Editor,
The SSA teachers rally on the April 12, 2017 mirrored the sincere, constant and consistent efforts of the Meghalaya government to create a monster in each and every SSA teacher in the state. The following are pointers of the government’s focussed and laser like precision to transform the often meek, weary but determined teachers to the green hulkish proportioned monsters:
1. Categorisation of salary between the trained and untrained teachers.
2. Botched implementation of the D.elEd course for the SSA teachers.
3. Non payment of arrears wef April 2016 to March 2017.
The Meghalaya SSA School and Teachers Associations had resolved to strike indefinitely from April 18, 2017 if the issues are not addressed immediately by the Government. Slogans shouted, effigies burned, transformation completed! Few will empathise with these monster-teachers. A usually assuring voice to the young minds in the society has turned hoarse and aggressive. A buoyant force that helps float a million dreams is insulted!
Yours etc.,
Banphira Basaiawmoit
Shillong-5
Of vicious red-tapism
Editor,
Official red tapism is one dark area where those in authority or official position like to dilly – dally when issues concerning their employees welfare is concerned, and also when developmental programs are executed. I would like to bring to the notice of our readers that most of such cases have been occurring in many departments and this is in reference to an incident in South Garo Hills where the salary of a friend has not been released for over two to three months since she joined in a particular department. On enquiry at the Treasury office in Baghmara those in that office weren’t so concerned about the matter. This is not the first instance. In fact these things happen in parts of Garo Hills and such antagonism is visible albeit in an insidious manner rather than overtly. Such actions are uncalled for and unprofessional . I hope that sense will prevail over those in authority and they should not allow space for any communal feelings in their profession.
Yours etc….
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
Cow wisdom from the horse’s mouth
Editor,
The atmosphere of the country in the last two years has been vitiated by some fringe elements in the name of cow protection and the RSS has indirectly encouraged this matter by seeking central legislation to ban cow slaughter throughout India. It is very unfortunate that Prime Minister, Modi has not spoken anything on the issue till date. Self proclaimed cow protectors,lumpen elements masquerading as vigilantes have systematically undermined the rule of law , fundamental rights and the pluralist cultural ethos and have already taken few lives of innocent, poor people. Thye situation in the country today is pathetic. The RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat is misguiding the people by giving a call for a nationwide cow slaughter ban under Article 48 which is in Part IV of the Constitution under Directive Principles of State Policy. The provisions contained in this part shall not be enforceable by any court. He conveniently mentioned only Art. 48 not Art. 41 which directs the states on the Right to Work. Also he has not mentioned Art. 246 which provides exclusive powers to individual states to make laws under Directive Principles of State Policy with regards to cow slaughter etc,.
The partial ban on cow slaughter has already affected the economy of the country .It is absolutely necessary to get rid of the unproductive cows. Cows give milk from 3 to 10 years but live for 20 to 25 years and it difficult to maintain unproductive cows. Even bullocks used in farm operations has become expensive and gradually replaced by tractors.
In a news item in a regional paper on April 13, Sharad Pawar pointed out that V.D. Savarkar a Hindutva ideologue opposed the idea of nation wide cow slaughter ban as it will cause a burden on farmers. Savarkar accepted cattle as a source of protein for the poor after their milking period were over. In this context I would like to quote the views of Swami Vivekananda on beef eating from the book “Incarnations Indian 50 lives” by Sunil Khilnani, (pages 311,312,Penguin books, 2016). Swami Vivekananda while visiting America in 1894, told the people there that he was impressed by the Americans. He gave them spirituality and America gave him money. He established Vedanta Society in 1894 in New York and then in London to promote his version of Hinduism. Vivekananda started organization after the name of Sri Sri Ramkrisna. The Mission had no precedent among Indian religious Institutions.Ramkrishna Missions function across India as a dispenser of education and social welfare and this was possible because of his visit to America. Another American habit that impressed Vivekananda and which is very relevant in the present context is the country’s appetite for beef – which he recommended to fellow Indians as a way of strengthening their physique. He also imbibed American body building culture, placing exercise techniques at the heart of the practice of true Hinduism.
Prime Minister of India himself claims his prime mentor in life is Swami Vivekananda. He may discuss this issue of cow wisdom in his ‘Maan ki Baat’ for the benefit of the country as Sharad Pawar discussed the adverse effects of Mohan Bhagwat’s call for a nationwide cow slaughter ban and its implication on the economy of the country. There should be strong action against self styled Gou-rakshak bahini and there must be an end of vigilantism.
Yours etc,
Dr S.K. Chattopadhyay
Retd. DHTE,Meghalaya