Editor,
Apropos the article “What has education done!” by Patricia Mukhim (ST: November 18, 2011), the Department of Economics, NEHU would like to clarify as follows:
The Department has produced a number of books as well as articles on various dimensions of the North Eastern Region (NER) which have been published by leading publishing houses and refereed journals. However, we do agree that a lot more ground needs to be covered. Further, the Department has been offering and teaching a paper on the economy of NER for more than 25 years. The Department would also like to assert that the concerned professor’s view on ‘cut and paste’ research is not a true reflection of the research undertaken by the Department and would therefore, at best, relate to research carried under him. We invite the public to visit the department to ascertain the facts.
Yours etc.,
Head
Department of Economics,
NEHU, Shillong
On traffic jams
Editor,
In the poll question from the Shillong Times, “Should the administration put a complete ban on any event that hampers smooth flow of traffic in the city?”, 82% voted Yes (86 Votes) and 18% voted No (19 Votes). First of all, there was no traffic disorder caused by Rebel County on Nov 19. It was only because Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh’s vehicle wasn’t allowed to pass through because the volunteers did not recognize her. I wonder if the people who voted ‘Yes’ would also like to ban the following events:
1. Trucks plying through the city (causing majority of the traffic congestion currently)
2. VVIP visiting the state (since such event has also caused a lot of traffic congestion)
3. VIP (politicians) who organise election road shows through the city which also hamper smooth traffic flow.
4. Annual Autumn Fest organised by MTDF to promote tourism.
5. Rallies for different causes.
6. Religious processions etc.
I think these 86 people need to think of the above issues more seriously.
Yours etc.,
Jason Manners,
Via email