By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: To provide a platform for the students to express their views on the Lokpal Bill, an Inter-School Debate Competition was organized by the Youth Hostels Association of India, Meghalaya as part of celebration of its founder’s day at Youth Hostel here on Saturday.
The competition saw a wide participation of students from six different schools in the city who spoke their views for and against the topic “The Affect of Lok Pal Bill”.
The hot debate reflected a diversity of thoughts and opinions among the students regarding the different aspects of the Bill which according to them, could to some extent bring about changes in the society.
“How far can this bill be effective enough to eradicate corruption which is often known to be a deadly virus with its roots penetrating deep into the system of governance since the country’s independence”, Pynkubborlang Wanrieh voiced out his opinion against the motion.
Meanwhile, the other participants also had their say on this topic by way of pointing out the loopholes and advantages if the bill is implemented.
However, by virtue of their convincing words, the team from Nongkwar Secondary School Mawlai, including Wanshai Nongbet and Pynkupborlang Wanrieh bagged the first prize besides receiving an award for the Best Speaker through Pynkubborlang Wanrieh.
Meanwhile, on the occasion as the chief guest, Meghalaya Parliamentary Secretary In-Charge of Tourism PW Khongjee said it is difficult to eradicate corruption, a virus which spreads like wild fire from the system as the fact lies in its origin but however, pointed out that the Lok Pal Bill could be an elixir in eradicating this virus-‘corruption’.
Interestingly, while speaker Susan Syiem questioned the house whether they support the motion or against the motion, it was found that majority of the house overwhelmingly voted the convincing comments deliberated by the participants from against the motion.
The six schools include St Rose Secondary School Umpling, Mawshbuit Presbyterian Secondary School, Nongkwar Secondary School, KJP Girls Higher Secondary School, Umpling Presbyterian Secondary School and H Elias Higher Secondary School.