Proposed Shree Cement project under panel’s review
SHILLONG, Oct 16: The Meghalaya government’s fact-finding committee on the proposed Shree Cement project at Daistong village in East Jaintia Hills has begun examining representations from both supporters and opponents, along with reports and documents received from various departments, before reaching any conclusion. Commissioner and Secretary of Home (Political) C.V.D. Diengdoh said the committee held a hearing on Friday, during which it heard 15 to 16 representations from individuals and organisations expressing differing views on the project. “Whatever we heard during today’s hearing will be taken on record,” Diengdoh told reporters. He said the committee would examine all relevant documents and reports, including those from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, before deciding on its next course of action. Diengdoh said the date of the next sitting had not yet been decided, adding that the committee would first scrutinise the representations and the documents. On concerns that the hearing should have been held at the project site to allow more affected residents to participate, he said the committee had taken note of the submissions made and would act accordingly. “It is premature to comment on all these issues,” he said. Meanwhile, Meghalaya Indigenous Women’s Council president Bythegrace Dkhar expressed hope that the committee’s report would address the concerns of farmers and residents who could be affected by the project. Dkhar said both supporters and opponents of the project had participated in the hearing. She was confident that the committee would examine the concerns raised by the residents. She said the project could affect agricultural land that families have cultivated for generations, threatening their livelihoods and the future of farming communities in the district. “If Shree Cement comes to Daistong village, the farmers there will be affected,” she said, emphasising that industrialisation should not come at the expense of agriculture and local livelihoods. “I don’t see Shree Cement’s proposed project in East Jaintia Hills as development. It may benefit certain individuals but not the people at large,” Dkhar said. She suggested that industries, such as agricultural processing units, could better support local livelihoods.
Lakmé Academy Shillong marks 7th anniversary
SHILLONG, Oct 16: Lakmé Academy Shillong, powered by Aptech, has marked its seventh anniversary, completing seven years of vocational education in Meghalaya’s beauty and wellness sector. Speaking on the occasion, Academy Director Rowina L. Kharbteng noted that the institute, established in 2019, was the first professional beauty and wellness training academy in the state. Over the past seven years, the centre has trained more than 500 students. Many of its graduates have secured employment in the beauty, fashion, and entertainment sectors, while several have started their own enterprises. Outlining future plans, Kharbteng said the academy seeks to partner with the state government to expand vocational opportunities for local youth. “With our experience in professional training and skill development, we now aspire to work closely with the Government of Meghalaya to create greater opportunities for the youth of our state,” Kharbteng said. “Through quality training, industry exposure, and government collaboration, we want to ensure that they have access to the same opportunities as their counterparts across the country and around the world.” The institute offers certified courses in cosmetology, hair care, skin care, makeup, and nail art aligned with the standards of the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council of India. Training includes practical assignments, backstage industry work, and competitions. Last year, the academy expanded its curriculum by introducing a three-year Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Beauty & Wellness in partnership with Scope Global Skill University (SGSU)—among the first such degree courses launched in Meghalaya.