Editor,
It is sad that certain people in Shillong are not abiding by rules and regulations set by the government. These are the very privileged ‘people’ who drive ‘government vehicles ‘(supposedly) themselves. In spite of the letters and reports in newspapers that criticise the unnecessary use of red beacons, a vehicle was seen plying on the empty roads of the town, going at full speed and using a red beacon and that too on a Sunday! I wonder what ‘official work’ the government official was rushing to attend to. I must say that this is a major reasons for noise pollution. It also pains me, as a thirteen-year-old student to see such indiscriminate use of government vehicles. You may think that this is a minor issue but if we keep ignoring these ‘minor issues’, they add up to hindrances in the development of our state. I appreciate the effort of the government to reduce the use of red beacons but I think that serious action should be taken against those who do not follow the rules. Except for the ambulances and fire brigades and other vehicles where it is necessary, no other vehicles should be allowed to use red beacons. So I hope that action will be taken and soon, we will see a change in this situation and I believe that this too will be a step towards a brighter future of our city, our state and our country!
Yours etc.,
Athira Saji
Shillong-14
Time to eliminate Dist Councils
Editor,
Can anyone come up with one solid argument for having District Councils in Meghalaya? Are they for promoting better governance at a micro level? Are they for preserving culture and heritage ? Are they for developing local industry and creating jobs? What has been their track record, and what (or whose) purpose do they really serve? Several people have made the argument that District Councils became redundant the moment statehood was attained. It is like having two parallel forms of government with different aims and ideals working at cross purposes with each other. To make matters more confusing, we also have MLAs who are also MDCs. This includes the self-righteous KHADC Chief Executive Member, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit. A pressure group CSWO has now gone ahead and requested the Governor to disqualify eight legislators enjoying the perks and benefits of holding dual office in an illegal manner. How did things reach such a stage? Are we blind or illiterate? This take me back to my original question. What purpose does a District Council serve in Meghalaya? Isn’t it time we did away with this obsolete institution whose sole purpose is to act as a power center for MDCs and enrich their coffers?
The KHADC has done nothing of note since its inception. It has instead encouraged a form of “Licence Raj” which has strangled local economy through a system of permits and taxes. The Rangbah Shnong have evolved into vital organs of this Licence Raj, issuing or denying No-Objection Certificates for everything under the sun. Nothing moves without an NOC from the Rangbah Shnong. And Rangbah Shnong/ Dong do not move without HARD CASH! Every outstation student, aspiring shopkeeper or entrepreneur will attest to this fact. Simply put, the Rangbah Shnong is up for sale to the highest bidder. He will not object, so long as money is no object. Hence, the question – What useful purpose does a Rangbah Shnong serve in the modern world? Do people really deserve to be fleeced in this disgusting manner just to maintain tradition? It is time we disbanded these White Elephants. We would save ourselves a lot of money and pain if we did away with District Councils and their greedy functionaries. We need to move on to a brighter, better future without being constricted in our outlook and development by redundant traditions and institutions.
Yours etc.,
Bennett Marbaniang
Shillong -3