Editor,
I just read the article on cable cars and I am wondering if it will be completed within the next 50 years. There are several pending projects which are yet to be completed and the State Government is already planning a new project.
First of all, they should try to complete the Shillong by-pass which is long overdue. Secondly, without a properly planned road network in the city, how can we suddenly start with cable cars? Roads, which are the basic requirement for transport should be the first priority. Once a proper road system exists, then we can move ahead with cable cars, trains, etc.
Another important point is that before construction of the four lane Shillong-Guwahati highway, an alternate route in proper conditions should have been built so that all traffic to Guwahati could be directed via the alternate route, leaving the construction of the four lane highway in peace so that it can be completed as fast as possible. Look at us now. Cars and trucks are constantly moving through the Shillong- Guwahati highway and this is causing a lot of disturbance to its construction.
Cable cars is a very good idea but first we have to think about the present situation. Once the roads are improved and problem free then we can go ahead with cable cars.
Yours etc.,
Shainam Kharumnuid,
Via email
Can we seize the moment?
Editor,
Independence Day makes me depressed although I am by nature quite a cheerful person. When I ponder on the state of affairs in our country I cannot but weep. Even simple things cannot be taken care of. For instance, when the telephone (a BSNL landline connection) is out of order, to restore it is a humongous task. The automated complaint system fills one with great hope but of course, nothing happens. Then you try again, this time ringing a phone number a helpful friend has passed on, the one thread, a life-line, a voice answering to take down the details. Again this wonderful surge of hope and the thought “This time the problem will be fixed”. A few days later, phone is still out of order. Another friend suggests, “Go to the office, they will definitely help.” So off you trudge, climb the dark stairs (several flights of them) and puffing and panting explain the problem once again, greater hope making the trudge up seem worth it. Now several weeks later, the hope has changed to frustration, disappointment, even disgust. But who do you turn to? Even the BSNL website that holds so much promise ends in a “page cannot be displayed” for any information you request! So help us God. I dread to think of our Senior Citizens, the legends of that very struggle for Independence, who have to spend their time and dwindling energy getting even a basic requirement like a telephone to work, let alone fancy amenities like road safety, anti-pollution norms, first-aid medical facilities, etc. The thought occurred to me, will we ever raise ourselves to the responsibility of making a success of our independence? Yes, each and every one of us is equally responsible for the state of our country; we can turn a blind eye, or raise awareness on issues that need to be taken care of, in whatever little way we think possible, but the effort of doing, is what counts.
Yours etc.,
S Das,
Shillong -3
Teachers’ plight!
Editor,
While appreciating Dr RC Laloo for being very much alive to the teachers’ demand though he has been Education Minister for only three months, I would like to make some points. Whenever pay revision is effected the happiest lot are the business community who would sky rocket the price of essential commodities and as such delayed payment of arrears would greatly affect the employees. I had seen four pay revisions as a teacher and only the last one in 2006 took almost five years with arrears yet to be paid. In this context we the teachers are always grateful to Mr. P.A. Sangma who during his tenure as CM happily and readily executed the payment and also restored all the four allowances. Unfortunately these were removed by successive governments. I had witnessed four of my colleagues languishing in their death beds (with a dreaded disease) and the sight was painful indeed, compounded by the fact that the sole bread earner is pension-less. The plight of retired teachers is worse. Whereas government employees since September 2009 had enjoyed enhanced gratuity the college teachers have to be content with the old rate. I have no doubt that Dr. RC Laloo is seized of the matter and knows our demands, and if what leaders speak of us during teachers’ day and their praise for deficit school/college teachers during results is really without hypocrisy, then this is the time to act, and, act quickly.
Yours etc., .
Wandell Passah,
Ex-Head, Department of Electronics,
St. Edmund’s College, Shillong.