Editor,
I would like to draw attention from every right thinking citizen to a particular phenomenon being practiced in Soil Conservation Office since time immemorial. It is learnt from reliable sources that recently 1 ASCO and 1 Ranger from Williamnagar Soil Office retired from Govt. Service on 31st Jan., 2012. Prior to their retirement they are allowed to draw Civil Advance amounting to Rs. 72.21 Lakhs and Rs. 58.67 Lakhs respectively for implementing AIBP schemes even after their retirement, to complete their unfinished task. It is also learnt that they were in charge of so many Central Schemes but they have been relieved of all other schemes except AIBP. If they are eligible to continue with their unfulfilled task in implementing AIBP Schemes even after their retirement what has made them ineligible to continue their other unfinished projects? While Anna Hazare and his team is making all out efforts to root out corruption from India rampant corruption is being practiced in this small town, Williamnagar. Where are Meghalaya´s Anna Hazare supporters? It is learnt that many NGOs of East Garo Hills are aware about this episode but they have been bribed and made dumb. They have already earned their share. Many of the NGOs are waiting for this kind of situation to earn something or the other. When the right time and moment comes they are the ones to capitalise, always.
Yours etc,
Elite Sangma
Indifference to suffering
Editor,
In your front page headlines of 15th Feb 2012 issue, the death of a woman and her unborn baby because of the traffic jam seems to be not a major issue and therefore not big news or is it that the poor woman does not belong to the family of the powers that be that the news is of no significance. Don’t you think that such tragedy occurs and will keep on occurring because of the insensitivity of politicians, NGOs , civil societies to seriously take on the root cause of the problem of traffic jams and the indifference all of us have shown to such a sensitive issue? We fail to realize that human life is precious and while we flock to funerals to be with the crowd we fail to collectively raise our voices on such matters . Such an incident in other parts of the country would have sparked a riot and trucks would have been torched. I wish that you pursue the story on the death of the woman and similar stories in order to create more consciousness amongst the indifferent citizens of the State.
Yours etc.,
G Rani,
Shillong – 14
City must afford a sprawling Raj Bhawan
Editor,
The observation and suggestion of our Deputy Chief Minister regarding the traffic congestion around Raj Bhawan is not acceptable. I think 80% of Shillong will not agree with our Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister.
But all will agree with him, that the “most vital part of the Shillong is occupied by the army and para military forces which actually has created a real traffic hurdle in Shillong.
My suggestions is that the traffic congestion at Anjalee Petrol pump to Garrison Ground can be resolved only if the Defence authorities part with their land. The Defence authorities should consider that “Cantonment is part of Shillong and not that Shillong is part of the Cantonment”. There is no justification as to why defence personnel have to be so secure within their own area.
If the Defence authorities think they are also part of civil society it is their moral obligation to come forward to negotiate with Government for easing the traffic position. If so not only a fly over can be built but also the present road through Cantonment till the end of the Lady Keane foot path can be connected to Police Bazar and can be opened up for public use. At one end a parking lot can be created. This will make an alternative road to Police Bazar. At present it is a mere wastage of prime portion of main road Shillong.
The bottleneck in front of DC’s and AG’s office can easily be solved by extending the width of the road and not allowing taxis to disembark or pick up passengers along this stretch.
Yours etc.,
Ms J Datta Roy,
Shillong-4