Editor,
A controversy has erupted in Khasi Hills. It is created by the eight MLAs cum MDCs in Khasi and Jaintia Hills (plus two in Garo Hills) who enjoy double pay and perks as dual law-makers. Demands have been made for their disqualification as members of the Legislative Assembly as they were elected in spite being already members of the District Council. They have taken advantage of the loophole in the law which does not explicitly state that, in case of Meghalaya, an MLA cannot be an MDC and vice versa, at the same time. These gentlemen understand only the letter of the law, not the spirit. They draw salary as an MLA as well as an MDC. How come the ‘office of profit law’ does not apply to them?
What is surprising is the presence, in the list, of persons who ‘champion’ the cause of others on trivial issues in the state but have no qualms in holding two public offices simultaneously. They portray and proclaim themselves as promising future leaders of the state but have no prick of conscience when they doubly benefit from the tax payers’ money. The most prominent among them has vowed to quit if a specific law barring an MDC from being an MLA too can b pointed out. He takes a high moral ground by putting the blame on the people of his constituency for forcing him to serve them as MLA and MDC. Quite laughable! But yes the electorate has to share the blame for electing these honourable men to both houses. It’s funny that people are now blamed by the people who are supposed to speak for them!
Yours etc.,
Albert Thyrniang
Mendal, North Garo Hills
Power-hungry and immoral
Editor,
Power-hungry politicians are a curse for Meghalaya. These shameless people think they can fool everybody by pretending to be honest and upright while they grab money and power. Such people do not think it morally wrong or incorrect to be enjoying the perks and privileges of holding dual posts while preaching to the whole world about clean politics! They are seeking refuge in a legal loopholes instead of stepping down. And one of them is the man who calls himself “Mr Clean”? What a joke!
Yours etc.,
Rishan Marwein
NEHU,Shillong.
Governors a wasteful expenditure
Editor,
Harihar Swarup’s article “All new Governors have close RSS links (ST July 23, 2014) gives a clear insight on the role of Governors appointed by ruling Government and how party loyalty brings rewards for the faithful individual. This legacy of our Imperial masters is whole-heartedly embraced by our Indian Government. Party loyalists are appointed Governors to serve as watchdogs in the States. In today’s volatile and unpredictable political scenario where everyone is a leader in his own right and where party affiliations/sincerity/loyalty (call it what you may), does not require integrity of conscience, most leaders will barter their loyalty for selfish gains. Elected Governments therefore reward their faithful by posting them as Governors especially when ministerial berths are scarce. It is not the business of the electorate to reject or elect their Governors for the gubernatorial post does not have any bearing on their daily lives. People really do not care who the Governor is. Why then does India continue with this inconsequential post and why is the nation having to bear massive expenditure for this single post’s upkeep, not to mention the expansive housing and maintenance of the Governor and his entourage of employees? Does India really need Governors? If we are to change from a developing to a developed nation we cannot continue with such wasteful expenditures.
Yours etc..
Lewis Sooting,
Via email
Stop politicizing the NGT
Editor,
A lot has been said for and against the NGT ban on coal mining by people of different persuasions. As I had earlier stated there has to be a strategy, plan, design and motion towards preventing the situation from going out of hand through direct intervention by way of channelizing new businesses, alternative productivity, regeneration of the environment and providing new skills and markets for the floating educated or semi-educated population that is being affected. If the State Government had chalked out a vision and plan in partnership with the coal owners and miners organization they would had prepared themselves for the future. Unfortunately political parties have started to take center stage instead of lending their knowledge and assistance to the affected people. On the same lines, it is quite surprising that the Congress MP is voicing his dissent against the NGT ban because it has had a rippling effect on his pocket too and his associates who are now using the poor illiterate class as a shield in their fight against the NGT ban. However, taking a cue from the recently held meeting at Dkhiah near Khliehriat where suggestions was given to donate or contribute at least 20 percent of the total profit to the cause of the environment, I suggest why not 50 percent for the welfare of the poor and also towards the environment which would be much better appreciated.
Yours etc,
Dominic S.Wankhar
Shillong-3