Editor,
As one walks behind the Governor’s House looking down at the valley below the Commerce College, it is astonishing to see a building over five floors under construction. One recollects that a couple of years back a lot of heat was generated by the Meghalaya High Court on high rise buildings in Shillong and consequently many private buildings were sealed and remain so till date. One tends to wonder after seeing this building under construction if perhaps the rules have been relaxed or alternatively MUDA has gone back to its old ways of giving permission for any number of floors with a slight payment on the side. No wonder the tainted officers have found their way back to MUDA under the dispensation of the present Chairman MUDA who also happens to be the Minister, Urban Affairs. Otherwise why are retired and serving MCS officers flooding the MUDA which is supposed to be a technical agency. Many things happening in MUDA as well as Urban Affairs Department under the present Minister are raising eyebrows in the city.
Yours etc.,
B.K. Singh
Shillong-1
BJP a ticket to ride?
Editor,
Mr. Narendra Modi’s tryst with destiny has catapulted India into a world player. The Indian populace has given Mr Modi a thumbs up to the social, financial, and economic changes in spite of facing many problems as they feel that the ongoing changes can make India great. Such feeling of hope has touched the north eastern part of India too. State after state has rejected previous governments that have ruled for ages without any vision towards development and only with the intention of filling their personal coffers. People had no choice but to elect the same corrupt who projected themselves as leaders and saviours. Mr Modi’s party, the BJP, is trying to make inroads into the Christian tribal population of Meghalaya. As the hustings get closer many, leaders and rejects alike, have joined the party and more will enroll wanting to bask in the glory of Modi’s BJP. Having choices is good for the electorate but the BJP must ensure that the choices they offer are not rotten apples. It is unfortunate that the central BJP leaders in charge of this State, lap up the adulation and turn a blind eye to the nefarious games of some of the existing state BJP honchos. The clout is being held by a few businessmen, contractors and builders, for whom BJP is nothing but another vehicle to make money. These people are ruining the credentials of the party in the eyes of the tribal people who are watching every twist and turn of BJP’s moves. The social and print media is loaded with information regarding the dubious and nefarious activities of some prominent members of the state BJP. Such members can never bring laurels to the party. I request Mr Modi is issue strict instructions to his office and ensure that membership to the party is not entwined with gifting of the party ticket for elections. It is a shame that party tickets have been already gifted in exchange of considerations much before invitation of application for the same. I request the BJP Central leaders to please give us clean candidates and not the corrupt and the rejects. Then the youth will then look up to your party with admission and hope.
Yours etc.,
Jenny Lyngdoh Mawlong
Shillong-14
Priority to Primary Education
Editor,
In the midst of global recession, India continues long-term growth for the last couple of years but the state of our education is a concern for us. The nation must build skilled workforce to improve their livelihoods. We have premier institutes of higher learning and research including IITs, IIMs, IISc, AIIMS etc but the primary education was never accorded the priority it deserved post independence. Now India emphasized the NPE for child-centric primary education focusing on universal access and enrolment. The 86th amendment to the Constitution advocates free and compulsory education to the children of 6-14 years of age as a Fundamental Right through Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan. The initiative, like the Midday Meal Scheme, brings many more children into schools. But the question on whether the children are really learning, goes unanswered.
Teaching has always been the last career option in India. The vernacular school carries on with outdated teaching methods and lacks a competitive environment. According to ASER effort and DISE on elementary education, learning outcomes do not improve. On the other hand, private schools give children quality education. The government has now taken action to revamp schools under RTE Act 2009. Course curriculums have been re-designed for co-scholastic achievement concerning school and education. But poor students continue to struggle in higher classes owing to shaky training. Their education does not offer enough to get a white-collared job. Finally they fall a prey to subsidised jobs like MNREGA or temporary hazardous occupation. They have been denied opportunities. Their skills, talents and intelligence go un-nurtured and ignored. Finally they experience an identity crisis. We cannot let down the hundreds of millions of students in our classrooms. All children, irrespective of birth or background must be given equal learning opportunities to hone themselves. We need to overcome structural barriers to education and ensure opportunities for children to realise their full potential.
Yours etc.
Kamal Baruah
Guwahati