Editor,
Apropos the news item ‘Govt. working to revive online lottery in State’ (ST, September 3,) I am impassioned to note the intention expressed by the government to revive the online lottery system in the State, notwithstanding the fact that the government is still in a fix to realize the dues still left to be paid by MS Associates, the company which was running the said business for a couple of years back. It is sure that in case of any loophole in MoU with the said company there remains little scope to realize the outstanding dues.
It is a known saying that ‘Money begets Money’, if utilized in a proper manner and this was taught by our old generations and in the present generation its impact is realized. I, also presume that there is no such exception with our indigenous brethren. However, in Meghalya, the ‘Arrow Shooting’ is a traditional game amongst the indegenious tribe but it was made public for batting against some numbers (0 – 100) by formulating certain rules but very secretly. After a thorough study of the prevailing situation and taking advantage of greedy people the then government in collaboration with some likeminded moneyed men legalised the traditional game into an unexpected result bearing money against money (presently colloquial word is ‘Tir Number’) with an intention to create revenue. Since, it was legalised to run the same smoothly directly or indirectly thousands of people are engaged in the processes against which they are able to earn their livelihood. I feel it is enough though not encouraging for younger generation.
Nevertheless, facts mentioned above, it is not clearly understood why the government is so eager to revive the “Online Lottery System” in Meghalaya which once again will make a big hole in the pockets of the greedy people. As per reports, the government is yet to realize lots of money from the MS Associates. Who is to be blamed for such unorthodox way of collecting revenue? Is it the then government or the official involved in the process. It is advisable to make a full stop to the proposal keeping in mind the betterment of all people of the state.
This is not a right direction the present government thinking of. Instead, I feel the government needs to establish more educational infrastructure and invite prominent Educational Institutions of the country from outsides the state and make Shillong a beautiful ‘Educational Hub’ in North Eastern India, which will definitely be welcome by each and every conscious people living in the city.
Yours etc.
PB Das
Shillong
Via -email
True identity of a tribal
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to inform the readers on certain observations made out this recent week.
1. Our own Forest and Environment Minister has openly declared that our identity as tribal is detrimental to us. Does he imply to mean that he is no longer a tribal or perhaps that he is more a mainland Congressman (non- SC/ST)? or that we should throw away all that we have so proudly acquired over the ages as a tribal community and go mainstream without our identity? In this day when roots and identity are much sought after, I am afraid to question this, is the Minister ashamed of his true identity?
2. The Government has suddenly decided to murder merit only as a means to satisfy our very own job reservation policy. The pertinent question here is are we moving forward or is this another populist gimmick to garner votes, even at the cost of the progress of the very people our Government professes to serve. This will serve as a bad precedence and will further impede on the growth and development of generations to come. This may further be extended to include the professional circle and will result with a dangerous cog in the wheel of governance, if the government is to appoint personnel who are upto the arbitrarily lowered mark. This is a wake up call for all right thinking citizens and must be brought to its logical end. A revised policy taking into consideration the demand for merit, is what is most needed today.
3.The conference building behind Pine Wood Hotel ( built under the GAD) has already suffered a loss of sorts even before it could host its own opening. A section of its retaining wall collapsed, fortunately without any loss of life or damages, other than its own. Is this reflective of what the government is trying to promote? Get the job done, quality? Or are we simply not bothered?
The moment of renewal is near and let not public memory fade away, for we should reap, that we sowed.
Yours etc.,
Pherbran Lyngdoh.
Mawlai Umjapung.
Via e-mail
