Editor,
With respect to “Skewed distribution of seats in NIT” dated 17th October 2012, I don’t see what the problem is in the current system of selecting students to study in NIT. If a student has studied his/her class 11 and 12 in Meghalaya, why should they not be considered for the 50%reservation? That’s what most students from our state do anyway. They go and study their 11 and 12 in other states and they get into the NITs of that state through the home State quota.
Anyway, 7% of the seats being reserved for Meghalaya ST students does not mean that only 7% of the seats can be filled by Khasi students. The students can still get in by getting a good open category State rank which I think is not too difficult compared to trying to compete with the rest of the country for an All India Rank which is extremely difficult considering the insane competition right now.
Moreover an ST student can still get a good seat through his All India ST rank which does not fall under the 50% reservation. So basically, more than 7% of the seats can be filled by Khasi students, and I don’t see any problem with the current system. Moreover, we need students from outside the State to come and study in Meghalaya. This will expose our students to the level of competition around the country which is mind-blowing. I mean what is the purpose of NIT if not to bring in the level of competition that we have all over the country right here in our own State?
Yours etc.,
Shainam Kharumnuid
Student,
IIT Madras.
ILP recommendation
Editor,
In what can be termed as a short-sighted and totally regressive move, the high-level committee on influx and illegal migration have decided to recommend imposition of the Inner Line Permit in Meghalaya. There is no doubt in my mind that this recommendation was made keeping in mind political considerations for the 2013 elections with a view to garnering support of the NGOs. But the government needs to be reminded that these NGOs do not represent the wishes of the majority when it comes to most issues these days. Therefore this tactic could well backfire and leave the Congress party and its allies red-faced in times to come! Besides, there are legal ramifications and the question of constitutional validity that will most likely come in the way of imposition of the ILP, something that the ruling party well knows!
Those who have been noisily advocating for the antiquated ILP have been presenting a warped and misleading picture to the general public. According to this camp, all problems relating to land alienation and demographic change will be resolved with the simple act of bringing in the ILP to keep out ‘outsiders’. Trade and commerce will flourish, and tourists will continue to flock to the state despite the ILP system. These tall claims are aspirational rather than factual. We should be aware that nobody has been able to come up with hard facts to back up these claims. The best that the pro-ILP camp have managed is to base their arguments on historical data from the 19th century! So ultimately we are being led down a path that will reduce us to an inconsequential blip on the Indian growth story, thanks to our spineless politicians and self-serving NGOs. God help us!
Yours etc.,
Daisy Kharkongor
Shillong
Khasi States vrs Article 370
Editor,
In 1998 during the release of a book in the office of the Syiem of Mylliem, late BB Lyngdoh, former Chief Minister, Meghalaya said ‘Khasi States are still alive as they have retained their identity.’ Similarly in 1999, during a meeting with the Khasi & Jaintia Rulers/Chiefs (Syiem, Lyngdoh, Dolloi, Wahadar, Sirdar, Nokma) of Meghalaya, Mr hri. PA Sangma, Speaker Lok Sabha, stated ‘Center must implement the Instrument of Accession.’ A number of political parties, have with the intention of winning over the Khasi Rulers/Chiefs, their Durbar and people, included in their party manifestos promises about various steps to be taken to bring up the IOA with the Center.
After conducting a hearing on May 6, 2012, based on facts and evidence, the Chairman, National Commission for Schedule Tribes,(NCST), passed orders directing Ministry of Tribal Affairs, to take appropriate action for fulfillment of the national commitments solemnly signed and accepted 64 years ago between the Government of India and the twenty five Khasi States, on August 17, 1948.
It is yet to be seen if there is common ground and sagacity between the political leadership of the State Government, the three Autonomous District Councils, and the Federation of Khasi States for arriving at a constitutional political settlement especially when there is genuine possibility for Meghalaya to attain its rightful place with Special Status similar to Jammu & Kashmir, whose IOA is mentioned and provided in Article 370 within the Constitution of India. Will this be another lost opportunity or will the leaders of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo people unite?
Yours etc.,
Balari Mary Lyngdoh,
Delhi University
Squandering public money
Editor,
A brave feat indeed or should we call it outright financial squandering that has continuously rocked the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council. Whether it is headed by Hambertus Nongtdu or Lamdibok Sumer or by any other ‘fit’ personality, the stench of corruption in these autonomous councils empowered under the Sixth Schedule far outweighs the stink from a public septic tank. From granting no objection certificates (NOCs) to unproductive and day light robbers of cement firms to their connivance in destroying the prime forest areas around Narpuh, the District Councils have lost their mandate and legitimacy to govern. I am saying this because we have seen that such Councils have lost their mandate and are a liability on the state exchequer. So what change can we expect in the future from these Councils is something we have to deliberate upon.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3