Editor,
Apropos the news item in your esteemed daily on the halting of the housing project for the urban poor at Nongmynsong, Shillong, I would like to further enlighten the readers that there are many such pro poor projects that are remaining unfinished because of the high-handedness of NGOs and ineffective policing in the state. There are similar housing projects in Garo Hills facing the same fate. Readers may note that several FIRs have been filed against miscreants in the form of NGOs (wolves in sheep clothing) who regularly threaten the managers and extort them on the pretext of checking illegal migrants, however the police do not dare to book the miscreants as they are members of either this or that NGO. Contractors cannot afford to continue feeding the NGOs time and again that is why they have to abandon the work. Each and every contractor whether local or non local is facing the same problem.
The menace of extortion is continuing without any resistance from anyone. The Rangbah Shnong who claims to be the head of the administration in the localities are mere spectators to the episodes and react against the police when miscreants are arrested. It appears that some Rangbah Shnong are also part of the extortion ring. So who suffers? Our own society suffers from such incidents and the poor are denied their benefits. This is a dangerous trend for the society. Our children and grand children may one day become part of the menace unless some drastic action is taken by the society. Our developmental projects will be stalled and the consequence is that government money will stop flowing since government is not able to spend the sanctioned funds. Unemployment will rise and the economy of the state will be disastrous.
The government should wake up from its slumber and take on the NGOs who are destroying the society. Right thinking citizens will support such noble action. Then only will we see the light of day in Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Robert L M Nongum
Shillong-8
Confusion about NEET
Editor,
I am a concerned father of a student who is waiting to pursue higher studies in MBBS course. I fully agree with Wallambok Ryntathiang’s letter (ST July 22,2013). I got my child admitted in a private college outside the state, and if I do not report there within 1st August, 2013, I will not only lose the seat, but will also have to suffer a financial loss. On the other hand, I am not even sure of his rank as per the PCB merit list, as his first preference is medical studies. All over the State, many other students aspiring to pursue a future in medical studies are facing the same problem. As no merit list was published this year, I am not sure of his position in the merit list. I therefore request the government to kindly publish the list. If they are not in a position to allot the seats at this moment, at least a PCB-based merit list may kindly be published at the earliest.
I would also like to express my views on the letter to the editor dated 23rd July, 2013 regarding NEET, where the writer wrote “whether one likes it or not, the ruling is effective from next year i.e. 2014-2015 batch”. I have read the entire verdict of the Supreme Court dated July, 2013, and did not find similar lines anywhere in the verdict. The Court order clearly states that the Medical Council of India is not empowered under the 1956 Act to actually conduct the NEET. The apex court has allowed the Writ Petition and has quashed the impugned notification. This will not, however, invalidate actions so far taken under the amended Regulations, including the admissions already given on the basis of NEET and the same shall be valid for all purposes. (pages 173-174 of the SC verdict).From the above ruling of the Supreme Court, it is clear that the verdict is effective from July, 2013.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request