Editor,
NEHU is passing through (arguably) the most important stage in its recent history. We are in the process of searching for a leader to lead the organization for the next five years. This clearly defines the importance of the period. The quality of leadership defines the direction of any organization. At this age and time, we normally do not refer to leadership as being autocratic or participatory. This is the age of transformational or transactional leadership. If there were ever a time that NEHU was in need of transformational leadership, this is it. There is need for a leader who would come in and focus on transformation of the organization and not focus on transactional aspects alone. In short, a transformational leader is one who exudes confidence, motivates positively, carries the organization, sets a vision, pulls the stakeholders towards the collective goal(s) and so forth. The issue of anonymous opinions/views in this paper over the last few weeks makes us ponder on the very principles of democracy. In a democracy, people have the right to express their opinions and views even if they may seem contrary to the opinions/views of the majority. Hence, being in a minority should not discourage people from making themselves heard. In fact, expressions from myriad angles add to the discussion and improve the quality of decision-making. Moreover, in order to make the opinion/view legitimate and attention-driving, anonymity is not the right approach. Anonymous writing is as good as non-writing. Dissent is an integral part of democracy. It is in fact a fundamental right. Hence, people who express themselves should do so without any apprehension whatsoever. In fact, dissentient is a sign of a healthy and vibrant team/group/organization/community/society and so forth. If dissent is not acceptable then it is a sign of being non-progressive and non-forward looking in our thoughts and actions.
The issue of Joint Action Committee (JAC) is pretty complex. In fact, one may term it as a fuzzy or slippery issue. Opinions on the JAC vary depending upon whether one is pro JAC or otherwise. Currently it is facing questions like – has the functioning of the JAC exceeded its given mandate (which primarily concerned HASA) and/or is the additional mandate given to it for a say on leadership issues proper, are indeed a matter of hot debate. Nonetheless, over time it seems as though the JAC is functioning as a trade/labour union. This is something that should be avoided on all counts. True, trade/labour unions have their positive sides, but their functioning overall tends to be nasty at times (as we have seen in case of other organizations) and especially in case of public sector organizations (like NEHU) their functioning can get very nasty.
Lastly, on the issue of the State Government’s intervention in appointment of a VC and other matters there are two points of view. First, as the State Government has no financial concurrence concerning the University it diminishes its right to say anything in such matters. It is more like ‘if you do not pay, you have no say’. Second, as the university is located in Meghalaya it becomes imperative on the part of the State Government to intervene and contribute to policy and strategic decisions. Whatever is the case, as we have seen many times before, the State Government will wake up from its slumber only when any matter is already out of hand or when it has become very nasty. Going by history we should expect less or even nothing from the State Government.
Yours etc.,
Benjamin Lyngdoh
NEHU Campus
Shillong – 22
Confusion about NEET
Editor,
The year 2013 is a confused year as far as aspirants to medical seats from State Govt quota is concerned. Court cases from private institutions against eligibilityof NEET has finally made the supreme court to pass its judgement upholding the cases against NEET. The ruling was passed on July 18, 2013 but let it be made clear, whether one likes it or not, that the ruling is effective from next year i.e. 2014-2015 batch and being the ruling of the highest court of the land, Meghalaya cannot claim to be exempted from the ruling. For this present year all the States in India will have to admit students as per NEET results. This is an opportunity to apprise all future students to be on a constant look out for national news. Many students and even the Central Government may appeal for a review petition and in a democracy like India no one can predict what the future ruling may be. Let us thus prepare ourselves for any eventuality.
Yours etc.,
Wandell Passah,
Retd. H.O.D.
St. Edmund’s College
Face-lifting Shillong!
Editor,
Every year Shillong gets a beautification regimen or a face-lift though there is nothing to show for it. Crores and crores of rupees are spent on these so-called cosmetic treatments. Do they attract more tourists or are these talks about ILP restrictions, non Khasi ramblings driving away tourists in spite of these facelifts? What about other towns ? Don’t other towns deserve a facelift or a beautification drive ? The Govt should not be so Shillong centric. Let the winter capital be Tura and let it be beautified too.
Yours etc.,
Nesfield Sangma,
Via email