Editor,
Political appointments by the Government of the day have always irked the responsible and concerned citizens since such appointments are not only unproductive but also a drain on scarce financial resources which could otherwise be put to good use . Politicians have no qualms about taking up such appointments as they need to convince their supporters that they have a presence in the Government. Moreover, political exigencies make such appointments unavoidable no matter how degrading the effects are. But when a recently retired Chief Secretary is given political appointment it is generally construed as a quid pro quo for service rendered during the officer’s tenure in Government. The very fact that he is made Co-Chairman in the establishment in addition to another Co-Chairman and a main Chairperson would leave no doubt that it is a superfluous post. What surprises many is that the appointee has not joined the ruling party in the State. But then this retired bureaucrat has received more than his share of favours from the present Chief Minister, from extension of service to this new appointment. He will now be availing all the perks of office that the members of the elite club of political appointees are entitled to. The only difference here is that the political appointee is a retired Chief Secretary who will also enjoy the retirement benefits due to him as a senior retired bureaucrat. With the strained financial resource of the State going towards unproductive political appointments, I doubt if we can ever generate employment for the youth of our State now and in the future. But then, who can stop the Chief Minister from doing what he wants? He is after all the Lord of the Rings.
Yours etc.,
K.Dkhar,
Shillong-2
Put an end to militancy!
Editor,
One is in absolute agreement with Patricia Mukhim’s article ‘Making a mockery of the word Peace’ (ST Oct 11, 2014). The militant outfits in our State have been dictating our lives for a long time. While militancy and militant outfits cannot be eradicated and wiped out from the face of the earth they should be dealt with strongly. After all, whatever maybe their theory and dogma the end result is loss of innocent lives and property. In fact, the State Government should come down heavily on such outfits. Strangely the State Government has a perverted sort of reformation model which it has adhered to through the years. The surrendered militants are not only given a warm and a heroic welcome like as if they have won a war but are provided ways and means to support their daily lives. The surrendered HNLC cadres for instance have all turned contractors or own taxis or have taken over the parking lots as lessees from the Government. What is of concern is the way these surrendered militants conduct themselves after they have been unleashed into the mainstream society. They still think they can control the citizenry with their haughty attitude and language. The point one wants to make here is that if anyone has committed a crime he/she is supposed to be punished according to the law. A petty thief who is caught remains behind bars for many years if there is no one to appeal on his behalf. But a militant who has created a fear psychosis in the minds of the people either through extortion, kidnapping or murder is being exempted from punishment because cases filed against him are never pursued beyond a point.
As a citizen I balk at the idea of rehabilitation packages offered to militant groups. In his Independence Day Speech our C.M, Dr. Mukul Sangma encouraged the misguided youths to come forward and avail the rehabilitation packages offered by the Government. Does the CM not realise that by doing so, he is tempting other innocent youths to also take the backdoor entry because of the precedence set? We are aware that poverty and unemployment are major concerns in our state and the entire country. There is dearth of jobs for our youths especially the educated lot. But does this mean they should al pick up guns?
Militancy and militant outfits are a threat to the peace and security of the State. The government, both at the centre and the State must seriously engage in wiping out militancy. It can be done and has been done in states like Tripura. But it is also common knowledge that militancy gets it biggest support from VIPs and politicians. This has been happening and will continue to happen if citizens do not get active and knock at the door of justice.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar
Lords of Jaintia Hills DSC
Editor,
Nepotism is alive and well in Jowai town. The current Secretary of the District Selection Committee, West Jaintia Hills, is making sure it does. It comes as no surprise that some candidates belonging to his wife’s family have cleared both the physical test and the written exam for the post of Soil Demonstrator rather easily. And it won’t surprise anyone when they sail through the personal interview as well. For a person thriving on nepotism, the Secretary, DSC who is also an ADC and CEO of the Jowai Municipal Board, who I might add, has been posted in the same District for more than 10 years, this is nothing new! I am moved by the plight of the other deserving candidates who have no family in power or political back up. Are they supposed to be contented with picking leftovers of their well connected fellow candidates? I see no respite for the genuine candidates in the district as long the current “Lords” (as Paramjit Bakshi describes them in his 25th Sept article.), of Jaintia Hills continue to call the shots. When will the brazen show of power come to an end? When will this mockery of merit ever end? Where is the call for transparency in the DSC? One does not expect any major change to ever happen for the will of these ordained “Lords”, is above everyone else’s. And they have the means to get exactly what they want. All hail the “Lords”! All hail their Kingdom, the cess-pool that is Jaintia Hills!
Yours etc.,
Lamchwa Mukhim,
Via email