Editor,
With the BJP’s Modi sarkar firmly in place on a majority mandate of their own, it is amply clear to the nation that the small-fry NDA constituents who have hitched their wagon with the BJP for a slice of the action are mere adornments in the majority Government. Garo Hills continues to experience violence with the people at the receiving end of the senseless culture of militant dominance while Tura’s highly experienced comeback MP Purno Sangma maintains a sullen silence. He is probably sulking after he was short-shrifted with no Ministerial berth to boast about in the Central Govt setup. Purno Sangma must surely be awaiting prime time for a Garo flare up when he will make his moves to push for President’s Rule in the State. Meanwhile the Shillong MP, Vincent Pala works overtime on his attempts to pleasure and please his coal-mafia brethren with his endeavours to wave the 6th Schedule in order to dilute the NGT ban on coal mining to serve his own self-seeking interests. Pala surely lives in a world of illusions as it is unlikely the BJP will entertain the Bills he desires to push through without a national backing on whatever transpires in his Government of Meghalaya. Vincent Pala should know that his standing in Parliament is of no consequence to the BJP’s national agenda for the betterment of the country. Instead he should concentrate all his efforts and his resources on his many real estate acquisitions around Shillong’s prime areas, for a gentleman’s acceptance of the effectiveness of the NGT Ban would better suit his status as an MP without Central Govt. clout.
Yours etc.,
Lewis Sooting,
Via email
UGC speaks!
Editor,
Apropos the news item “High Court cancels MPSC Recommendation” (ST June 15, 2014) I would like to express my views regarding GARO NET. Garo is still not a recognized language and the subject is not included in University Grants Commission (UGC)’s list of 95 subjects, but one may appear in a related subject as per UGC guidelines. UGC does not conduct NET in Garo subject and as per UGC Regulation 2009, and the Public Notice published in a national daily dated Dec 21st 2012 which was issued by UGC much before the interview date for the post of Garo lecturer dated May 1–3rd May with the caption ‘UGC issues Public Notice on Lecturer/Assistant Professor Qualifications’ states that “NET/SLET/SET shall not be required for such Masters Degree programmes in disciplines for which NET/SLET/SET is not conducted.”
As per the UGC Act, 1956, UGC is empowered to define the qualifications required of any person to be appointed to the teaching staff of the University/Institutions. Then why the 10 successful candidates of Garo Department are going through harassment if NET is not required for Garo subject.? The MPSC advertisement dated 21st August 2012 was meant for other subjects as well and some successful candidates of other departments like Political Science, History, Education, Economics, etc., in which NET is conducted and mandatory are also without NET but are already serving in various government colleges. But again UGC’s Notification goes like this “Candidates who qualify the Test for eligibility of Lectureship will be governed by the rules and regulations for recruitment of Lecturers of the concerned Universities/Colleges/State Governments, as the case may be.”
Yours etc.,
L. Marak,
Tura.