Addressing the 75th Independence Day celebration in Shillong on Sunday, Sangma said that the year 2022 is of great significance for the State as we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Statehood.
“I have requested the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi Ji for the grand celebrations that we plan to organize at Shillong on 21st January, 2022. As we move towards that milestone, my Government and I are committed to lead Meghalaya and its 38 lakhs citizens into a better future – a future where everyone has the opportunities for individual fulfillment and to contribute to the common good,” he said.
The Chief Minister also felicitated the health workers and front line workers who have been working tirelessly in the fight against the COVID-19 and handed over the citation on their behalf to Dr R Tariang, Dr P Manners and Dr Robert Marak.
On the occasion, Sangma also reaffirmed that vaccines work and are effective against preventing the spread and reducing the fatality associated with COVID-19.
According to him, almost 92 percent of the people who lost their lives over the last four months were unvaccinated.
“These unfortunate casualties could have been avoided had they received vaccinations on time. With our collective efforts, I am hopeful that we can overcome the pandemic in the coming months,” he said.
Stating that the progress of COVID-19 vaccination in the state is sadly unsatisfactory, the Chief Minister said as on date only 47% of eligible individuals have taken at least their first dose.
There is considerable vaccine hesitancy in the State especially in the rural areas largely due to misinformation.
“Along with vaccine hesitancy, the State is also confronted with refusal for testing and delays in seeking medical attention by infected persons. Studies and statistics world over as well as practical evidence have indicated that the impact of COVID-19 has not been severe on persons who have been vaccinated. Vaccines give protection from serious illness and death,” he said.
“While the Government has been making all efforts to control the pandemic, significant impact can be achieved only with the cooperation of the community and the residents.
Please wear your masks correctly, keep distance from others, wash or sanitize your hands frequently and vaccinate yourselves immediately. Let us be responsible, not only for our safety, but more so, for the safety of our near and dear ones,” he added.
The Chief Minister also informed that the state government has also decided to award the first 100 villages which achieve full vaccination coverage of eligible population by 31st August, 2021. An amount of Rs 5 lakhs will be given to every such village for carrying out development works, he said.
The Chief Minister hoisted the National Flag at Polo Ground, Shillong and took the Rashtriya Salute of three parade contingents comprising BSF, CRPF and SF10, Meghalaya Police and the Brass Band of the Border Wing Home Guards.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released a book titled “Celebrating India@75”, a collaborative effort of the Department of Arts and Culture and the Synod College Management Authority and the Meghalaya Freedom Song, commissioned by the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya in commemoration of 75 years of India’s Independence.
The Chief Minister also felicitated the health workers and front line workers who have been working tirelessly in the fight against the COVID-19 and handed over the citation on their behalf to Dr. R. Tariang, Dr. P. Manners and Dr. Robert Marak.
The Chief Minister also handed over the award under the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) to Mawsynram CHC and Laitlyngkot PHC and Diengiei PHC for the top performing CHC and PHCs.
As part of the celebrations it was announced that the President Police Medal for Distinguished Service is awarded to Shri Heimonlang Nongpluh, IPS, Addl. Director General of Police (SB/CID), Meghalaya, Shillong, the Police Medal for Meritorious Service to Shri Manoj Singh, UB-Sub-Inspector, Computer Wing PHQ, Meghalaya, Shillong, the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation to Shri Anurag Kumar, IPS, Dy. Inspector General of Police (WR), Meghalaya, Tura and Shri Banraplang Jyrwa, MPS, Dy. Superintendent of Police (City), East Khasi Hills, Shillong, the Police Medal for Gallantry to Constable Dansing Lyngkhoi, UBSI. Ahmed Ali Sheikh, UBSI. Tony M Sangma, Constable Tushar F. N. Marak, UBSI. Ronald Life Snaize Nongrum, U/Lnk Prem Bahadur Chetry, Constable Farewell Sohshang and Constable Luckystar Lyngdoh Nonglait, the Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service to Shri Cleverest Marbaniang, Fireman and Shri Stalinshon Wahlang, Driver Constable and the Fire Service Medals and Home Guards & Civil Defence Medals for Meritorious Service to Shri Social Dkhar Havildar (HG) and Shri Romulus Pynbhalang Khongwar Senior Staff Officer (HG).
By Our Reporter
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