DIPR Meghalaya

07/10/2026

World Mental Health Day 2026 Observed at Umdohun Market

Mawkyrwat, October 07, 2026: The District Mental Health Programme (DM&HP), South West Khasi Hills District, in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat, and Hapneh U Kyllailongsngun CLF, Umdohlun Cluster, today observed World Mental Health Day 2026 at Umdohun Market, South West Khasi Hills District.

The programme was observed under the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” with the objective of promoting awareness and understanding of mental health, encouraging people to share their experiences openly, and motivating them to seek appropriate support and care.

As part of the programme, Smt. B. Snaitang, Psychiatric Nurse, DM&HP, South West Khasi Hills District, spoke on the theme and highlighted the importance of mental health. She encouraged individuals experiencing mental health challenges to come forward and seek appropriate treatment through the available health services. She also sensitised the public about the availability of the Tele-MANAS helpline, which provides mental health support and assistance.

This was followed by a session on violence against women, the Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW), and interdepartmental convergence, addressed by Smt. Werialty Lyngdoh Peinlang, Case Worker, One Stop Centre (OSC), District Social Welfare Office, Mawkyrwat. She highlighted the various services provided by the One Stop Centre and encouraged women and other individuals in need to approach the office for the necessary assistance and support. She also elaborated on women's rights and the laws relating to violence against women, emphasising the importance of protecting women from violence, abuse, and harassment at home, in the workplace, and in public spaces.

Shri. F. Lyngdoh Langrin, Headman of Umdohlun Village, delivered an encouraging address in which he urged community members to recognise the importance of mental health, act responsibly, and actively contribute towards building a healthy and supportive community.

Shri. Edilbert Marbaniang, Cluster Coordinator, Umdohlun Area, also spoke on the importance of creating health awareness at the community level and encouraged people to take an active role in promoting the well-being of their communities.

A short skit presented by the PHL Group entitled “Ka Bor Na Lade,” which highlighted issues relating to mental health and social well-being. Another skit, presented by Tyllilang VO, Mawkhlaitngap, on the theme “Cleanliness of Environment,” emphasised the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

The programme was chaired by Smt. N. Marbaniang, M&EO, District Mental Health Programme (DM&HP), South West Khasi Hills District, while the welcome address was delivered by Smt. J. Thongnibah, SHG Member of Hapneh U Kyllailongsngun CLF, Umdohlun Cluster and a vote of thanks delivered by Shri. Valdony E. Lyngdoh Mawlot, Gender Specialist, District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), District Social Welfare Office, Mawkyrwat.

07/10/2026

Inter-Department Futsal Finals Add Excitement to West Khasi Hills Golden Jubilee Celebration

NONGSTOIN, 7 October 2026: The Golden Jubilee Celebration of West Khasi Hills District witnessed an exciting finish to the Inter-Department Futsal Tournament today, with the finals played in two categories—Below 40 Years and Above 40 Years.

In the Below 40 Years Final, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District, faced the Police Department in a closely contested match, emerging victorious 2–1.

The Above 40 Years Final between the Health Department and PHE ended 1–1 in regulation time. The match was then decided through a tie-breaker, with the Health Department securing victory 2–1.

Smt. Hema Nayak, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills, attended the finals along with Smt. Anju J.Batar IAS, AC; Shri I. Momin, MCS, AC; and Smt. C.N.N. Sangma, MCS, AC, along with staff from various departments. Their enthusiastic support, together with the cheering of colleagues for their respective teams, added to the lively atmosphere of the event.

The matches showcased competitive spirit, teamwork and a strong sense of team spirit, making the futsal finals a fitting highlight of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

07/10/2026

Speaker Thomas Sangma reviews prep for 50th Wangala Festival; 1000 Drums to replace 100 this year

TURA, October 7: Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker and North Tura MLA Thomas A. Sangma on Wednesday inspected the ongoing preparations at the Garo Heritage Village, Chibragre, for the Golden Jubilee celebration of the 100 Drums Wangala Festival, which will be held in November.

To mark 50 years of the organised Wangala Festival, this year's celebration will feature a special 1000 Drums Wangala Festival, replacing the customary 100-drums presentation.

Sangma reviewed the progress of the works and held discussions with officials from Tourism, Water Supply, PWD and Power departments, besides members of the 100 Drums Wangala Festival Committee. He was accompanied by Committee Chairman Ronald Rikman Sangma, Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma, SP (Traffic), Tura Rupam R. Marak and other officials.

Speaking to the media, Sangma said preparations were progressing well despite the challenges involved in organising an event of such scale. He said arrangements were being coordinated with the district administration and various departments and expressed satisfaction with the progress.

Four Chief Ministers from the Northeast are expected to attend the Golden Jubilee celebration, while contingents from Nagaland, Assam and Tripura are also expected to perform. The Bangladesh contingent, however, will not be able to participate due to pending visa requirements.

On traffic, Sangma acknowledged that congestion on the route to Wangala A'dam had been a recurring concern. He said shuttle services would operate throughout the day to ferry visitors, as parking facilities would not be sufficient for everyone.

Sangma also clarified that the Golden Jubilee marks 50 years of the organised 100 Drums Wangala Festival, not 50 years of the Wangala tradition itself. The festival has been observed by the Garo people for centuries as a post-harvest expression of gratitude to the Creator.

The organised 100 Drums Wangala Festival was first held at Asanang in 1976, with the objective of preserving Garo culture and traditions at a time when traditional Songsarek practices were facing growing decline amid the community's increasing shift towards Christianity.

The 1000-drums celebration at Chibragre will therefore mark five decades of the organised festival while providing a major platform to showcase and preserve Garo cultural heritage.

07/10/2026

Awareness Programme on Meghalaya Right to Public Services Act, 2020 Held Across North Garo Hills

Resubelpara, October 7, 2026: The District Administration, North Garo Hills, Resubelpara, is conducting a week-long awareness programme on the Meghalaya Right to Public Services Act, 2020, with the objective of sensitising citizens, particularly the youth, on their rights and entitlements to notified public services.

The awareness programme is being conducted from October 6th to October 9th, across all four C&RD Blocks of the district, namely Resubelpara, Bajengdoba, Adokgre and Kharkutta, with educational institutions being covered as part of the initiative. Students from Classes IX to XII are participating in the programme.

Smti. Osamaphi Lynghdoh, MCS, Assistant Commissioner, North Garo Hills, is serving as the resource person for the awareness sessions. Interacting with the students, she highlighted the objectives and significance of the Meghalaya Right to Public Services Act, 2020, and emphasised the importance of citizens being aware of their rights in accessing government services.

She explained that the Act provides citizens with the right to receive notified public services within the stipulated time frame. It also provides for mechanisms relating to accountability and grievance redressal, including the right to appeal in cases where a notified service is delayed or not provided.

She further stated that the objective of sensitising students is to equip them with knowledge of the provisions of the Act, as the younger generation has greater familiarity with technology and digital platforms. The students, she said, can also play an important role in disseminating awareness among their families and communities, particularly among sections of society who may have limited access to technology and digital information.

Highlighting the significance of the Act, Smti. Lynghdoh stated that awareness of citizens' rights to public services can facilitate greater transparency, accountability and efficiency in the delivery of government services and enable citizens to make informed use of the services available to them.

The E-District Manager, North Garo Hills, also apprised the students about various digital services available through the e-District platform and explained how digital platforms can facilitate convenient access to government services.

The students actively participated in the sessions and were sensitised on the provisions of the Meghalaya Right to Public Services Act, 2020, as well as the various digital services available to citizens.

07/10/2026

9 Colleges Join Youth Parliament at UCC Umbir

Nongpoh, October 6: A district-level Youth Parliament concluded at Union Christian College (UCC), Umbir, bringing together students from nine colleges across Ri Bhoi to discuss democracy, leadership, public policy and responsible citizenship.

Organised by the college’s IQAC and funded by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the programme was held under the theme “Empowering Youth for Democratic Leadership and Responsible Citizenship” as part of UCC’s 75th Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Hon'ble Cabinet Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, who attended the closing session as Chief Guest, urged students to view leadership as a responsibility rather than merely a position, and encouraged them to use their knowledge and skills for the betterment of society.

Prizes were also distributed to participants and winners in recognition of their performance.

07/10/2026

A Public Rally under the National To***co Control Programme (NTCP) was organised on 6th of October at Mairang by the DMHO, West Khasi Hills in collaboration with DC Office, Eastern West Khasi Hills District to mark World No To***co Day 2026 under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal”.

Flagged off from the DC Office, Mawsawa, the rally traversed along NH-44E and concluded at Tirot Sing Memorial Hall, Pyndengumiong. Students, healthcare workers and the public joined in to spread awareness on the harmful effects of to***co and to promote a to***co-free lifestyle.

07/10/2026

As part of the observance of World No To***co Day, a special programme under the National To***co Control Programme (NTCP) was held on 6th October 2026 at Tirot Sing Memorial Hall, Pyndengumiong. The programme was organised by the Office of the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), West Khasi Hills District, in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Eastern West Khasi Hills District (EWKHD), under the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal – Exposing Industry Tactics on To***co and Ni****ne Products.”

The programme was attended by the Deputy Commissioner, EWKHD, Smti. Anita Kharpor as the Chief Guest, Superintendent of Police, EWKHD, Shri G.D. Lyngdoh, State Nodal Officer, NTCP & NOHP, Dr. N. Mawrie, and District Nodal Officer, NTCP, West Khasi Hills & EWKHD, Dr. L.L. Mawsor, along with government officials, doctors and students.

The programme aimed to enlighten the public on the serious health hazards of to***co consumption, both smoking and smokeless forms, and the harmful effects of smoking in public places and public transport, which affects not only the users but also passive smokers. The programme further encouraged to***co users to quit its use and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

The programme ended with the prize distribution to the winners of slogans writing competition and TVF initiative competition conducted among school students.

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

District Housing Office Shifts to Mookymphad, Mihmyntdu

Jowai, 6th October, 2026: The Office of the District Housing Officer, West Jaintia Hills District, has shifted from Khimmusniang, Jowai, to a new location at Mookymphad, Mihmyntdu, West Jaintia Hills District, with effect from 14th September, 2026.

All concerned are kindly requested to take note of the change in office location and to address all future official correspondence to the new location address Mookymphad, Mihmyntdu, West Jaintia Hills District.

This has been informed by the District Housing Officer, West Jaintia District, Jowai.

06/10/2026

9th Poshan Maah Promotes Nutrition, Maternal Care and Early Childhood Development.

Jowai, 6th October, 2026: The office of the District Programme Officer, ICDS Cell, West and East Jaintia Hills in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills today observed the 9th Poshan Maah 2026 under Poshan Abhiyaan – PM’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment.

The programme was held at the District Library Auditorium, Mynthong, Jowai under the theme “Better Nutrition, Brighter Future, Healthier Generation.” Deputy Commissioner Shri.Abhinav Kumar Singh, IAS graced the occasion as Chief Guest in presence of ICDS officers and Anganwadi workers.

The programme highlighted Mission 1000 initiated by the State Government on March 31, which focuses on localised interventions under Poshan Abhiyaan for Early Childhood Development (ECD), improving maternal care, reducing infant mortality and actively involving fathers in caregiving.

Addressing the gathering, Shri. Abhinav Kumar Singh, DC stated that the theme, “Better nutrition, Brighter Future, and Healthier Generations, “underscores that nutrition goes beyond mere sustenance and represents an investment in the future of children, mother and the community.

Shri. Abhinav highlighted the critical importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception to the second birthday, noting that adequate nutrition during this period has a profound impact on physical growth, cognitive development and overall well-being.

He stressed that ensuring proper maternal nutrition, promoting breastfeeding, complementary feeding and preventing anaemia remains key priorities. He also appreciated the programme’s focus on nutrition awareness, counselling, cooking demonstrations using locally available and affordable food items and various initiatives undertaken by frontline workers.

The Deputy Commissioner further appreciated the dedicated efforts of Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), nutritionists, master trainers and other frontline personnel working at the grassroot level, describing them as a vital link between government programmes and families in need. He affirmed the district administration’s commitment to strengthening convergence among departments to ensure that nutrition remains an integral part of the district’s developmental agenda.

A technical session was subsequently conducted, with awareness on early nutrition, maternal nutrition, anaemia prevention and nutrition counselling by Nutritionist Smt.Habari Warjri and a cooking demonstration on nutritious, affordable and locally available food items by Programme Manager, Nutrition, ECD Mission, Smt.La-in Phanwar.

Anganwadi workers from Thadlaskein ICDS Project presented a fashion show showcasing food items and highlighting their nutritional benefits, while workers from Amlarem ICDS Project presented nutritional songs and Laskein ICDS Projects displayed a short play.

The programme began with a welcome address by District Programme Officer, ICDS Cell, Smt. Lucy M. Kharkongor, while CDPO Thadlaskein Smt.Darinylla Lakai proposed the vote of thanks.

The Office also felicitated Master Trainers, Staff Nurses, Mid-Day Meal Helpers, Lady Supervisors and Anganwadi Workers in recognition of their dedicated service towards strengthening nutrition and community based initiatives.