Editor,
The word “Pollution” is no longer an unknown term to us. Even a kid from Kindergarten could brief us about pollution. As days go by, we as a state, are facing different environmental threats. The sad thing is that we do nothing and pretend everything is alright. Air pollution, water pollution, climate change etc is happening right in front our eyes, yet we turn a blind eye and silently hope things will change for the better, but they will not. The more we act as silent spectators the more threat we pose to the environment. Why is it hard for us to reduce, re-use and recycle? Why is it hard for us to say no to plastic bags? Why is it so hard for us to stop littering the streets, water bodies and tourist hotspots? Banners are being put up stating plainly ” Do not rub lime, Do not spit, Keep Shillong Clean & Green” but people tend to do the opposite. If we claim to be educated and that our state comprises of highly qualified people, then why do we do the opposite? We need to remind ourselves that we have not inherited this world from our ancestors but we have borrowed it from our future generation. We need to save the environment NOW.
Yours etc.,
Rangdajied Marwein
President, Meghalaya Eco-friendly Students’ Union
Shillong-2
Well written piece!
Editor,
Thank you for the beautiful article, “Gift of a Friend” (in your March 9, 2014, Sunday Canvas Section). It was beautifully written. Clearly the author, Dheera Bhowmick is a poet. I have shared her article with a friend.
Yours etc.,
Deepa Majumdar,
Via email
Manipulative tactics at NEIGRIHMS
Editor,
The role of a veterinary doctor in a an animal facility of medical institutions like NEIGRIHMS, AIIMS, PGIMER or JIPMER or other establishments is to safeguard the well beings of the animals involved in scientific experimentation. A veterinarian is sworn by oath to take care, treat and alleviate pain and suffering of animals. A veterinarian is also duty bound to uphold the laws relating to animal ethics in the country. Before, during and after an animal experimentation, a veterinarian is consulted about the welfare and management of the animals involved. Few employment opportunities appear for veterinarians in prestigious medical institutions, not the least, NEIGRIHMS.
On April 23rd 2010, a vacancy for the permanent post of Veterinary Officer was advertised by NEIGRIHMS with requirements of a Degree in Veterinary Science with 8 (eight) years experience in laboratory animal care. This was against the existing norm of 2 (two) years as required by other premier institutes like AIIMS, PGIMER and JIPMER which are far more established than NEIGRIHMS. This may have been done intentionally so that local candidates would not qualify for the post. It is also a fact that highly qualified candidates from the state had applied for the same post but it was scrapped by NEIGRIHMS under the pretext that no one was qualified and without completing the process of recruitment and without any notice or intimation whatsoever. Going against the recruitment norms, on July 29, July 2011, the same post was advertised again on ad hoc basis. It was a walk-in-interview held at NEIGRIHMS. The screening committee members were also present as the panel of selection committee at the time of the interview and a candidate from outside the state by the name Dr. Pranjal Saikia was selected. At that time Dr. Saikia did not possess the required experience of 8 (eight) years. Eventually, Dr. Saikia fulfilled his 8 years requirements after working in the ad hoc post at NEIGRIHMS for nearly 30 months. NEIGRIHMS re-advertised the same post on May 30, 2013 on permanent basis. Screening process was initiated and call letters issued. By this time Saikia had fulfilled his 8 years experience! The final interview was held in New Delhi on the February 27, 2014. The result of the interview is yet to be announced.
It is also learnt that Dr. Saikia currently has job offers from two other places namely ITBP and Jawaharlal Nehru University for similar posts. Instead, he is clinging on to this post at NEIGRIHMS seemingly because of the higher pay scale at NEIGRIHMS. The question which arises is why NEIGRIHMS requires higher experience and grade pay when the other premier institutes can do with lesser qualifications? When creating a job, the “RR” and the requirements are prepared by the Institute and approved by the Ministry after comparing with other institutes at par. All the other premier institutes (AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER etc) have a pay scale of Rs.5400/- (Rs.15600-39100 and G.P. as Rs.5400) for a veterinary officer on fresh direct appointment. In the case of NEIGRIHMS, it is fixed at Rs.6600/-(Rs.15600-39100 and G.P. as Rs.6600) which is even higher than some of the medical doctors at NEIGRIHMS. Also the eight years experience against the existing norm of two years in laboratory animal care is unjustified for the post of a veterinary doctor. Such lengthy experience is required for jobs such as Senior Veterinary Officers who are either promoted or deputed and for senior faculties.
It is also learnt that the screening committee for this post consisted of only two faculty personnel who selected four candidates among thirty seven candidates including the one presently working on ad hoc for the final interview at Delhi. Is it a regular practice in any other premier institute that for such posts only two faculty members are appointed for the screening process? Very recently this newspaper had published a letter citing the anguish of a candidate who had applied for the post of Assistant Librarian and had not been called for interview but other candidates who had scored lesser marks had got the call letter. If you go to the website of NEIGRIHMS you will see that the interview has been postponed for reasons unknown.
Is it a fact that the screening committees of NEIGRIHMS are of questionable nature? Is there a modus operandi here to send their preferred candidate along with lesser qualified ones so that their candidate is presented with an advantage over others for the final interview at Delhi? Those who have fought for their rights as a candidate made it but what about the other guileless candidates? This way I believe many potential candidates from the state were deprived. It is time that we should be more aware of our rights and opportunities lest we get deprived of what we deserve.
Yours etc.,
A Concerned Citizen,
Via email