Editor,
Apropos Phrangsngi Pyrtuh’s “The decimalization of Hawkers and Vendors in Shillong (July 5, 2016), has possibly forgotten that no one is opposed to hawkers or vendors selling their wares because we directly or indirectly depend on the same system. However, the point of the debate is the resistance of the hawkers to be accommodated in a special hawkers zone which is already in the Government’s plan to decongest the main thoroughfares of Shillong. Speaking of dirt and garbage everyone is responsible, however, the remedy is to have a recycling project of all wastes generated by these vendors and to convert them into manure or other materials which can be done through proper funding and project management. To say that their livelihood violated is wrong because they remain and continue to remain in the same place and are doing brisk business as usual without caring a damn about others using the streets and lanes. Therefore what is seen as a one sided effort should transform into a concerted effort by all stake holders to create space within a legal framework.
Yours etc…
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
Modi’s cabinet
Editor,
This refers to your editorial “Modi’s expanded cabinet” (ST- July 6, 2016). Constitutionally in India, the prime minister is accorded the status of “first among equals” in the council of ministers. Modi’s cabinet expansion has confirmed that, unlike the past, the council of ministers would be an extension of the PM’s Office. By setting for a Cabinet reshuffle PM has demonstrated that there will be no administrative islands in his government. Every expansion of the Council of Ministers is a part of the political messaging of the government and this was no different. The transfer of the HRD portfolio from Smriti Irani, to Prakash Javadekar has surprised many. Modi’s numero uno position entitles him to choose his council of ministers to run the government.
Yours etc.,
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad-15
A dirge on charcoal issues
Editor,
It is extremely disheartening to read the daily dose of news and views on charcoal illegal trade and its aftermath. In my opinion there are three agents here – the illegal traders, the government and the media. While I don’t sympathize with any one of them I want to pin point the real issues here. The apex court has called a complete ban on the felling of trees in the State for production of charcoal since 2007. A complete ban without alternatives? The aam aadmi continues with the mal practices to earn their livelihood. The media have taken upon themselves the job of policing by faithfully trying to report these illegal practices. Illegal production and transportation of charcoal is unacceptable. It is true mass felling of tress continues while replanting is nil. At the same time our state and constituency leaders have not even lifted their little fingers to solve the issues and find alternatives. Did it ever arise in their minds why people continue to produce charcoal after the ban? Did the Government play its role constructively? The media needs to widen its horizons too here. While we appreciate its tireless efforts to follow up the story we want to ask, “Is your job to only report about wrongdoings?” You go around Nongstoin to catch the rat while you don’t see the elephant. Is the media blind to other developmental issues? True greatness is not just finding loopholes but specially filling up pot holes. Travel from Nongstoin to Mawkyrwat then you will know the conditions of the road. The media should also follow up where the charcoal is being taken and what the officials do with it. The real issue is that West Khasi Hills from time immemorial has not developed. It has received step-motherly treatment repeatedly. Anyone who visits Nongstoin can clearly see the difference. When will its leaders stop trampling over the people and when will the people rise up for their rights? When will the sun shine in the West? When will the media broaden its horizon?
Yours etc.,
Gervasius Nongkseh Khliehriat,
East Jaintia Hill