Editor,
Civil society in Meghalaya are concerned with the deterioration of the state of governance, the falling standards of morality within the ruling class but more concerning and alarming is the deplorable state of affairs of the economy of the state. With one year to go before the next general elections to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the spectre of extreme poverty, dramatic increase in the rural urban migrations resulting in more street vendors and hawkers in Shillong City and other urban areas of the state, a chronically slow economy and the growing frustrations of the evolving generations facing chronic unemployment, now a majority, pose serious governance challenges in Meghalaya. While I see problems as opportunities the solutions to one problem must be solutions for all. Quite an ask I must say! However sustainable development, in my view, is the pathway to a better future built on hope that we want for all. This lays down a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship and strengthen governance. We are all aware that the administrative delivery system is slow and unresponsive despite the attempts at digitisation of governance. Corruption is rampant and greasing of palms is the hallmark of the system.
Sounds gloomy, right? I’ll surprise you by saying no because good people still outnumber the bad ones. As the saying goes things go from bad to worse only when good people do nothing to prevent bad things happening. So it’s about time we speak out and speak to make our voices heard
Yours etc.,
Erwin K. Syiem Sutnga,
Via email
A matter of shame!
Editor,
My attention is drawn to the news item of under the caption ” Meghalaya Governor Out.” Going through the news I feel ashamed. I am a senior citizen who passed my entire working life in Shillong since my college days from 1954. Shame on you Mr. V.Shanmuganathan! According to the news item Mr. Shanmuganathan is a veteran RSS-BJP functionary. I am very much distressed that such a person was appointed to the high office as Governor by the BJP Prime Minister. May I request our Prime Minister and Home Minister to be careful in future while making such appointments.
Yours etc.,
Mritunjoy Chakravarty,
Via email
Freedom is not unfettered
Editor,
In his article, “The bizarre correlation of freedom and crime” (ST, January 25, 2017) Fabian Lyngdoh said, “Freedom and crime are strange bedfellows. Decrease in crime leads to increase in freedom, but increasing freedom leads to increasing crimes.” However, the latter is not freedom but a lack of it. As a matter of fact, it is a might-is-right licence in a jungle raj. The former is indeed freedom that can be enjoyed by everyone and throughout one’s life irrespective of one’s age. In a civilized society, someone’s tip of the nose ought to be the limitation of our freedom. Without this limitation, liberty is lost in a jungle raj where it is restricted only for the fittest brutes.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
Are we really a ‘Republic’
Editor,
Raising the tricolour, showing the military might during every Republic Day is a good gesture. It is a proud moment for all the citizens of the country. I salute and respect all the great leaders who fought against the British Raj till India became an independent country. But to me it now seems that it’s just another festival celebrated across the country with the ‘hoi polloi’ being brain washed with so many hollow promises and unsuccessful work done by the government ( both the Centre and the State).India proclaiming to be a republic is too big a word and a mockery. If you look at the literal meaning of the word Republic, it is very much associated to the power of the people. But dejectedly it turns out to be the opposite; the people do not enjoy such powers as claimed. The voice of the silenced is further silenced. But even if the voice of the silenced is allowed to come out, who will listen? The government shamelessly celebrates every year about the shallow achievement without realising the number of injustices done to the people who deserve the better treatment than those criminals sitting in the comfortable offices. The real problems are being buried immediately after the mass outrage and expression of dissatisfaction by citizens.
Being a republic country does not mean that one should shut their mouths if one does not agree with what the government is doing. One has every right to express his/her dissent but within the ambit of the Constitution. Tome what is more important is when the people themselves show that they are satisfied with what the government is doing. This will be considered a real achievement for this country, because, after all. the welfare of each citizen is fundamental.
We exist to reclaim the rights and privileges enshrined in the Law of the Land. Why are we not taking the advantage in making the world know that we have a constitution which binds all the citizens together irrespective of caste, class, colour, creed, religion etc? The idea of republic has been sold out with inconsequential pomposity which has more to do with proliferating the political party and winning elections. There is much bragging about the army and soldiers but when it comes to the problems they face no one is listening? The kind of hypocrisy the government is practising cannot be tolerated.
While being critical on the government we as Indians should strive towards making the idea of republic more emancipatory by taking small steps like stopping hatred and being tolerant and voting for the right person. The very idea of Republic should be revisited and freedom of speech and freedom to criticise must be protected. The constructive responsibility on the part of the media and the civil society as well as the people at large will make the country more inclusive. January 26 should not be treated as holiday but as a national pledge by each individual to contribute towards society in his or her capacity at any level.
Let us keep complaining, let the demand be stronger and persist and let it be more religiously for a progressive India. Let’s reclaim the Republic, lets fight for an India where the Republic rule.
Yours etc.,
Banshan Marwein,
Via email