Editor,
The stalemate arising out of the recent High Court ruling on the powers, roles and responsibilities of the Rangbah Shnong has been quite suffocating, to say the least. This issue has generated quite a good bit of discussion and debate in the Shillong Times and elsewhere. It has become a hot topic of chit-chat even at funerals, tea shops and parties. Invariably, the discussions begin and end with the blame on the Sorkar (Government) and the District Councils. Their inept handling of the issue and lack of foresight over the years has culminated in the mess that we are in today. Then, after a lot of water has passed under the bridge, the Government woke up and constituted a jumbo sized panel to give expert opinions and put forth recommendations. Well, many of us thought, at last something is happening – better late than never. No doubt, there were many who were sceptical about the effectiveness of such a panel. A friend of mine commented that this will be a case of “u lum u suh khun bad u kha da u dkhan” (loosely translated as ‘a mountain is in birth pangs yet gives birth to a rat’). Being an optimist, I played down his cynicism. But going by the progress that the panel has made till date, I think my friend was right! With the present speed and seriousness that this panel is functioning, I am afraid, not even a rat will be given birth to!
However, I feel that all is not lost yet for us as long as there are intellectuals like Bah Toki Blah, who has a sincere interest of the society at heart. It was refreshing to read his article “Held Hostage by Tradition” (ST, May 5, 2015). Among other things, his SWOT analysis of the Dorbar system was very informative and thought provoking. I am particularly grateful to Bah Toki for his call to either recast, downsize or even completely scrap the panel already formed by the Government. I commend him for his wonderful suggestion for a new 16 member panel whose composition is much more rational and representative. I really hope that the powers that be pay heed to his suggestion so that this burning issue is settled in earnest and at the earliest, or else we may have many more Sordars cooling their heels in custody. No more blame games please, let us strive towards arriving at the best possible solution.
Yours etc.
G. Kharumnuid,
Umran, Ri Bhoi Dist.
An unwelcome issue
Editor,
It is a matter of concern for the large number of unemployed youths and the junior ranking officials that some state government officials are getting extension of service after their retirement. The same problem afflicts the MeECL and its management. It has come to public knowledge that the one of the Directors of MeECL, who will be retiring on 31st May this year is on the move to get extension of service. This will definitely hinder the scope of promotion of junior officials apart from their inability to prove their ability during their service careers. There were similar moves during the tenure of P J Bazeley, the then Chairman of MeSEB and which was opposed by the pressure groups / NGOs. It is time for the public to oppose all such subversive moves and to stop them immediately. Otherwise, such actions will create unhealthy precedents in the near future. The word retirement has a meaning and purpose and should be strictly adhered to because in government service no one is indispensable.
Yours etc.,
L B Lyngdoh
Shillong- 14
Illegal action of MeECL
Editor,
Apropos the above subject, we the candidates who applied for the Post of Law Officers in MeECL against its Advertisement No. MeECL/RC/77/2010/1, ‘dt. 08.06.2010 have been waiting patiently for the calling/interview letter from the MeECL for about 5 (five) years now with full confidence that the MeECL would fix a date for the interview. But we were shocked to see a Notice in the Shillong Times dated 09.04.2015 issued by the Director Corporate Affairs of MeECL as well as the Advertisement No. MeECL/CA/25/2015/6, dt. 02.04.2015 inviting applications for 1 (one) Post of Senior Law Officer and l(one) Post of Law Officer in MeECL after changing the number of posts, criteria and cancelling the previous Advertisement dated 08.06.2010 without giving an opportunity to the eligible candidates to appear for the interview. This denial of the rights of the candidates by MeECL without any transparency is both questionable and objectionable.
What ulterior motives does the MeECL have in giving out a new advertisement by cancelling the previous advertisement without assigning any reasons, than with the malafide intention of depriving all the eligible candidates of their right for the interview. This illegal and discriminatory act of MeECL is condemnable. Moreover, the new advertisement asking candidates who apply for the Post of Senior Law Officer and Law Officer to submit an experience certificate from the Bar Association is unreasonable. The Me.ECL prescribed that the essential qualifications of the candidates should be LL.B degree from a University/ Institution recognised by the Bar Council of India but it had not prescribed that the candidates should have cleared the All India Bar Council Examination. The age limit of the candidates for both the posts after relaxation is 40 years and 37 years respectively. This is highly irregular as the same violates the policy of the Government of Meghalaya.
Hence we urge the MeECL to cancel forthwith this unreasonable, defective and unwarranted advertisement which violates the legal rights of all eligible candidates guaranteed under the Constitution of India pending settlement of grievances of the candidates.
Yours etc.,
Names Illegible
(Candidates who had applied for the above posts)