Editor,
Apropos Toki Blah’s recent article on governance in Meghalaya (ST Nov 22), I agree with what he has stated. Almost all of our political leaders are unfit to govern as their only quest is for power and material wealth. They have no qualms in committing any wrong and their attitude is to hell with anyone else be it other people’s welfare or the state’s. What is the answer? How do we solve the problem? I am afraid there is really no answer and no solution to this predicament unless we can wake up the young people whose future is being destroyed. They are our only chance. If we can get good and dedicated young people into politics then we can, for a start, improve things in three very important fields – health, education and agriculture and together with various government schemes, raise the living standards of our people so that poverty is alleviated to a great deal. Only then can we have an improvement in administration or governance for educated, well fed and economically well off people will not be in desperate need of the politician’s money. They can tell him or her where to get off.
Yours etc.,
D.M.Pariat,
Aberystwyth.
State high-handedness
Editor,
I had a terrible experience with the state authorities while taking my vehicles (3 trucks) at around 4.30 pm on Nov 22. I had got the high security number plates fixed but was yet to receive my registration documents from the DTO’s office where I had gone to register my trucks on Nov 18. I was told to collect the documents after three or four days. While on my way to Dobasipara I was stopped by a newly joined ‘respectable’ whom we Meghalayans call the “magistrate.” He was very arrogant and asked me for the registration papers. I explained to him that the papers were not yet given to me and that I was asked to collect them later. I pleaded with the magistrate that this was not my fault and that he should check with the DTO about the veracity of my statement. But the magistrate who was on checking duty on that fateful day demanded Rs 20,000 fine for each of my trucks. The police officer who was on duty, instead of helping a simple citizen told me to negotiate with the magistrate. My question is whether it is legal for a citizen to pay money to those in authority and settle things on the spot? Or should we raise our voices against the magistrate and policeman on duty? I feel we should have the Lokpal Bill soon so that such corruption can be checked. I even offered to pay the officer and magistrate Rs 500 each but that amount obviously was too small for them. The magistrate was angry and told me he is the supreme authority and that I can do nothing even if I went to the higher authorities.
Does this mean that the magistrates are above the law? Of course the manner in which these magistrates were recruited is steeped in corruption so their behaviour does not surprise me. If magistrates have paid money to get their jobs then it follows that they would be corrupt the moment they find the opportunity to make money. The media should be alert to such malpractices.
Yours etc.,
G Sangma,
Via email
Tinted glasses
Editor,
Everyday we read about the issue of tinted glasses and most people seem to be against the idea of removing the tinted glasses from their vehicles. The writers are mostly ladies and the reasons given by them are not justifiable. Just because some ladies drive at night on the highway does it mean that the lives of so many other people, especially of the young ladies should be exposed to danger? Before things deteriorate in this city and State we need to be open-minded and think of the collective welfare and learn to co-operate with the authorities in their attempt to bring in the rule of law.
Yours etc.,
James Rongmei,
Via email