Editor,
I, Rahul Bajaj, a resident of Polo Hills, Shillong, would like to clarify that letters to the editor in your newspaper by someone who signs as Rahul Bajaj, have been attributed to me. I wish to clarify that I have not written those letters and have nothing to do with them.
My identity should not be connected with him and vice versa.
Yours etc.,
Rahul Bajaj
Shillong – 1
Tirot Sing deified
Editor,
A picture tells a story better than words (see front page photo of UDP spokes-person ST July 18, 2013). Tirot Sing may be turning in his grave if he has not already ascended to heaven to join the gods of some cultures’ Pantheon. May one ask where this pantheon is in the city?
Yours etc.
Morning Star Sumer,
Shillong – 2
Malpractice in city theatres
Editor,
I have been long wondering about a phenomenon which is happening here in Shillong. We all know cinema in India releases with a censor certificate. The Central Board of Film Certification is a statutory censorship and classification body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. It is tasked with “regulating the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952”. However in the case of our regional cinema, and Khasi cinema in particular films are released without Censor Board Certification. Is there some kind of exemption for Khasi cinema? If not then this is not only unethical but also illegal. How can a film be released in theatres without approval by the Censor Board? The widespread sale of VCDs & DVDs without the Certificate is devaluing the cinema protocol in the country. There can be scenes which are grossly inappropriate for family viewing. Sex and violence can be misused. Also we see no disclaimers in drinking and smoking scenes. This has been made a norm across the country but it is callously flouted here. Cinema is a very powerful medium of communication but we also need to follow certain rules. People making cinema have social responsibilities and should practice this in the larger interest of viewers and the larger good of cinema in Shillong. The state administration and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry as well as the Directorate for Information and Public Relations should take necessary steps to curb this malpractice.
Yours etc.,
Gideon Rynjah,
Via email
State Govt should take a call on medical seats
Editor,
There is some ambiguity as to whether the Government of Meghalaya will use the NEET- based merit list or the PCB-based merit list in the selection of candidates for MBBS courses for this year from the Government quota. Many are in favour of the PCB-passed merit list. Uncertainty looms large and nobody knows what steps the Government will take in this matter. Even after the receipt of the letter dated June 20, 2013 from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, where it was mentioned that the allotment of seats should be based as per the examinations conducted by the respective States, ( Shillong Times news item dated July 16, 2013) yet, our Government is still indecisive in the matter and in using its discretion.
Now that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has quashed the July 18, 2013 and quashed the notification by the Medical Council of India (MCI) to hold National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) for admissions to the under graduate MBBS, Dentistry and Post Graduate (MD, MS or MDS) courses, thereby leaving it to the State Governments to determine their own admission processes, the matter is settled once and for all. The above landmark judgment of the apex Court should now legally enable the Government of Meghalaya to select aspirants for MBBS studies based on their merit list of PCB in their Class XII Science MBOSE Final Examination. This should be done immediately as any delay will only harm the interests of our students getting seats in other branches of studies outside the State since the first preference for many of them is Medical studies. It is also learnt that many students have sought admissions outside the State where classes will start from the first week of August, 2013. They had paid thousands of rupees for admission and were also asked to submit migration certificates etc. in original which they cannot do at this juncture as they are still awaiting selection for the MBBS courses.
Time is running out and parents and students are anxious as this is the chance of a life time. Let the Government allay the fears and apprehensions of all and not delay the matter further. Let our students not miss both the buses.
Yours etc.,
Wallambok Ryntathiang,
Via email