Editor,
Apropos the news item in your esteemed daily, “DBTL relaunched in Meghalaya” (ST Jan 11, 2015) “stating that consumers in Shillong will be getting an amount of Rs. 536 as subsidy for LPG cylinders supplied to them and the amount would be deposited in their registered bank accounts. But consumers are not told at what cost the cylinder would be delivered. This scheme was launched after the NDA Government came to power at the Centre. It is learnt that consumers in various localities of Shillong who were delivered LPG after January 1, 2015 at a cost of Rs. 807 have got back Rs 568 within a day or two as subsidy reimbursement in their accounts instead of the amount which appeared in your paper. So it seems that a LPG cylinder which previously cost Rs 445 now costs Rs.239 only. On January 13 last I was delivered a cylinder and the next day I got a text message that an amount of Rs. 568 has been transferred to my bank account. A day later I got another message that an amount of Rs. 308. 18 has been transferred to my account as LPG subsidy which I have confirmed from my account. This has created some confusion as to why cylinders are now sold at a reduced price. After the Modi Government came to power very often I have got requests from the concerned ministry for voluntarily opting to non-subsidised cylinders. A similar SMS request has gone to several other customers perhaps to enable the country to mop up extra resources.
Earlier distribution of levy sugar and other items through fair price shops were stopped. Now after a gap of over a year levy sugar through the public distribution system (PDS) @ Rs 13.50 a kg and @ 3 kgs per FI card has been distributed. Rice is already distributed to FI card holders, under various categories like APL, BPL etc and at different prices. Barring some, most families have an FI card and are enjoying the benefits of the PDS. Items also include kerosene oil. Prices of petrol and diesel have reduced by over Rs 13 per liter after the new Govt came to power although it happened due to fall in price of crude oil in the international market. But the fall in petrol and diesel prices has not resulted in reduction in prices of essential commodities. Nor have taxi and bus fares been reduced. Why?
Therefore through this letter I would request the authorities concerned , the Chambers of Commerce in Shillong and the Association of Local / Tourist taxis to give their views on my observations and to take appropriate measures so that consumers are not exploited and not taken for granted always. When oil prices go up consumers pay more so why should prices of essentials not come down when oil prices have fallen?
Yours etc.,
- Bhattacharjee
Shillong-6
Please resolve the boundary issue
Editor,
Meghalaya celebrated 43 years of statehood, but there is little to cheer about. There are too many things that citizens are deprived of such as education, employment, health, connectivity, safety and security. As we step into the 43rd year of statehood, as a common citizen I wish to see a sincere and dedicated government that would work towards solving the decades-long inter-state border dispute. Yes, till date we are yet to carve out a well-defined boundary of our state. Our brethren living along the inter-state borders of Meghalaya and Assam have been and are still living a life of uncertainty and apprehension. On several occasions we have read, heard and witnessed the plight of these border residents. Our people have suffered for too long. They need to be provided security and assurance of their identity and existence instead of living in fear and disillusionment because they are unsure of what lies ahead? In fact to cordon off the state’s boundary should have been the topmost priority of governments past and present but all that they have been doing is to hold numerous rounds of talks with the neighbouring state. Till date no concrete steps have been taken to solve the matter once and for all. If, as common individuals, we strictly demarcate the boundaries of our respective houses by building walls around our property, then why this callous attitude towards the state boundary? Isn’t the border issue a matter of grave concern? Last year, on the second day of the KHADC’s Summer Session, Ardent Basaiawmoit tabled the border issue to pressurise the Chief Minister and his government to take necessary action. Alas! A well intentioned move on a very important matter still lies dormant. One wonders if there is any concrete reason for citizens to cheer and celebrate statehood day. Is this fair? Without intending to dishonour the day, one only wishes that it is observed in a more meaningful way. Asking for a well defined boundary is not asking for the impossible. One earnestly hopes that the issue on inter-State borders will soon see the light of day and that the border dispute is resolved once and for all.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email