Editor,
Apropos PB Das’s letter titled “Statehood demand — a wrong approach”( ST August 21, 2013), since India is a secular, multi-lingual democratic country, each and every linguistic and religious group is entitled to equal rights and honour. However a “homeland” for all ethnic groups can never be entertained as it would lead to fragmentation of India into innumerable parts. But it is the responsibility of all present states to see to it that people of all ethnicity within their boundaries are accorded due honour and respect and their linguistic, cultural and economic rights are upheld. Disintegration should not be tolerated and it should also be ensured that the colourful mosaic of diverse India does not get trampled upon by the poison of majoritarianism.
Yours etc.
Kajal Chatterjee
Kolkata -114.
Why the ILP graffiti?
Editor,
It is such an unpleasant plight to see the pro-ILP activists and supporters putting up graffiti or spraying paint and scribbling on walls of several Government offices in the city including the wall of the Main Secretariat building. Although the State Government has agreed to meet the NGO’s on August 29, it is astonishing that the defacement of the city’s walls have begun in right earnest. It was reported that these statements were painted in the high security zone of the Secretariat, the DTO Office in Lachumiere, Traffic booths in Don Bosco and Dhankheti, Malki bus stop and even the walls of The Shillong Press Club. This act of spraying on walls is totally unacceptable. It simply shows how uncivilised we still are!
Your etc.,
Mewan.P.Pariat,
Shillong-2.
DSC WKH – a good model
Editor,
I happened to browse the site of District Selection Committee, West Khasi Hills and saw how results of examinations conducted by the Committee were neatly and meticulously displayed. Details of marks secured by candidates in each section (i.e English, GK, Maths & Science) and also the ranks of the candidates were clearly mentioned. I highly appreciate this system and feel that other DSCs and the MPSC (especially MPSC & DSC, East Khasi Hills situated at the state capital) should be able follow this system. With the OMR Sheets being used as answer scripts in the MPSC exams, the Commission should not find problems in displaying the marks secured by all candidates. It’s time for the authorities of the MPSC & DSCs to think about this and bring a change for the good of the youth of the state. If DSC WKH can, and if SSC (Staff Selection Commission) holding exams for candidates all over India can, why not the MPSC and other DSCs.
Yours etc,
Indarilin Syiemlieh
Shillong-8
Redundant guidelines
Editor,
The new scholarship guidelines requiring post-matric students to compulsorily obtain an affidavit of parents’ income certificate is redundant. It serves no purpose. A provision of income certificate to be signed by a DC/ADC/MLA/MP is already in place in the form itself. Is it not sufficient? If yes the concerned authorities should explain. As pointed out by opposing groups the new policy brings unnecessary physical and financial hardship to parents and students. Besides the time consumed, an affidavit will cost not less than Rs 1000-1500 while the amount of scholarship is just around Rs 3000. Is the whole exercise worth it? The object of the move may be to generate revenue for the central government and for lawyers .
Coming back to the previous point, if the certificate signed by the DC/ADC/MLA/MP is not genuine, is the affidavit on a non-judicial form genuine? Even the affidavits filed by candidates for election are not the whole truth are they? So we are back to where we began. The new policy on scholarships is therefore superfluous and serves no purpose at all. The Education Department should revisit the guidelines.
Yours etc.,
Albert Thyrniang
Via email