Editor,
The Modi Sarkar had publicly affirmed in no uncertain terms that pending the apex court verdict, on the Aadhhar deadline fixed for March 31st next, none of the citizens would be asked to link his/her Aadhhar numbers to their respective bank accounts. Incidentally, the Supreme Court has come down heavily on the banking institutions and other social service providers for perversely creating panic and uncertainty for the masses on the Aadhhar linkage, thus setting at rest the unwarranted warning issued by these govt. controlled establishments. Oddly enough, on November 15, I was literally taken aback when a message from SBI was transmitted into my cell phone which read, thus: “Provide your AADHAAR & Pan in your A/c No. otherwise operation in A/c will be stopped after 31.12.2017”. Such cynical blackmailing is unerringly a blatant cognizable offence as it tantamount, to use of legal parlance, contempt of court given that this specific case is sub-judice and as such those responsible for issuing such gratuitous threat are per se liable to be prosecuted and put behind bars. Alas, such intimidation could not by any means have come without the tacit directive of the saffron government. Hence who can take the bull by the horns? It infers, therefore that even the judiciary, the protector of the commoners is given a kick in the teeth by those at the helm of the executive. Just like the notorious Gau rakshaks who go on killing sprees with impunity at the slightest suspicion of anyone carrying beef and which subsequently made PM Modi, to shed crocodile tears for the poor victims only for the crime to recur at an opportune time with inexorable regularity, are we not, therefore, regressing to a state of intolerance under the very nose of Mr Modi?
Yours etc.,
Jerome K. Diengdoh,
Via email
Development must be human-centric
Editor,
It has been reported that fines for drunken driving in Norway are based on the defendant’s income. We must learn from Norway how to make our citizens happy. This fine structure on the basis of one’s income is one of the secrets of Norway becoming the happiest country of the world in terms of World Happiness Index, 2017. Also, Norway has given top priority to the welfare of its citizens. That makes it remain at the top of the list of Human Development Index for a long time. It shows that to make people happy; laws and development should entirely be human centric in the best way possible.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
Need to accept LGBT community
Editor,
The LGBT community represents a significant proportion of the populations across this 21st century South Asia. Unfortunately, though they are grossly misunderstood and discriminated; and are subjected to regular humiliation, rude behavior, social prejudices and even life threatening physical attacks leading to death and injury. Our society needs to reflect with empathy the pain and sufferings such community members suffer every day of their lives and provide them a path of social justice and equal opportunity in various works of life. More so since LGBT members are grossly misrepresented and/or underrepresented in most parliamentary democracies across South Asia. Although some of their rights have been protected through constitution and judiciary, still much needs to be done to accommodate them more inclusively and respectfully in our society. They are no less human than any other individual member of our society and have the right to live a life of respect and dignity. Sensitization and awareness regarding LGBT community members is the first step towards bridging the gap in accepting them as equal and respectful members of our South Asian society and community life.
Yours etc.,
Saikat Kumar Basu,
Via email
Global sports extravaganza
Editor,
Just after FIFA U-17 and T20, now ISL and Youth Women World Boxing are being played back to back in Guwahati. The city is able to attract global attention. Now the priority is to conclude these games successfully. Crowd behaviour often flares up in games. Guwahati is no different in that the history of crowd violence makes it undeserving of holding international events after the cricketing event recently where the bus carrying Australian players was allegedly stoned. The administration works hard to control the crowd and ensure security of players at these high voltage stadia. These mega events have provided the NE fans with an opportunity to witness high standard games. Also North East players proved to be great competitors beyond organizing such international events. And magnificent Mary has shown the world that she is unstoppable. Guwahati is in IPL fray after Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab sought to change their bases from Jaipur and Mohali respectively. Now BCCI is keen to experiment on unexplored markets. Women’s IPL is also part the agenda. With five star hotels, and other games infrastructure in the offing Guwahati has attained the status which is at par with other test venues. Hope these sports extravaganza serve to provide enriching experience for sports enthusiasts and kindle sporting passion in the North East.
Yours etc.,
Kamal Baruah,
Via email
Development must be human-centric
Editor,
It has been reported that fines for drunken driving in Norway are based on the defendant’s income. We must learn from Norway how to make our citizens happy. This fine structure on the basis of one’s income is one of the secrets of Norway becoming the happiest country of the world in terms of World Happiness Index, 2017. Also, Norway has given top priority to the welfare of its citizens. That makes it remain at the top of the list of Human Development Index for a long time. It shows that to make people happy; laws and development should entirely be human centric in the best way possible.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De, Kolkata
Landmark judgment!
Editor,
The landmark verdict by the Honorable Meghalaya High Court to strike down the posts of parliamentary secretary is indeed a very welcome step and a positive one. The PIL by Madal Sumer raising genuine questions even leading to gross misuse of constitutional provisions by the government is an eye opener that once again brings into question the validity and justification of appointing non-experts as Chairpersons, ViceChairpersons etc., which is a waste of tax payers’ money. The state government has always been in the habit of appointing outsiders/ consultants as if they know Meghalaya better than the locals here. This is bypassing local indigenous talent, knowledge and expertise and is a great injustice. The High Court’s verdict is a death knell to uncontrolled wastage of public taxes.
Yours etc…
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3