Editor,
The recent notification concerning MPS mains examination has again brought MPSC into the fore and for all the wrong reasons. The subject matter of recruitment and selection is always a sensitive one and as such it is flabbergasting as to how such an important and strategic organization could even contemplate to act in such an irresponsible manner. In relation to this issue, I would like to float three points.
Firstly, the prelim examination for MPS was held on 15th February, 2014. Normally, the checking and reporting of such prelim does not take much time. However, it is only recently that the results of the same were notified on 30th June, 2014. Now, going by the time lag of four months between examination and notification of prelim results it would only be fair to say that the checking and reporting for the mains examination will take similar time, if not more. By this analogy, the newspaper reports that the mains have been preponed so as to accommodate members who will be retiring in the year 2015 does seem to hold water. Digging deeper into the matter will in most likelihood reveal more skeletons in the closet. This is a classic case of subjugating organizational image for the benefit of personal well-being. In a nutshell, this is wrong and abhorrent as no matter who the person in question is, no one is bigger than the organization. Organizational goals always supersede individual goals, despite conflicts. As the saying goes, people come and people go but organizations go on forever.
Secondly, given that the tentative date for the mains examination has been set from 9th August, 2014 the cries of the stakeholders of not enough time for preparation are indeed tenable. The time allotted is not sufficient to handle the range and depth of papers in question. Quaint comparisons are made with the UPSC which is perfectly acceptable. However, I would also like to give the benefit of doubt to MPSC. Let us say that MPSC has done this with all good intents and purposes. As such, it is completely justified to hold the mains after such a small gap as in preparing for such examinations the stakeholders cannot claim to be prepared piecemeal. They cannot claim to prepare for the mains only after prelim results are out. The preparations are to be continuous and holistic in nature. This again brings into discussion the recent letters concerning ‘complacency of the Khasis’.
Thirdly, despite arguments for and against, the fact remains that MPSC must act in a consistent manner. Erratic changes like these should not be applied so suddenly. The conventional practice of time lag between holding of examinations and declaration of results should stop forthwith. Moreover, if such structural changes (like the current one) are introduced then advance notification of the same is required and such changes are to be applicable after a time period of at least one year. Overall, these checks and balances are important else the current feeling of disgust of the stakeholders towards MPSC and its functioning shall continue.
Yours etc,
Benjamin Lyngdoh
NEHU Campus
Shillong – 22
MPSC affairs
Editor,
It is very unfortunate that while the State Government continues to preach about transparency, effective governance etc., its Institutions are practicing something else. The Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) is notorious for its misdemeanours. Educated people applying for various posts under MPSC have little faith in this Institution because results are manipulated over a bundle of notes which is why deserving candidates who compete with all fairness, fail to make it to the list of the successful candidates. Only those who know someone in the echelons of power eventually succeed. This is why we inherit a pathetic bureaucracy that hardly understands its mandate. I personally feel that the MPSC should be overhauled and manned by experts with proven track record of integrity from civil society, rather having political appointees taking the final call. This will reduce manipulation, hopefully.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
Rangbah Dong and cleanliness
Editor,
I am really amazed to see that we can still boast of a clean locality in the midst of the filth in the nooks and corners of the “elite zone” called Laitumkhrah. This clean locality I am referring to here is the Dong Lumsohra where you will find that shops maintain cleanliness without a speck of garbage or the careless littering we see elsewhere; the road along the grand Ram Krishna Mission building is surrounded by neat houses and one can even feel that the air in the area is fresh! I give full credit to the Rangbah Dong of Lumsohra for such maintenance and care.
Sadly, at the end of this road, we step once again into the dirt and dust, near Gora Line.
Oh how terrible are Boyce Road, Don Bosco Road, among others, and their surroundings where renowned colleges and institutions are situated. Students are also responsible for all the litter and garbage that piles up in these areas. Where are the Rangbah Dong? I would request them to visit Lumsohra and see how clean the locality is.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Toilets in response to Badaun rapes?
Editor,
While toilets are essential to safeguard women and girls (especially in poor rural areas and for those belonging to the oppressed castes),it is naive to think they can solve the problem of rape in India or elsewhere. The solution has to come from a dialysis of masculinity, removing from its depths the proclivity to sexual violence. Good hearted men have to take on the depraved and combine this with stiff, shaming, expiatory punishments for all culprits. Why not have the Badaun rapists clean the toilets set up for women, for the rest of their lives … in full public view?
Yours etc.,
Deepa Majumdar,
Via email