Editor,
Apropos the news item, “Centre slams nine states over ‘slow progress’ in abolishing job interviews” (ST May 19, 2018), this report inter alia mentions that the Centre has censured nine States, including Meghalaya, over slow progress in abolishing interviews for junior level government jobs, whereas, the other 20 States have started to take action in this regard. The Report further mentioned that the Central Government had already discontinued with the oral interviews for recruitment to Group ‘B’ (Non – Gazetted) and to all Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ posts with effect from January 1, 2016, to bring in transparency and fair selection. It also ensures a level playing field for job aspirants from all sections and backgrounds and that this issue of discontinuation of interviews was also discussed with the Principal/Secretaries/Secretaries of General Administration Departments of all States at a meeting held on April 22 2016, but the details on the action taken by the nine States is still awaited by the Centre.
This action taken by the Central Government and the 20 States which adopted this measure must have come as a relief for lakhs of job aspirants in the country. But, as a common man, I am dumbfounded by the seeming reluctance of the concerned authorities of our State to adopt this practice in spite of disasters like the Teachers’ Recruitment Exercise which has adversely affected, if not ruined the future of thousands of young people. I am of the view that the resistance of the concerned authorities to change will further erode their credibility in the eyes of the public, despite repeated platitudinous assurances of fair selection by some of their officials which has now become nauseating.
But however discouraging things may appear to be as of now, I am hopeful that with the present MDA Government showing signs of sincerity and eagerness and commitment to deliver, positive action will be taken through thorough revamping of the processes of recruitment being followed by DSCs and MPSC, etc. to bring about the desired changes.
By the way, Tripura became the 21st State which has done away with interviews (Tripura abolished oral interviews in govt. jobs ( ST, May 20, 2018)
Yours etc.,
Samuel Swett,
Shillong – 2
Arbitrary traffic rules
Editor,
I would like to bring to the notice of the authorities the problems being faced by the residents of Mawpun,Forest Colony, Buddhist Temple etc.. To control the traffic congestion in the area, (which has been created by traffic police themselves by diverting all vehicle coming from Mawlai to this area), the traffic police personnel posted near CRPF Camp, Opp. Polo Ground has suddenly started to put a NO ENTRY Board, whenever he feels like, in front of the CRPF Camp, thereby restricting the vehicles going to the above road without any prior knowledge/notice to the residents of the locality. There is no proper timing also for the same. This messy/disorderly decision by the Traffic Police has put the residents in great difficulty. Can we expect any remedial measure from the Traffic Department please?,
Yours etc.,
S.Dey,
- Thabah etc.,
Shillong-1
Goraline Road in shambles!
Editor,
It seems that the road bordering Nongrimmaw and Goraline does not fall under Meghalaya PWD (Roads). I say this because repair works have been done recently up to both end of the road leaving approximately a portion of two hundred meters untouched. The condition of the road is so bad that one must think twice before taking that road. The plight is the same both for pedestrians and vehicular traffic.
People staying in and around this area have no other option. During school hours the problem is aggravated and drivers honk relentlessly because they are stuck on this road.
It appears that there is a dispute between the MES and PWD (roads) about whose jurisdiction the road is under hence it becomes no one’s baby. Considering that the MLA of the area (Laitumkhrah) is a silent bystander, the Government of Meghalaya should take a clear decision on this issue for the benefit of its citizens so that maintenance of the controversial road is taken up regularly as is being done in other parts of Shillong. Government should not forget that Meghalaya is known for its well-maintained roads amongst the North-Eastern states.
The regular users (under compulsion) of this road will vouch for my statement.
Yours etc.,
MK Rai
Shillong-3
An act of compassion
Editor,
Apropos the news item “Hek spends B’day at Nongpoh Leprosy Colony”(ST May 3, 2018) Mr A.L.Hek, Health Minister of Meghalaya, has shown to the world that Health Care without Compassion is incomplete. To choose to celebrate one’s birthday with persons affected by leprosy is an act of compassion towards those people who suffer from a disease which has a strong stigma against it (though it is curable like any other disease and early treatment can prevent deformity and disability). It sends a strong message that one should not be afraid to socialize with them and also makes them feel wanted and actually can mainstream them with the general society because they suffer due to no fault of their but from a disease which needs treatment and compassion like any other disease.
Hats off to Mr A.L.Hek!
Yours etc., .
Dr. N.Manimozhi,
Bangalore.
Dr.R.R.Lanong,
Shillong-2