Editor,
I express my sincere thanks to the hard working officers and personnel of Shillong Traffic Police (STP) led by the SP, East Khasi Hills Mr M Kharkrang and the new Addl. SP (Traffic) for their continuous efforts despite several constraints, to ensure that the general public/commuters/drivers – like me travel from Point – A to Point – B in time with minimum traffic snarls. I am writing to specifically thank the S.T.P. for their excellent traffic management during the Synod Sepngi (March 10,. 2013) at Golf Links, and during the Synod Mihngi at Sadew, Upper Shillong (17th March, 2013). My family and I had attended both the Synods and in my entire 57 years, had never witnessed such a smooth and disciplined traffic management plan during such big functions, where over one lakh people had attended, and more than 30,000 vehicles of all types and sizes were brought to both the Synods respectively. We had absolutely no problem with traffic right from when we started from our homes until we reached the venues and on our return journey. There was absolutely no traffic jam at any point, except a delay of one or two minutes due to the huge volume of vehicles proceeding to and from the venues on both days.
Traffic personnel supervised by their officers and Head Constables were seen all along the roads including by-lanes and blind curves. The way parking was done by the S.T.P. personnel at the parking lots at both the venues showed the professionalism in them. No vehicle was stuck at any of the parking lots as the parking was done in such a way that any vehicle which wanted to come out at anytime could do so without any difficulty.
I wish to place on record that the S.T.P. personnel were very polite while communicating with the public and were ready to provide assistance readily. It was also a treat to see young and smart personnel in their White Flying Squad bikes riding up and down to ensure that there was no unnecessary overtaking by impatient drivers, thereby ensuring smooth movement of vehicles.
Finally, on behalf of all those who had attended the Synods on both days including the public in general I would like to specially thank that particular Addl. SP (Traffic) who was seen regulating traffic on his wireless set to ensure that traffic ran smoothly. The overall performance of his officers and staff indicate that he had drawn up a specific plan on traffic management; the contents of which must have been briefed to his subordinates for strict implementation on the field.
I wish the SP, Mr. Kharkrang, his Addl. SP and all the officers and men/women of S.T.P. all the best in their day to day duties in managing the ever increasing traffic in Shillong.
Yours etc.,
Stan Lyngdoh
Shillong – 14.
Feats in ophthalmology!
Editor,
We wish to inform the general public that the first accommodative intraocular lens implantation in North East India, following cataract surgery, was implanted by Dr S.P.Saikia, Medical Director and trustee of Mission Trust, Bawri Nethralaya in Shillong. Accommodative IOL works similarly, as a normal eye lens which changes focus as required by the patient without the use; of glasses. It has brought the state of Meghalaya in the excellence map of cataract surgery with state of art technology. Dr S.P.Saikia had also pioneered and performed huge numbers of multi focal intra ocular lens and toric lens, where glasses are not required following cataract surgery and has also implanted Glaucoma valve for glaucoma surgeries both for pediatric and adult patients.
Yours etc
Dr S P Saikia
Medical Director and trustee
Mission Trust and Bawri Nethralaya, Shillong
Plight of Meghalaya College teachers
Editor,
In Meghalaya, college teachers in grant-in-aid institutions drawing the UGC-pay have been given step-motherly treatment by the State Government over many issues that I wish to present. Firstly, Meghalaya is the only state in India where the teachers drawing the UGC-pay structure are denied pension, which is extremely unjust and discriminatory. Secondly, the teachers only receive basic pay and D.A, without any allowances whatsoever since 2000. The allowances were arbitrarily withdrawn since 2000 by the State Govt. Thirdly, we are still denied the remaining 80% of arrears by the Govt due from 2006 on account of the UGC-pay revision, 2006. And lastly, but not the least the retirement age of 65 years (sanctioned by the UGC) is not implemented. Similarly, there are various other critical issues of the college teachers. The most unjust action of the State is the denial of pension and allowances to the teachers. In fact all the benefits that the teachers are supposed to get have been provided in the UGC pay revision order of Dec 31, 2008. The teachers are just hoping that Govt implements all the UGC rules and regulations since Meghalaya has accepted the UGC-pay regulation, 2006, and to be reimbursed by the UGC whenever they pay all the arrears. The State Govt is treating the teachers in a shameful manner and it will only damage the quality of higher education in this State. The Govt should stop selling Shillong as the educational hub. This was lost many years back as the teachers don’t get their due rights. I urge upon the Chief Minister and other State Govt authorities to implement the UGC pay regulation of 2006 in its entirety and not selectively so that quality people are attracted to this profession.
Yours etc.,
John Syiem
Shillong -3