Editor,
On Feb 19 this year Sonia Gandhi was quoted as saying that “illegal mining” is a threat to the environment of Meghalaya and that the State Congress would take measures to control it, if it is re-elected. I like her choice of words. She knew full well that a large number of her ‘boys’ in the state Congress are coal traders themselves like Pala, Ngaitlang etc, (let us not forget Mukul). The difference between “illegal mining” and “unscientific mining” (MUA govt’s favourite word) is more than simply vocal sound. Many of the coal barons can vouchsafe for having got mines legally. This is again subject to criticism but let us move on. Legally they might be able to mine but scientifically? Even the rich coal barons would have to think twice about the costs incurred if “scientific tools” are involved. Science after all costs money. Even if the larger coal barons do manage to go the way of “science” and invest money, I doubt the coal barons at the lower end, in the INC boat, would be able to afford it. Then again in 2010-11, the Congress Party got 25 lakhs each from something called the Megha Technical Engineers Pvt. Ltd. and the Cement Manufacturing Company Ltd (CMCL). Both are located at Khliehriat; so maybe for a higher price, she’ll start using the words “scientific mining” instead and discard the lower-downs anyway. So yes, “illegal mining” – once again the Congress is all-inclusive. Mawlai Congress candidate, Founder S Cajee has been saying that his fight is for the local people against the rich businessmen. Mr Cajee please look at your Congress party, before you say such things
Finally, not to be partisan, the UDP manifesto lists a stronger Lokayukta as one of its objectives. Supposing the party does come to power, would it simply start anew, forgetting about the crimes of the last few years, or would they seek prosecution in various scams, like the CGI scam, PDS scam, ICDS scam etc., in which their own members have been implicated?
Yours etc.,
Babet Sten,
Via email
Clarification from DC, WGH
Editor,
It is disheartening to see media reports about the “insensitivity” of the undersigned in appointment and allocation of election duty to ‘pregnant and lactating mothers.’ The attempt to malign seems to be a personal grudge of a few who the undersigned was stern to remind of their national duty as public servants – i.e. to vote and ensure participation in electoral democracy. Obviously they could not argue with the District Election Officer (DEO) on their call of duty. Also, they could not argue for something that is their fundamental duty as a government servant. Hence they have conveniently taken this opportunity to make personal comments in the matter .
In every election there is scope for human error. If out of 2035 polling personnel, 2 or 3 are such about whose condition we did not know – it cannot be generalized and made into a personal grudge against the DEO. Very clear instructions were given to Personnel Cell to immediately exempt pregnant and lactating women. All such applications have been accepted summarily without questions asked .All cases of terminal illnesses have been immediately considered. All cases where women would face difficulties were examined and on the spot decisions taken to exempt them.
But is the Deputy Commissioner or his people omniscient that we would know the medical condition of people? Matters not reported to us, matters for which the applicants did not turn up are impossible to be found out. One day ahead of poll 18 ladies appointed as Micro Observers were exempted even without asking for it. The lady whose photo was carried never applied for exemption nor was she carrying her child for training. It was only spotted on the day of dispatch in the melee when polling parties were crowding around and we also had many curious onlookers. She was taken out immediately. So were 5 other ladies exempted as soon as we received calls from them that they were uncomfortable . Some of them had settled down and were surprised that they have been replaced.
The criticism is motivated by a section that deem it to be a very’ lowly’ assignment to conduct elections and not befitting their high status. It is from government servants whom we have directed to vote through postal ballots following strict instructions from Election Commission of India .
What is my fault ? Is it because I am unable to know at a glance the medical condition, marital status and age of children of ladies who did not report? Is it because I have exercised my position to make sure that thousands of people who fail in their duties as government servants by not voting, to vote for a stronger and more vibrant democracy ? The Personnel Cell is independent and functional and it has exercised its discretion in some cases where the complaint was dubious. There is a medical board of 4-5 doctors who have taken the decision on who to exempt, which we have faithfully followed. I am also told privately that 2-3 such cases happen every election but some vested interests are settling scores because they have not been exempted from election duties.
I have given 6 years to Garo Hills. This is my third posting here. I have the affection of the people and regard them very highly myself. My family and I have risen to the occasion whenever there has been any trouble in Garo Hills. My wife and three-month old child joined me at Dadenggiri . The child survived on powder milk for two years as there was no milk supply. In East Garo Hills three petrol bombs were hurled at my house to harm my family during municipal elections. During Garo-Rabha conflict I stayed away in Resubelpara for 20 days away from my family and managed to control the riots. In the floods last year we ensured relief to about a lakh people twice over. In the 144 hour bandh called by GNLA no one took the lead to call a meeting which I did. I made the opening remarks in an emotionally charged speech appealing to the people to protest. I do not need personal comments and certificates from email senders or anonymous complainants. I love Garo Hills and Garo Hills loves me back. The electoral practices award is also not a gift from someone – it has been won by very hard perseverance and unending efforts. Perhaps this is not understood by those who thrive on criticism . As for the errors, being a leader of the election machinery I accept that it was not possible to know everything unless informed. As a Deputy Commissioner I have to be man enough to accept the brickbats. The praises have been there and add to my ‘collection of trophies’ and why not! I have sacrificed precious hours with my family to work for the people –to save them from harm, to save them from trouble and to provide relief and succour to them .
Yours etc.,
Pravin Bakshi, IAS
Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills,
Tura