Editor,
I read with keen interest regarding the opposition aired by the KSU regarding the allocation of government land opposite NEIGRIHMS main gate for the construction of a guest house for some unspecified state government even though this particular state government already owns a state house in the heart of the city with 24×7 availability of vehicle to commute to and fro to the multi speciality hospital. Our government could have wisely used this land for the construction of a guest house for its own citizens as most of them aren’t city dwellers but are from far flung villages and they have to wreck their spine to reach the city to which the credit goes to the very roads the government refused to attend to. I sometimes wonder whether the Government ever considers the needs of its own people as a priority. This particular land can be used for construction of a guest house were the people of Meghalaya whose loved ones are being treated for prolonged illness can reside and for which payment can be made at a subsidized rate. In addition this land is used by many financially weaker sections of the people from the adjoining areas to earn their living by setting up small stalls.
Yours etc.,
Badapynhun Tangsai
Via email
Still a long road for women
Editor,
This refers to the thought-provoking and well-researched article “As we celebrate Women’s Day..” (ST- March 8, 2016).Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Intellectually, mentally, and spiritually, woman is equivalent to a male and she can participate in every activity. International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. International Women’s Day represents a movement that is for every woman and girl, no matter where they live. Swami Vivekananda also said, “The best thermometer to the progress of a nation is its treatment of its women.”Women still have a long way to go to guarantee equality and fairness throughout society. A country which respects women only can survive better in the world arena.
Evidence shows that in the developing world, women play a different role than men and are more likely to take care of their family’s health care and nutrition, things that children need to become productive adults and contribute to the economic and social development of societies.
Time has now changed since women’s voting rights were the primary concern of female activists. Women have found their way into roles that were unimaginable 100 years ago.
Every year we celebrate “International Women’s Day” but we find that crimes against women are increasing at an alarming rate. Crime is endemic to the human condition, but a crime specifically directed at one sex is most despicable and unfortunately, the one that is punished least. It is found that the media exposure and legislation have little impact. Legislation introduced by the government is often merely tokenism. One would find that the problem before the majority of women in our country is not equality but survival. The pati-parmeshwar has rudely and gradually been brought down to earth.
The scenario for women seems grim indeed and this will continue so long as the basic social and economic structures remain unchanged and the law and order implementing agencies show indifference. Merely celebrating women’s day is useless unless women are given adequate representation in social, political cultural and economic arena. There is no gender equality. Discrimination against women prevail in all walks of life. The thinking of society has to change and parents must value their daughters at par with their sons and should give them the same advantages and independence. I would like to point out that while laws alone cannot put an end to evils that are endemic in the social structure, the government can at least make some attempt to take it s own enactments seriously.
It is time for women to introspect on the losses and gains this whole year. The road is long and they have to travel steadfastly to achieve freedom in all walks of life. No longer is the “hand that rocks the cradle” the only womanly hand that rules the world.
- Yours etc.,
- Vinod Dixit,
- Via email