Editor,
The other day a local TV channel flashed about a drunken driver of the SPTS. The driver was slurring but kept on denying that he had taken alcohol. He later admitted before the camera that he had had a few pegs on camera. It was evident that he was unable to take control of his own self, needless to say of the bus and the passengers in it. Probably drinking and driving (in this part of the world) is a lifestyle especially, if we follow the latest controversial statement made by renowned Mumbai based psychiatrist Dr AL Deshpande that 70 out of 100 people in the State are alcoholics. The other problems with the SPTS buses is that they do not have embarkation and disembarkation points. They stop any and everywhere. Often these buses stop to disembark passengers or pick up others on narrow lanes and bends thereby creating more traffic jams and congestion in peak and normal hours as well. When one tries to reason out with the driver, they arrogantly proclaim that they drive and “ML01… vehicle. I have seen the SPTS bus driver exchanging kwai with another driver of a bus coming from the other direction followed by an exchange of words. The honks frustration and stress of other drivers does not worry them.
It’s a fact that responsible driving can ease half the traffic woes. Hence driving licenses should be issued only after examining the applicants driving and road skills. Since the traffic department is struggling with manpower shortage can it assemble a few traffic volunteers? I am interested in running a campaign to empower the common man to take some action against wrong doers. If I may suggest then perhaps a 24×7 helpline number to register complaints would be appreciated. Whatever may be the step, the government, the drivers and more importantly passengers need to follow the rules and embark and disembark at the right points. Half a kilometer of walking is better than creating traffic jams and causing problems to many. While we are racing to have more cars, variety of cars and improving the grade, my humble request to the concerned authorities is to take necessary action against errant drivers and for citizens to be responsible next time they avail SPTS services.
Yours etc.,
Rajani Chhetri,
Via email
Know your audience!
Editor,
I was appalled at the attitude of a guest speaker at the convention held at the Madina Masjid Shillong on the June 9, 2013. He equated the income of a doctor to that of ‘robbing’ like Robin Hood. How is that even closely metaphorical? He had very little knowledge of the social fabric of Shillong . For his kind information, one cannot do “dawah” work at private clinics as they are under constant scrutiny of the public and the dorbar. Also, to our knowledge ” pathological” specimens do not hold the ability to judge people by their appearance , but working with actual patients puts us under constant judgemental scrutiny which we need to be in tune with to survive in the world of medical competition. We always believed that people help poorer people and that is how the Almighty takes care of the poor, or else what is “zakat” and “fitra” for? Do we now need to modify our basic knowledge? While we respect people who come from outside to give us “talim” and increase our ” ilm”, it would be better appreciated if they familiarised themselves with the culture and practices of this region and the people’s perspective. Otherwise it becomes detrimental to their cause and also to their image and the image of Muslims in general.
Yours etc.,
A medical doctor
(Name withheld on request)
Integrated Basin Development & Livelihood Programme
Editor,
The Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme (IBDLP) is indeed a disheartening option created by the present government of Meghalaya. Initially, it gave the hopes of a genuine programme along the lines of independent projects which would essentially create new employment opportunities for the educated unemployed and added benefits for the general public with emphasis on the rural poor. The publicity was managed in such a fashion that it led to the general belief that it would indeed bring major changes to the present rate of growth and development.
The sad reality is that, IBDLP was formulated before the elections in a haphazard manner, which makes good sense as generally ideas gradually vanish after the elections. It was implemented without proper planning and without any detailed framework, thus creating mass confusion for the departmental officials and the public. Presently it is trying to step over other activities undertaken by the respective departments as well as other organizations and is claiming success by applying polish on the years of hard work undertaken by the actual implementers.
My question to the top government officials is how can they actually support and promote something when they are still not clear on the strategy and that in the absence of actual systematic and detailed planning. Yes, we understand that it is to promote a pleasant vibe with regards to good governance but unorganized implementation just for name and fame is certainly not acceptable. And please, Mr. CM, leave the external aided funds alone. The organizations and NGOs implementing those Projects are actually doing a good job because they are working independently. If a State Flagship Programme is really the need of the hour, then kindly organize an Independent State Programme based on designs such as MGNREGS or other International Projects, without actually disturbing the whole system.
Yours etc
John Marak
Via email