Editor,
We have heard a lot of hue and cry of the NGOs and people’s voices about the condition of the Wah Umkhrah River, which is also the pride of Shillong. We are not opposed to that; rather we encourage such a good initiative for the improvement of our own lives in Shillong. But on the other hand, our people, NGOs, Government as well as the Syiem of Mylliem, seem to have forgotten about the ‘IEWDUH’ which is the main portion of Meghalaya for commercial purposes. It is “A SHAME” to see that a famous market of the State is in a very unhealthy and unhygienic condition, where footpaths are dirty and slushy all the times due to leaking pipes. People coming from every nook and corner of the country and also foreigners have a lot of complaints about the state of cleanliness of Iewduh. The reasons for this filthy condition of Iewduh is because the shopkeepers, and vendors throws their waste indiscriminately after their business for the day is over.
We therefore suggest that the concerned authorities should take steps to make Iewdul not only a ‘Centre for Earning’ but also to look after its cleanliness, by (1) Organising awareness programme for the shopkeepers, vendors, etc who run their businesses in Iewduh. (2) To impose strict rules for all the people running their business at Iewduh not to throw their waste indiscriminately after closing their business for the day, but to dispose them responsibly. (3) The police of Syiem Mylliem should be empowered to check that cleanliness is maintained in every nook and corner of Iewduh. (4) Proper public dustbins should be provided in and around Iewduh.
Yours etc.,
V Manners
L M Dohling,
Via email
Teacher or politician?
Editor,
The news item, “Stiff Battle For Rambrai Seat”(ST 19 March 2012) is not convincing. Observers saying that 9300 votes may go to a particular party or a person belonging to a particular community, is also too simplistic. Take the case of Rajabala constituency in Garo Hills, a place dominated by Garos but won by a Khasi Muslim Legislator Mr S Nongrum So we cannot say that in 33-Rambrai -Jyrngam Constituency all the 9300 Garo votes will go to Dr Jova C Marak. No doubt Dr Jova Marak is qualified. Going through the NEHU website one learns that Dr Marak is still the Assistant Professor, Department of English, Tura Campus. When observers say she is the most serious contender for the Congress party ticket and has the capacity to influence a large number of voters it means she has been spending most of her time in the Constituency rather teaching her students in NEHU Tura Campus. She is more focussed on her electoral future rather then the welfare of the students of the University. Dr Marak has perhaps forgotten that she is still paid by the University. If she is serious about contesting the upcoming 2013 Assembly elections ,then she should resign first from her job so that students of the University are not affected due to her absence but in fact get a new Assistant Professor in the University. I hope Dr Jova Marak is listening!
Yours etc.,
Bajop Pyngrope,
Via email
Absentee Vet
Editor,
It is learnt from reliable sources that the Veterinary Doctor appointed for State Veterinary Dispensary, Bajengdoba village is working from its Headquarters at Shillong. This is mainly because the authorities concerned are not bothered to ensure that service is delivered at the right place. The villages covered by the dispensary are very unfortunate because they cannot boost their income generating activities in this field. Raising of livestock as a means of promoting rural livelihoods pays promotes the economic well-beings of the people. Presence of technical supervision and support is needed for the rural folk. They should also provide information about various government sponsored schemes. They should also provide all necessary care for treatment of livestock as and when required. If the qualified technical person is not available, I wonder how the department is functioning in the above mentioned dispensary and giving services to the people. It is also learnt that due to absence of doctor, the people have not received any government schemes implemented by the department. Therefore, it is requested that the said doctor may be directed to perform his duties from his actual place of posting to reach to the beneficiaries.
Yours, etc…
A G Momin
Bajengdoba