Editor,
The Supreme Court on Tuesday declared Section 66A of Information Technology Act as unconstitutional and struck it down. This section had been widely misused by police in various states to arrest innocent persons for posting critical comments about social and political issues and political leaders on social networking sites. The court said such a law hit at the root of liberty and freedom of expression, two cardinal pillars of democracy. This section was brought in by the UPA Congress led UPA Government in 2009. With the apex court’s ruling this has once again raised the question as to what defines free speech. Your paper would be welcome to initiate a debate on this issue in the coming editions.
Yours etc…
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
Are DSC exams a formality only?
Editor,
Through you esteemed daily I would like to express my deep concern and discontentment regarding all the DSC examinations in East Khasi Hills District, for various posts in the Govt sector. It is such an unpleasant plight to learn that all the examinations which were conducted are only a formality as the official posts seem to have been reserved for those people with connections in high places. This is nepotism at its worst by engineers and high government dignitaries of various departments. I doubt if these exams were conducted in a fair and square manner or if they were conducted only for formality’s sake to provide evidence in case any candidate applies for RTI and to show that candidates applying for various posts have written their exams by producing their answer sheets. I am compelled to raise this issue since I have gone through many such experiences, which ultimately made me as well as the others frustrated. I request the concerned authorities to take stock of such matters and ensure that such acts do not discourage the youths of the state from applying for posts of any kind.
Yours etc.;
K.R Syiem,
Shillong-2.
Needed school buses!
Editor,
I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authority regarding the slow traffic movement in the city, especially in and around Laitumkhrah, Dhankheti and Malki points during school hours, which is caused by parents dropping their children to school in private vehicles. The traffic not only causes problems for people trying to reach office on time but also for patients going to hospitals as some of the best hospitals are located in these localities. The concerned authority should come up with a plan of plying school buses which can have a few pick up and drop off points from where parents can fetch their children. This would help control traffic to a great extent and help reduce the flow of traffic in these areas. Also, it would help in the reduction of smoke emission from vehicles.
Yours etc.,
Puja Jain
Shillong- 2
Vande Mataram
Editor,
“Vande Mataram” is a patriotic song. It is not a religious song. I do agree with the response of the Editor, The Shillong Times (March 25, 2015) to R.B.Manners who wrote, “That is the main reason why Muslims strongly refuse to sing it” (ST, March 25, 2015). The Oscar winning composer and musician A R Rehman who is a Muslim sings his own rendition of “Vande Mataram.” We sing this song to express our love, gratitude and respect towards our country irrespective of our caste, community and religion. As Indians, we are proud to sing this song. If anybody has any problem to sing the song, it may be due to personal reasons.
Yours etc.,
Dr Shakira S Islam,
Via email