Editor,
Subsequent to the success of Swachh Bharat series and the other happening initiatives taken by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi came the crackdown on VIP culture, a ban on red beacons which has led to a sort of crazy reaction from some of the pampered and status conscious politicians who are used to singing the blues. Now we are all, ‘Every Person is Important’ (EPL) and the tag name ‘Very Important Person’ (VIP) has at this instant vanished. My salutations to such an audacious proposal! However after the replacement of the red beacons and to preserve the so called VIP way of life, the sirens are now being used as a substitute. The Central Motor Vehicle Rules do not provide any provision for the use of sirens or hooters except on emergency vehicles such as the fire services or ambulances. State Government must begin to take all necessary action on vehicles that violate the rules. For instance the Telangana Chief Secretary had recently issued notification to forbid the use of sirens in the state capital. When will our Hon’ble Chief Secretary follow suit? Or will he? We await those orders anxiously.
Yours etc.,
Sonny Khyriem,
Via email
Shillong’s problems need imaginative solutions!
Editor,
Being the state capital Shillong is naturally crowded with traffic, trade, tourists, schools, colleges, entertainment and amusement spaces. Shillong is the 330th most populous city in India with a population of 143,007 according to the 2011 census. But while we have innumerable problems with the road condition and traffic jams, there is also a major problem with footpaths all over the city. Large parts of the city have no footpaths for pedestrians. Those that exist are in a deplorable condition. A footpath is intended for use only by pedestrians but these have been encroached upon by all kinds of hawkers from alu muri to momos and what have you. It is also remarkable that the width of footpath is so narrow that it is not sufficient for a single person to walk on. Entrance to the Civil Hospital is the best example. Footpaths in front of the hospital gate are crowded with fruit sellers, fast food peddlers and other vendors all of which are a nuisance as well as health hazard. That such food is sold outside a hospital shows that the Government has no concern about the health of its citizens. Along with footpaths what Shillong needs are more parking spaces since most vehicles are parked by the roadside, thereby creating unnecessary traffic jams.
Another problem with Shillong is the paucity of public toilets hence men relieve themselves in the open without caring about social graces. Even Police Bazar which is in the heart of the city faces parking issues. More than half of the junction is occupied with fast food sellers and parking of two wheelers. It requires a lot of imagination to manage the present problems of Shillong but whether we have such visionaries is the big question. Indeed! the city is in crying need for immediate solution to get rid of these adverse situations.
Yours etc.,
Sanjukta Maiti
Shillong – 6
Make Education affordable!
Editor,
I would draw kind attention to the noble profession of teaching as it has deviated from its objective. It is regretful that in today’s world this noble profession is ruined due to commercialization. This has resulted in abnormally high fees which ordinary citizens cannot afford, although it is the wish of every parent/guardian to give their wards the best education. Education is a fundamental right and is essential for the exercise of all other rights. It also promotes individual freedom, empowerment and yields important development benefits. Most crimes can be attributed to unethical upbringing of children, absence of social awareness and most importantly lack of education.“ Mera Bharat Mahan” is a very popular slogan but Bharat(India) will be Mahan(great) only when its citizen becomes great and it will be a reality only when education becomes affordable. In this connection, through your esteemed daily, I would urge upon the authorities concerned especially the Education Department to devise a policy on making education affordable for all by forming a regulatory authority. This will make the fundamental right to education effective and meaningful so that education can reach each and every child. This will benefit human kind and result in a healthy society. This should be the vision of a developing nation.
Yours etc,
Krishnendu Deb.
Via email