Editor,
Apropos the letter, “Whither smart classrooms?” (ST Oct 10, 2017), written by one Debashish Halder, we would like to bring to your notice that there is no student by the above name in our School, from classes Pre-nursery to Class XII. We would also like to inform you that the School does not take any fees for either Smart Classes or Computers. So we feel that the name of our prestigious institution has been unnecessarily tarnished.
Yous etc.,
Principal,Vice Principal.
& Staff.
B K Bajoria School,
Shillong.
Exodus of Congress heavyweights
Editor,
As widely reported by your paper and other vernacular newspapers, I wish to express here that the exodus of politicians, especially the MLAs from one party to another is not new and in fact, it is a regular feature in Meghalaya and in the whole country. In fact, this is in tune with the most familiar political sayings, “Aya Ram, Gaya Ram” or “One going, ten coming.” Just like natural fields even in politics there are greener and withered pastures.
But this time, the exodus of many Congress leaders and MLA heavyweights from the Indian National Congress (I) to other parties, especially to the NPP is unprecedented. The public of Meghalaya already know who these individuals are. Now, this is compounded further by the announcements of some other sitting Congress heavyweights that they would not contest the forthcoming general elections to the State Assembly. All these do not go down very well with the electorate of Meghalaya. In fact, they are wondering what is going on in the Congress party. Is it not because this grand old party has lost the grip in the seat of power in New Delhi and in other states and also because of acts of omission and commission of Dr. Mukul Sangma and Mr D.D Lapang in Meghalaya.? The fact of the matter is that there is nothing wrong with the Congress Party. In fact this party is widely accepted in Meghalaya. In fact, this is the only party that has got organisational sub-units in almost all villages, units in all polling booths, Block Committees in all Constituencies, District Committees in all Districts and the State Committee at the state level. In organisational matters, no party in Meghalaya can beat the Congress and it has a committed vote bank. But this time around the vote bank in several constituencies is broken with the exodus of many Congress leaders, especially the MLAs and their supporters. This will definitely adversely affect its prospects in the up-coming L.A elections in the state. However, nobody should underestimate this party here.
Now the fact of the matter is that those parties which have admitted the Congress leaders and Congress MLA heavyweights are the beneficiaries, and in this, the NPP is the greatest beneficiary. This might lead to the NPP becoming the alternative to the Congress in 2018. That too depends very much on the quality and capacity of the NPP candidates both in Garo Hills and Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
However, we should not discount the UDP-HSPDP combination, the PDF and the Independents. Even BJP may re-open its account in the state. These are also the forces to be reckoned with. But the so called friendly match between the UDP and HSPDP may prove counter-productive, because, in many constituencies, instead of combining forces, they are moving in opposite directions because they have already developed bad blood in the past elections. In an election there is no friendly match. A match is a match. Though the experiment may work in few constituencies, yet it should have been better for them to go to the elections separately and combine together post elections. Definitely, the top leaders of both parties will regret the outcome of the 2018 elections.
In such a scenario, people of Meghalaya ought to be satisfied with yet another coalition government and who knows, we might see a series of coalition governments in the next five years beginning from February-March, 2018, since none of the existing single parties are in a position to even get a simple majority, not to speak of an absolute majority.
Yours etc.,
Philip Marwein,
Shillong-2.
The Aviation Blues
Editor,
The National Civil Aviation Policy is good for the country. Also the time has come for the government to give serious-thought to the country’s aviation industry. Right now, the industry is in the grip of many big challenges that must be handled carefully. To start with, the performance of Air Traffic Control [ATC] in airports is not up to the mark. India should learn techniques from Dubai and Singapore whose ATC performance levels are over 55 flights per hour.
Second, the ever-increasing costs of airport infrastructure have led to increased cost of air travel. While privatisation is needed, the airports and air travel should be cost-effective and passenger-friendly. Third, it is shocking to note that India does not have even a single MRO [Maintenance, Repair And Overhaul] centre. Till date, our aircrafts go to Dubai for regular maintenance – which is unnecessarily costing the aviation industry dearly. With the backing of its strong IT knowledge and industrial penetration, India has the potential to become a major hub for aircraft maintenance for airlines across the world.
The home truth is that many airports in smaller Indian cities and even metropolis are crying for attention. In the background of dismal state of airports, airlines will really find it difficult to attract passengers. So, the bail-out measures for aviation sector should start from the aspect of renovating and remodelling the airports in the country. In this regard, the government should have a clear blueprint of the existing airports. On the whole, new business models are the need of the hour in the aviation industry.
Yours etc.,
- Senthil S Durai,
Mumbai
Hanging, sagging wires an eyesore
Editor, Electrical wires and cables, sagging, swaying and hanging from the poles, are a familiar sight in the city and a serious cause of concern for pedestrians. Recently, as a result of the gusty winds and heavy rains, trees were uprooted in many parts of the city especially the one in the premises of Raj Bhavan. It is observed that the cables around All India Radio, MBOSE building, the site where the tree fell was strewn with broken cables which are an eyesore and may pose a danger to pedestrians. The BSNL main office is close by and I fail to understand as to why they are blind to such a mess. Who is to blame? I want to convey through this letter that the District Administration or Municipal Board should come forward and do something to regulate the hanging of cables by any party whether they be mobile phone companies or Cable TV providers across the city. There should be strict guidelines against hanging of cables or wires so that the city will be safer and also cleaner. Further, strict guidelines should be given to hanging of banners or hoardings before and after use. It is seen that when these banners of different sizes are torn and lay hanging and swaying the parties involved do not bother to either remove or repair the same . I hope the administration will kindly look into this matter seriously and urgently to keep our beautiful city ever beautiful.
Yours etc.,
RN Rymbai,
Shillong -8