Xmas comes early for govt staff in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government has announced early disbursement of salaries of its 55,000 odd employees and hike in dearness allowance (DA) ahead of Christmas in the Christian-majority state.

“We are pleased to announce that December salaries are being released early. Further DA hike of 3% has been approved,” chief minister Conrad K Sangma announced through a social media post, even as he wished the team of state government employees a Merry Christmas on Wednesday.

The finance (pay revision) department of the state government issued an office memorandum today stating that the dearness allowance/dearness relief payable to all categories of state government employees/pensioners and family pension holders would be enhanced from the existing rate of 36% to 39% with effect from July 1, 2023.

Meanwhile, Raj Bhavan, Shillong played host to a pre-Christmas celebration yesterday with governor Phagu Chauhan distributing gifts to the Raj Bhavan staff. “The governor shared his warm wishes for the people of Meghalaya, expressing hopes for a year filled with peace, happiness, and continued progress,” a Raj Bhavan communique said. “Contributing to the festive atmosphere, the children from Laban Presbyterian Church filled the air with joy through their carols, while a boy from Jaiaw Presbyterian Church delivered a captivating performance, showcasing the artistic spirit of Meghalaya's youth,” the communique said.

South TN floods: State govt boycotts governors review meeting in Raj Bhavan

The Tamil Nadu government boycotted the review meeting of governor R N Ravi on the flood situation in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari, and neighboring districts. No official from the state government attended the meeting. The meeting aimed to review the present situation and ongoing rescue and relief operations, improve coordination, and mobilize additional resources. Some agencies raised concerns about the absence of coordination in personnel deployment and a lack of appreciation of the overall situation in the affected districts.

TN govt boycotts governor's review meeting at Raj Bhavan

The Tamil Nadu government boycotts governor's flood review meeting in Chennai; Chief Minister M K Stalin questions the need for the meeting, citing lack of action during the Covid-19 pandemic; The state government does not send a representative despite earlier assurance; Governor R N Ravi reviews rescue operations by central agencies and defense forces; Concerns raised about lack of coordination and resource requirements in the affected districts; Central agencies offer resources and coordination, finance minister denies charges.

Government announces one-day state mourning on Sunday following demise of Emir of Kuwait

The government announced one-day state mourning on Sunday following the demise of Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The ruling emir died on Saturday at the age of 86. As a mark of respect, the government of India has decided that there will be one day's state mourning on December 17. During this period, the national flag will fly at half mast throughout India on all buildings where the national flag is flown regularly, and there will be no official entertainment.