Editor,
The turn of events in Meghalaya in just 33 days of 2017 have rocked the state with public representatives abusing the office they are holding. Meghalaya was in the national news for all the wrong reasons but our very own ‘Honourable’ public representatives tried to prove who is guiltier and who is not without having any iota of shame. If they are seriously concerned about the safety of the people, they should have been chastened even before a public uproar. The Dorphang case which also has connections with the Home Minister’s family guest house raised a lot of questions. I would salute this brave girl who came forward to report otherwise such sexual assaults will die a silent death. Much has been said about the recent incident of molestation by the staff of Raj Bhavan which is a misuse of public office and should be publicly condemned. Unfortunately there are fringe elements that still want to defend this crook who actually deserves serious punishment by the court of law. The government if it is serious about the safety of women in workplaces should start an independent probe against the Governor right away. If such conduct can be seen from the legislators and a constitutional head who know the law, what else do we expect from ordinary mortals? We have been a society that is so afraid of the political and ruling class. What will happen in the coming days if we keep quiet?
The victim who came forward in this regard deserves respect because it takes courage for women to come forward. The staff of the Raj Bhavan have done a commendable job. The cases of abuse, harassment, sexual assault, exploitation, discriminations in public offices are unfortunately inherent but no one dares to complain against the perpetrators. An internal complaint committee is mandatory in such offices be it against harassment or sexual assault. Can I expect whistle blower to come forward and report the end numbers of cases being committed by these felons in the Secretariat and the Raj Bhavan and elsewhere, be it irregularities or corruption? Institutional silence has done more harm than good. The recent case of harassment (as reported in the Shillong Times and other local dailies) in the government office is condemnable and should be dealt with seriously. How many times will the subservient bow done to these ‘Sahibs’? The elitist attitudes of government servants needed to be questioned seriously. I am sure each one of us do not want that crimes in any form to top the chart in the state but silence in any form will be more destructive.
Yours etc.,
Banshanlang Marwein,
Via email
Child malnutrition!
Editor,
Meenal Tula’s survey based article deserves utmost praise (Tackling Malnutrition of Meghalaya’s children, ST, February 1 – 2017). The author has nicely summed up ways to tackle the menace of child stunting. Going beyond Meenal’s article, a common understanding is that child malnutrition is in fact intricately linked to the socio-economic fibre and the awareness level of the society. There is a positive correlation between the socio-economic standing of the family and child stunting as per the findings of various surveys. Women’s health and nourishment matter critically because in his/her critical first two years, a child depends heavily on the mother for nutrition. Also the growing foetus gets its entire food from the mother. But a common concern is that many women in our country, especially in rural areas, are malnourished and many parents have very limited knowledge and limited resources.
So the common assumption that childcare is best left to the parents only should be dispensed with. Social involvement in child-care is required in nutrition counseling, sanitation, safe drinking water, immunization and in enabling the parents. There should be frequent awareness campaigns on the importance of providing adequate care of children especially in their first six years of life. Parents must be counseled that taking good care of children is sound economics apart from being the right of children, because a child’s health and well being is a prologue of his/her productive future. Public and government intervention is also needed to correct the lethargic implementation of ICDS (Integrated Child Development Service). Or should our attitude continue to be that of a gardener who allows flowers in his garden to be trampled and tries to rectify it by giving the plants extra care later?
Meghalaya has the dubious distinction of having one of the largest incidences of child stunting in India. The magnitude and extent of child malnutrition in our state is so wide. We must act timely to end this menace.
Yours etc.,
T Fightingstar L Mawlong,
Via email