Editor,
Apropos the Letter “Much Hyped IBDLP” (ST 18 June 2013), where the writer Dominic Wankhar pessimistically expressed fear over the development of IBDLP while also undermining the IFAD program by projecting MRDS as an Office which could not bring change in the State particularly in Jaintia Hills, the area where writer boasted to have had a good stint with the rural communities is a big farce.
As far as Jaintia Hills is concerned, the intervention of MRDS in those far flung Villages of East and West Jaintia Hills District has been a blessing. By encouraging and facilitating poor villagers to form self help groups (SHGs) and capacitating them with various skills training and supporting them in implementing replicable activities like livestock rearing and food cultivation, handicrafts etc., through its Fund has enabled the poor households to increase their monthly income. Animal population in those places has increased and agricultural areas of many villages have expanded. Through MRDS many poor and uneducated women who have not seen anything beyond the boundaries of their villages have changed their lives and empowered them to become skilled cultivators, master trainers, community auditors, VEC Secretaries and book-keepers They can flawlessly maintain the Books of Accounts of SHGs and VECs.
MRDS through its convergence initiative with MGNREGA was able to accelerate the implementation of schemes in remote areas. At least six un-electrified villages of the District have been provided with Solar Lights and mini hydroger. We believe that the presence of MRDS – IFAD is palpably felt in the other Districts of the State and since the 1st Phase Project of IFAD has officially come to an end, we request the State Government to speed up sanctioning of 2nd phase Project as discussed in different forums so as to ensure that livelihood activities take place in other non Project villages and Blocks of the State.
Yours etc.,
Roibha Saio & Demmon Pala,
On behalf of (Concerned Women SHGs.East & West Jaintia Hills.)
Nongkynrih Laskein
West Jaintia Hills.
Kudos STP!
Editor,
On the evening June 25, 2013 ( Tuesday) as I returned after marketing to where I had parked my scooter opposite the SBI office at Laitumkhrah, to my dismay I found it clamped by the STP ! I looked at the wall to the “Two wheelers parking” sign but realised it was already whitewashed and removed. Why, I had even parked it there last Friday! Back from work after a tiring day and doing my necessary marketing as a working woman even in the drizzle, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I was told to go to the police station (PS) and pay the fine. The thought of going to the PS and dealing with the cops there dismayed me. But having no other option I left my marketing bags in a shop nearby and went to the PS. To my surprise, the officers on duty were so polite and courteous that my anger subsided and without any fuss and delay I paid the fine and came back to find my scooter unclamped! But I told them that it was not fair to make a parking zone suddenly become a ‘no parking zone’ without any warning and which I consider a harassment of sorts.
I write this to say that my visit to the PS was a pleasant experience and to thank and appreciate the officers of the STP. May you always be helpful, polite and courteous and be an example to other cops in the neighboring states.
Yours etc.,
Achong Lhungdim Kakoty,
Shillong -14
Wanted more ATMs in Tura
Editor,
Apropos the letter, “Wanted more ATMs in Tura” by S D Sangma (ST June 21, 2013) I appreciate the concern shown by Mr Sangma. At last somebody has pointed out the chaotic condition of ATMs run by State Bank of India in Tura. I am a government employee and our salary is deposited in SBI, Tura Branch and it is a constant struggle to draw money through the ATM during the first week of every month. To avoid the long queue in the branch, I opted for an ATM card but unfortunately the situation is the same. With limited numbers of SBI run ATMs in Tura and some of them malfunctioning, a visit to the ATM is always an unpleasant affair. I wonder why the SBI officials are not responsive to the plight of the customers. Is it not the responsibility of SBI,Tura to provide easy ATM services to its customers? As of today the ATMs defeat the very purpose for which they were created. I appeal to the highest authority of SBI, Tura is to take early initiatives to set up some more ATMs in Tura and to ensure that they all function well.
Yours etc.,
L R Marak
Modinagar, Tura