Editor,
Apropos the article by Toki Blah, ‘Ode to 2013’(ST April 29, 2012), the writer has conveyed a loud and clear message. This is part of Mr. Blah’s continued clarion call to the public to elect capable public representatives to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. This piece in particular, has hit the bull’s eye and I hope it will have a lasting effect on the conscientious voters. I must congratulate him for this kind of public call.
From my long experience as a journalist and social worker, I have found that there are very few judicious voters who can differentiate between who is a capable and who is a good MLA/MP/ MDC aspirant. We should not be surprised that even today in our State, even highly qualified people such as academicians, bureaucrats, professionals, leaders of social and religious organizations etc are still influenced by individual, personal or other extraneous considerations while electing their public representatives.
Meghalaya has a population of approximately 30 lakh people according to the 2011 census. Of this about 13.5 lakh are eligible voters. How many of them can differentiate between capable and good candidates and are not led by extraneous considerations while electing their representatives? Perhaps very few, and the few, cannot bring about the much needed change that the state is in dire need of. It is very sad that the election agency of the government, except for conducting elections, cares and does little about educating the masses on how to elect the right kind of public representatives who can deliver the goods. In this connection, Mr. Ardent Basaïawmoit, MLA of Nongkrem constituency, has done a good bit towards this end but for how long? This requires the joint efforts of all sections of the society for it is our civic duties. But the fundamental thing for the people of the state is to rid themselves from crafty “chicken coop game of politics” and other forms of craftiness and grafts is freedom from ignorance and also economic freedom. Until then, “free goodies” will still stand and the “perceived good candidates” will rule the roost in Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Philip Marweiñ,
Via email
Teachers and teachers
Editor,
As I read the article by Waaee Pariat (ST 4th April), I was reminded of some of my teachers. I believe we come across different types of personalities, some so rude that we wouldn’t dare ask questions in the class rooms, and some who were friendly towards us. Among these there are those who make sacrifices for the welfare of the students. While I was in LP school (morning school) in my village, there was one “thaw Samuel” who’d make sure that we would all get education. If for some reason we’re late for school, he’d come knocking at our doors, waking us up early in the morning. Another heroic act he did everyday was to clean up the unlocked class rooms, which often contained animal stool, before our classes would start.
These I can say are the real teachers; they teach us not only what’s in the book, but manners, way of life and also mould us to be better human beings. As I look back, I am inspired and grateful for all those teachers who taught me the true meaning of life. If every teacher can take up this sacrifice, I believe our society would wear a different appearance than the present.
One of the teachers told me, “What keeps us going is seeing you succeed in life.”
Yours etc.,
F Diengdoh,
Via email
Too many policies, weak implementation
Editor,
The initiative by Kong Ampareen and the MUA government to bring out a hawkers’ policy, while a welcome step, also raises many questions. Aren’t we talking of too many policies at the same time? We are yet to see a committed implementation of any policy worth its names. The Mining Policy, Water Policy, or even the Forest Act which is concerned primarily with rural livelihoods, are only delayed and circumvented for reasons best known to the Government.
The fact is that we are experts at making good laws, but least bothered about whether they are implemented in the right spirit. We have all kinds of Acts that are supposed to prevent criminal acts but only a microscopic minority among the offenders are actually booked but not convicted. There are too many loopholes through which the guilty can find not only a safe, but also a glorifying exit.
To tackle the menace responsible for a lopsided society, law is only a partial solution. What’s important is the mindset of our policy makers, implementers, law enforcers and the public which perpetuates the prejudices against the weaker sections of society. There should be serious efforts to ensure that policies are framed in accordance with the context and structure of a wise and just society, to make sure that such policies are applicable and enforceable, without compromising the target objectives.
Yours etc.,
Wanshan.B.Khardewsaw
Shillong -2