Editor,
It was indeed a pleasure and an eye-opener for all readers reading the article penned by the President of Sein Jaintia (ST, April 21, 2016). However, what the members of Sein Jaintia would like to bring to the notice of the general public is that despite efforts to convince the leadership to convene a General Body meeting on the issue of dismantling and reconstruction of Sein Jaintia Hall, nothing seriously transpired and thus voicing our views and concerns on the matter through your esteemed daily was the last and final resort.
It may be mentioned that the members of the Sein Jaintia knew about the dismantling of the heritage building through the President of ICARE, in his speech during a condolence programme for former President, late APJ Abdul Kalam (refer Shillong Times, August 2, 2015) and there no other communication from the leadership to its general members including life members. It was then that that some members wrote to the General Secretary, Mr. R.L.Shullai and urged him to convene a General Body meeting to discuss the issue (letter dated August 10, 2015). Fortunately, a meeting was convened on the 29th August 2015, where a large number of members were present. It is possible that the President overlooked the proceedings of the meeting so let me apprise the general public about what transpired in the meeting. It may be mentioned here that dismantling of the old structure had already began before the GB meeting was held and before the so called ‘transparent tendering process’ had begun. The dismantling work was already assigned to M/s R. Rapsang. A beautiful and creative Power Point presentation of the proposed new building was shown to all which was indeed a pleasure for the eye but actually lacked technicality.
The members present in that meeting had a series of questions for the leadership, namely: (1) whether the plan for the project was prepared? (2) Had the MUDA given building permission? (3) whether notices calling for tenders have been issued? (4) what is the total estimate of the project?
To the utter surprise of all, the house was informed that these processes had still not been completed and would be done eventually. Again what is surprising to all is how could the able leadership of Sein Jaintia completely ignore these mandatory processes and give an order to construction firm M/s R. Rapsang to start the dismantling process in the month of August 2015. It is at the insistence of the members in that GB meeting that notices for tenders from interested registered parties were called through advertisement (published for one day) in Shillong Times only. Lo and behold! The construction work was allotted to the same firm. So much for the so called “open and transparent tendering process”. Does it leave any reader with any sense of doubt about how and why this happened?
What is really wonderful to learn is the great vision and idea the leadership had, is to “house two Badminton Courts of international dimension”. This sounds utopian to say the least. What more can the members ask for? However, for the general information of the readers the dimension of an international standard badminton courts as mandated by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) should have a ceiling height of 29 (approximately 9.0 meters). A MUDA RTI revealed that height of the 3rd floor which will house international dimension badminton courts and a stage for theatrical purposes is left with only 5.0 meter (equivalent to 16.4 ft). The rest approximately 30.0 feet is devoted to the commercial complex. So what international dimension badminton court is being talked and written about? This ceiling height is not even fit for a community or club level badminton court! The clear height for such level is 6.7 and 7.5 meters.
Suspicion based solely on hearsay and rumours get the better of your common sense- the President writes. So, readers, it is left absolutely to your judgment whether the leadership had the right to misinform the public in general and mislead everyone. I agree with the President that the issue needs intervention by the Chairman of the Trust, Mr. G.S.Massar, Senior Advocate because, only the Board of Trustees of Sein Jaintia Trust can protect the rights of ownership of Sein Jaintia property.
Yours etc.,
Dr. Omarlin Kyndiah
Life member
Sein Jaintia Shillong