, the Minister chaired a meeting with district officials and departmental heads to assess the progress of various centrally sponsored schemes.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 27: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday clarified the government’s stance on bike taxi aggregators, stating that the Transport department is ready to issue permits to all eligible operators.

The statement follows a meeting last week between the Deputy CM and a bike taxi aggregator company regarding the mandatory requirement of obtaining a trading licence from the District Council before operating commercially in the state.

Addressing concerns involving services such as Rapido, Dhar emphasised that the department’s role is to facilitate permits for those who fulfill the necessary requirements, adding that there is no intention to harass operators.

He further stated that the government is keen on granting permits to eligible individuals, particularly the youth, to support those looking to earn a livelihood through two-wheeler or four-wheeler services.

BIS Guwahati Branch Office, in association with the District Industries & Commerce Centre (DICC), South West Khasi Hills, will organise a monthly meeting with MSMEs on Friday at 11:30 AM at DICC Hall, Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills. The programme aims to spread awareness on quality standards, product testing, certification, and other support available for MSMEs. Around 60 MSME participants are expected to attend.

Anbolin Hek, mother of (L) Bishar H Hek, and a resident of Lumkshaid, Lower Mawprem, Block-4, passed away on Tuesday. The funeral service will be held at the Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Lumkshaid, at 2 PM on Friday.

MSME participants are expected to attend.

A workshop on ‘Formulating a Strategic Approach for Azolla Development and Utilization, will be organised by the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission on Friday from 10 AM onwards at the State Guest House, Taraghar, Shillong.

Greetings

The Founder Family of Islamia Secondary School, G.S. Road, Police Bazar, has extended greetings and best wishes to the people of Meghalaya, particularly the Muslim community, on the

A workshop on ‘Formulating a Strategic Approach for Azolla Development and Utilization, will be organised by the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission on Friday from 10 AM onwards at the State Guest House, Taraghar, Shillong.

Anbolin Hek, mother of (L) Bishar H Hek, and a resident of Lumkshaid, Lower Mawprem, Block-4, passed away on Tuesday. The funeral service will be held at the Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Lumkshaid, at 2 PM on Friday.

PTI

IMPHAL, May 27: The Manipur Congress on Wednesday alleged the BJP-led governments at the Centre and the state have been “silent spectators” when several people were abducted by armed groups, and many are still being held hostage.

Interacting with reporters on the sidelines of an event to mark the 62nd death anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, state Congress president Okram Ibobi Singh alleged that “there is no rule of law in this tiny state”.

“What immediate steps have been taken by the state and the central governments when the civilians were abducted? We strongly condemn it and demand that those held hostage be rescued immediately,” he said.

The three-term former chief minister also asked, “Why are both the state and Centre being silent spectators? Is there any hidden agenda?” More than 38 people were abducted and held hostage by armed groups in Manipur’s Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13, hours after three church leaders were killed in an ambush.

Of them, 31 people have been released, including 12 Naga women and 16 Kukis. Six Naga men, however, continued to be held hostage, and their whereabouts are not yet known.

Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes in the state, claimed that 14 people from the community continued to be held hostage by Naga groups.

Manipur police chief Rajiv Singh on Monday said talks were being held and operations were underway to find the missing persons.

Four suspects were also apprehended by security forces from Kangpokpi district on Monday in connection with the abduction of the six Naga civilians.

Singh also alleged that the BJP only focuses on elections throughout the year. “They are not concerned about the future of the country,” he said.

(PTI)

GANGTOK, May 27: Sikkim was declared a fully literate state in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday.

The declaration was made under the Centre’s ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang at the convocation ceremony of Sikkim University at Manan Kendra in Gangtok.

Congratulating the state government and people of Sikkim, the president described the achievement as a significant step towards inclusive development and social empowerment through education.

Sikkim Chief Minister Tamang also hailed the achievement and congratulated the people of the state.

“Heartiest congratulations to the people of Sikkim on the historic and proud occasion of our state being formally declared a Fully Literate State under the ULLAS, Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram,” he said.

Tamang described the development as a defining milestone in Sikkim’s educational and social journey and said it reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring that no adult citizen is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge, dignity and empowerment. “From the remotest villages to every block and gram panchayat, this mission has reached every corner of Sikkim with dedication and determination,” he said.

Tamang said the achievement was made possible by the enthusiasm and perseverance of learners from all age groups, many of whom learnt to read and write for the first time in their lives.

“Their determination embodies the true spirit of ‘Saakshar Sikkim’ and serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations,” he added.

The chief minister also expressed gratitude to the Education Department, volunteer teachers, educators, coordinators and officials associated with the literacy mission.

“Your selfless service, compassion, patience and unwavering commitment towards the upliftment of society have made this transformative initiative a grand success,” he said.

Describing literacy as the foundation of empowerment, equality and progress, Tamang urged people to continue working collectively towards building a stronger, enlightened and self-reliant Sikkim where knowledge and opportunities reach every citizen.

President Droupadi Murmu hands over a degree to an outgoing student during the seventh convocation ceremony of Sikkim University, in Gangtok, on Wednesday. (PTI)

PTI

GANGTOK, May 27: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said education is a powerful tool for women’s empowerment.

Addressing the 7th convocation of Sikkim University in Gangtok, Murmu noted that women students dominated the list of medal recipients, adding that there cannot be a better example of women’s empowerment through education. “I am glad to note that 70 per cent of the students receiving medals are girls,” she said.

Praising the achievements of the women students, Murmu said they had attained academic excellence through talent, hard work and determination, and wished them success in their future careers.

She also shared a series of ‘mantras’ for success with graduating students. “Trust in your abilities, learn from the experience and knowledge of others, collaborate instead of isolating yourselves, prioritise short-term and long-term goals, and become self-reliant and successful contributors to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’,” she said.

The president also referred to the launch of the women-exclusive ‘Pink City Runner – Aama Didi Bahini Bus Sewa’ earlier in the day and thanked Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for giving her an opportunity to be a part of the initiative.

The newly launched bus service in Gangtok is operated entirely by women staff and dedicated exclusively to women commuters.

Murmu, who is on a three-day visit to Sikkim, also praised the Himalayan state for preserving its natural beauty and ecological balance. (PTI)