Editor,
So the MBoSE is in the process of overhauling the entire syllabus from Class I to Class X and has floated the expression of interest which has generated a response from leading publishers from across the country who then submitted their manuscripts for further action.
Now, why should the MBoSE shop for manuscripts when the National Council Of Educational Research And Training (NCERT) syllabus is already there? Maybe because doing business with NCERT will not give the required cut or slice to those who want the revamp? MBoSE textbooks are not at par with NCERT textbooks and hence for the majority of students studying in schools under MBoSE, there is an automatic disadvantage for them when it comes to sitting for competitive exams like NEET, JEE, etc., simply because NCERT syllabus equips the student to perform better in such exams than the MBoSE syllabus does. This in turn generates a positive impact for their future career. And that too at a cheaper price than ‘leading publisher’s syllabus. It seems that the student’s future is not really a priority for the ones going ahead with this revamp!!
Yours etc.,
A Lyngdoh,
Via email
A State of Festivals
Editor,
A sort of ‘ tourism promotion ‘ of the state by authorities of the government through the Cherry Blossom Festival that is currently being held here is ironically becoming a laughing stock on social media platforms. People are criticizing the way public money is being spent. Those who are true experts in the tourism industry will agree that such festivals have nothing or very little impact to the tourism sector here. Our roads that are the lifeline to every nook and corner of the State are in a shameful condition and lie unrepaired. The question here is, what exactly is the goal of holding such a fanfare festival? The tourism and the forest department have all the money in the world to spend for such unproductive fests while our budding tourism entrepreneurs have to fend for themselves with no financial assistance whatsoever. Perhaps these festivals are a ploy to loot public money than to promote tourism.
Yours etc…
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong
Vote for Change!
Editor,
We have three months to go for the 13th Assembly election. Some aspirants have made up their minds which boat to sail on while others are not in hurry. It’s a wait and watch situation for reasons best known to them. But the electorate this time has learned so much from past experiences and is determined to vote for a change. They are done with the present government. In the last few years people have become wiser, more sensible and much more aware of what is going on around them. They are more conscious of their rights thanks largely to various social media.
It is worth mentioning here that according to some observers, 30% of the electorate are the intellectuals and educated class who understand good governance. All they want is a functioning and corruption free government. About 20% are those who vote in favor of someone because he or she is a relative or a friend. (self interest, indifferent attitudes towards performances of the elected). Another 20% are the merry making class who just go with the flow. The louder the party is the better. They are ignorant, insensitive and oblivious of what the future will become when we are ruled by criminals. The next and the last category of electorate which constitute 30% are the migrants which includes the infiltrators. Their interest is to establish themselves here as permanent settlers (who through some notorious politicians, to serve his selfish interests i.e to gain vote bank has granted these migrants the right to settle here). Now which category are you in?
Good governance is not about distributing gifts (a way to woo the voters). It is not about building or installing statues or busts. It is not about organizing social meets, inauguration of various useless projects and countless numbers of festivals. What better excuse than the chance to squander public money. Indeed this is how public money has been drained out year after year with the hefty portion finding its way into the politicians’ pockets. So let us all hope that the 2018 election brings a wind of change.
Yours etc., M.L Kharmawphlang.
Shillong- 4.
