Editor,
I do not agree with the views of S.Kharkongor under the head: “No way to treat church elders” ST May 31, 2016). In fact a majority of whom I know do not have the same views as S Kharkongor. The claim made that “the sentiments of the people are hurt deeply” is false. Yes, may be some people’s sentiments might have been hurt, but it does not include anyone whom I know of. That being said, I, a Christian from one of the victimized church who also contributed a small amount to buy the land, praise the actions taken by Paiem Ricky Nelson Syiem. If the Acting Syiem had not taken such action, then he would have not been any different from the corrupt criminals who rob the church in broad daylight. It is important for all of us to understand that it was not the church’s fault nor was it Ricky Nelson Syiem’s fault that the church fell into such a scam. S Kharkongor rightly said that the church was acting out of the need. To add to that, the church was acting out of complete trust in the Syiem (Latho Manik Syiem)and his myntris. No one would have ever thought that a respectable Syiem or any of the myntri who represent the Syiem would indulge in such cheap tricks; that too to with church bodies. This shows that the ex-Syiem and his myntri are irresponsible, selfish and seek to fulfil to their own agenda, their own interests and in filling their own pockets. I know of a few myntris associated to the previous Syiem who are now living in the lap of luxury, driving around in their SUVs and decorating all their fingers with gold and diamonds. These are the myntris who had made a good fortune for themselves by indulging in corruption.
We should remind ourselves that the land sold by the ex-Syiem and his associates the myntris to the church is actually part of the Reserved Forest (Law Adong) which was decided jointly by the KHADC and the Mylliem Syiemship to be converted into a Reserve Forest on the 22nd of May 2014. The question now is: How could they sell a Reserve Forest for some other purposes? For this will actually render the status of the Reserve Forest invalid. They have not only cheated the church but also cheated the citizens and the environment. These culprits should not be let free and justice should be served. We the Khasis have been too soft towards corruption and hence have encouraged it. Let there be CBI inquiry and the entire truth will come out. I urge the church bodies to stand for what is right, and my humble request to our Acting Syiem Ricky Nelson Syiem and to the KHADC is to act wisely and see that the culprits pay back every penny stolen, regardless of who they are or what position they hold, for all are equal in the law.
Yours etc.,
M Khyriem,
Via email
Expedite setting up of 5th Pay Commission.
Editor,
Apropos the editorial in your paper (ST May 10, 2016) relating to revision of pay and allowances under 5th Meghalaya Revised Pay with effect from 1st January, 2016, can the Government set up the required number Pay Commission at the earliest? State Government employees face tremendous problems because of price fluctuations etc. The State Govt enhances Dearness Allowances twice in a year, from January to June and July to December sometimes at the rate of 6%. But the market prices of commodities is going up @ of 10% every six months. So how can we cope with the present price rise? Benefit of raising pay under 5th Pay Commission will be after mandatory raising of 3(three) times of basic pay with medical, house rent and hill compensatory allowances on percentage calculations which may be arrived at fixation of pay.
It is evident that the unscrupulous business fraternity have raised the prices of essential commodities after hearing of the enhancement of dearness allowances and yet again after the actual declaration of dearness allowances. It is also observed that the benefit of sympathy by the government to its employees goes to the pockets of unscrupulous businessmen. State Government employees are not asking to revise their pay under financial constraints but seeking for their long overdue rights. The editorial of your paper had stated that because of financial constrains, pay revision to government employees is not appropriate. This statement is condemnable and smacks of lack of empathy towards the employees. Will the State Government please pay heed to the demand of its employees?
Yours etc.,
Waillingstone N. Marak
Agillanggre : Tura
Non-payment of dues
Editor,
The Assembly Election in Meghalaya was held in the March 2013. Thereafter the general election for M.P. was also held in 2014, followed by District Council elections and bye-election for Chokpot MLA constituency in South Garo Hills in 2015. The officers and government and non-government employees have worked hard for smooth conduct of the above elections. But the Govt employees who worked the hardest were from the election Branch of the DC’s office. Other employees from the DC’s establishment were also involved in the process. But none of the employees except some high ranking officials from DC’s office and DC election staff have received remuneration. It is learnt that in other districts such as North Garo Hills and East Garo Hills, the employees of the DC’s office and other amalgamated branches of the DC’s establishment have received remuneration equivalent to one month’s basic pay plus D.A. for each of the above elections.
If so, I would request the D.C. (Elections) South Garo Hills districts to kindly make the funds available for the staff involved in election duty which comprise even Grade IV staff who worked day and night.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request