Editor,
“Blaming others is very easy, but working together seems difficult. All efforts at addressing the ills of politics and society will be in vain unless we work collectively and analyse the specific reasons behind all problems. Politically, socially and economically we are lagging behind not because of external reasons but because of our inherent contradictions. Government, organizations and the people of Meghalaya are no doubt working hard for the welfare and development of our State. But so far, development in every field has been slows and in some cases dormant. We all know
that corruption is a major issue. Recently the allegations about appointment of Assistant Teachers in Government Lower Primary Schools, clearly is a problem of corruption. And it is nice to see that some among the brave had taken it upon themselves to bring the scam to light. Also some organizations had shown their cooperation to fight against all these injustices. Fighting against corruption in a democracy is a huge challenge. Often it seems like a waste of time and money. So people of Meghalaya should collectively understand and realize that there is need to come together on the issue of corruption instead of fighting and blaming each other. Let’s cooperate to bring change and innovation in society. Let’s think of strategies for increasing job opportunities for the youth. Government officials, ministers, organization leaders and people of Meghalaya, lets stand with one objective, ie to bring change.
Yours etc.,
Emos Tynsong
Umniuh-Tmar
East Khasi Hills District.
Need tougher laws on rape
Editor,
The statement made by the Chairperson National Commission for Women (NCW) to get tough on rape and physical assault on women and minors is pertinent since justice to victims has often been denied. Sometimes victims are made to compromise with the rapist. The rape of a minor who was later asked by the local court and police to compromise, defeats the purpose of the judicial system. The existence of the State Women’s Commission in Meghalaya has also not been able to do justice in most cases highlighted by the media. Lack of sensitivity and awareness on the part of the police and in some cases the uncaring attitude of the Dorbar Shnong whenever such incidents occur needs to be addressed widely and early. The Supreme Court has often come down heavily on the judgements passed by local courts which are without any sensitivity towards the trauma suffered by a rape victim. The only way to prevent rape is perhaps by awarding capital punishment which would act as a deterrent to criminals in the future.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
Glaring lapses by MPSC
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily I wish to report the following incident that once again revealed lapses in the Meghalaya Public Service Commission( MPSC). On November 10, 2012 I was supposed to appear for an exam for Sub-Inspector of Supply under Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Shillong at the Jaiaw Presbyterian Hr. Sec. school. On reaching the venue,I was shocked to find that there was no exam but a ‘food fest’ at the venue. The other candidates and I stood there for 15 mins and left without writing the exam. I am appalled at such carelessness. The lackadaisical attitude of MPSC towards the candidates of the state is simply disgusting. In my opinion MPSC is reeking of carelessness. It is wasting away our precious time and in doing so it traps itself in reels of mistakes. I hope that such misconduct does not take place in future. Actually, I’m confused whether the fault lies with the school or the MPSC. Frankly, I don’t care but I do care about the fact that I didn’t get to write my exam that day. Who knows it may happen again, because I was a victim of the last minute cancellation during the Research Assistant’s exam as well. I felt like a castaway that day. Alas, who thinks of the plight of the unemployed youths of the state?
Yours etc.,
D.Kharsati
Unemployment versus the under-employed
Editor,
The report that 1.20 lakh candidates from across Meghalaya applied for the post of constable (ST November 18, 2012), shows the rising graph in unemployment. These unemployed will be running from pillar to post for filling any vacant post provided if they are qualified. But the Government is making things more complicated in the payment of the examination fees through challans where the aspirants are made to travel almost the whole of Shillong town, up and down and to standi in long queues for payment, sometimes taking the whole day. And finally coming to the selection of candidates, the overqualified are kicked out while the under qualified or the candidate having connections in high places are selected.
Government employees don’t know how lucky they are and yet they are such easy going people with no accountability. Coming to work at 11.00 A.M and leaving at 3.00 P.M or not at all. And in between the tea break or lunch break and the gossips. Requesting any official to process one file in a day is so difficult as they have so many excuses. Files are released at their mercy. To tide over this pathetic situation the Meghalaya Government should follow the “Karnataka Guarantee of Service to Citizens Act-2011” a powerful tool to eradicate corruption. Here Government servants have to compensate for delay/default @ Rs 20 per case per day up to Rs 500 and every file work is time bound. Alternatively, contract employment is the best option to get out of the evils of permanency. Will those at the helm of administration and politicians who are selected to make changes, have the courage for such change or are they selfishly comfortable in allotted red light vehicles, not seeing the jammed roads and resentment to the left or right side of them. Please bring change or resign from your jobs.
Yours etc.,
Ben Narzary,
Via email