Editor,
Enough has been written, said/spoken and discussed about the misuse of money power in elections. It may be hoped that, after reading what has been written and heard what has been said or spoken, serious voters would have already formed their own opinions and will cast their votes accordingly. We ought to remind ourselves that the five-year cycle of the opportunity to cast our votes in favour of our candidates is an opportunity to choose who will represent us at the State Assembly for the next five years. It is, therefore, an opportunity for the voters to examine what the contesting candidates propose to do during their five-year tenure in office.
The manifestos of all candidates contain promises of what each – in his or her own perspective – thinks would fill the coffers of one’s vote bank. The electorate has, by now, become wise to the ways of candidates who use money-power to inveigle them into their nets at election time. To so low a level has our moral values descended that it now appears that, what was severely condemned or frowned upon in past generations, is now the in-thing and acceptable when one wants or is eager to reach his goal: there seems to be no more distinction between right and wrong. Those who raise objection to unethical practices are labeled as self-righteous. However, we should not be swayed by such things: we should endeavour to stabilize the ship of state by applying the time-tested moral values we have inherited from our ancestors.
Though it may seem foolish to suggest that old moral values would have an impact on the thinking of the man in the street (aam admi) we ought to seize every opportunity to make this a juncture at which to turn around and bring our ship of state back on an even keel. To do that one has to keep oneself constantly aware of what is going on around oneself and to participate without constraints, in the process of governance whenever or wherever possible. It is possible to do that if we are really serious about the need to change the things we perceive as being aberrations which should be corrected and brought back on course. Even though only a new kid in the block one should dare to assert one’s viewpoints to be considered by appropriate authorities; be those authorities of government or of bureaucrats. It is a democratic right of a citizen to be heard by all authorities. It is suggested that each voter should make a resolution at the beginning of the election process to do what one can to change the undesirable and to work for implementation of suggestions for the desired change.
As an example, for this moment and time, one may make a resolution to make the powers that be take notice of the demand for legislation to make important Acts and to pursue the demands until the powers that be complete the process of enacting the laws for smooth democratic governance of our State. In the instance one may demand for legislation of Acts for a land management system which ensures that every citizen has land on which to live and earn a livelihood/subsistence, or for protecting the indigenous citizenry from the danger of being swamped by non-indigenous citizens, or for a system of local self government to empower citizens to live life with dignity; and, for anything else which may be necessary to enable citizens to live in security. So, one may demand legislation for a Possession, Ownership and Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, or for stringent enforcement of law and Regulation like the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 or for a State Municipal Act or for a Lokayukta Act. Laws are necessary to define and regulate activities in the State for the smooth and effective governance and for curtailing the powers that be. Each citizen or each group of citizens should draw up a list of what they perceive to be necessary for their own security without impinging on the others’ needs for security in society. That done, they should make their demands and pursue them relentlessly until either fulfilled or withdrawn when convinced to do so.
Yours etc.,
Morning Star Sumer,
Shillong – 2
Teachers and election campaign
Editor,
The District Election Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District has given a strong warning that school teachers under the deficit category or grants-in-aid should not take part in the current Assembly Election campaign either overtly or covertly (Kynjatshai 9th February 2013). Personally, I have nothing against this admonishment but what I would like to request from the learned DC East Khasi Hills District is to kindly indicate precisely which Act/Section/Rule prohibit the teachers (Deficit and Grants-in-aid) to campaign for elections. As far as my knowledge goes many of the teachers from the above categories are not only involved in election campaign but some of them are office bearers and members of various political parties. If there is no law against teachers under the above categories from being members and office bearers of political parties then why is there a diktat for them not to campaign for their respective party candidates during elections. What about the college teachers in the state under the same categories? Are they legally allowed to be members of political parties, campaign and contest elections without resigning from their posts? Will action be taken against those who campaigned in the previous elections and who were and are still office bearers of certain political parties ? If yes, then under which section/clause/para of the Act ?
Yours etc…
Airpeace Rani
Shillong-4