Editor,
The decentralization of powers in an authority be it in a family or in a state/nation is somewhat similar and follows a natural process. Recollecting a conversation I had with a child psychologist many years ago, he explained that in a family, when a child is born, full authority and control is with the parents to take care and support the child. However, as the child grows gradual freedom is given to him/her to question and explore. When the child begins to mature he/ she is guided to make decisions and gradually encouraged to stand on their own feet and live their own lives and to become an asset to their family and society. But the family bond continues through the years and keeps them together through thick and thin.
In normal circumstances, if parental control in a family is absolute it does not allow the children to mature and stand on their own feet. Such children either become rebellious or totally dependent on their parents through their lives. They become liabilities not only to their families but also to society.
This metaphor can also be applied to the centre- state relations in this country because here too we are dealing with human beings. A newly independent nation needs a strong central government but gradually states must be given more powers and encouraged to stand on their own feet and survive and ultimately to contribute towards the nations’ growth and prosperity.
An overpowering central government will produce states that will always be dependent on the Centre for their very survival, thereby becoming liabilities and slowing down the country’s overall growth. Either that or they will become rebellious states and this can lead to the gradual disintegration of the nation. There are many such examples in the history of the world, past and present.The primary role of the family and the state is to ensure that the individual, gets optimum facilities with the minimum of interference so as to mature into a self dependent individual who will be an asset not only to his family but to society and the country as a whole.
The need of the hour for India to become a strong and great nation is for the Centre and the States to work out a consensus for gradual decentralization of powers to the states. This process should also take into consideration and honour the treaties and agreements entered into by some of the states with the central government, especially the smaller populated north eastern states, for the protection of their identity, their land and their resources. But these special protections should not stop these Northern States from striving to stand on their own feet and also to contribute towards the progress and development of India.
The vision of the Maitshaphrang Ideology is to see that one day the Khasi community shall strive to bring equality and do away with reservations. We will compete with the rest of the world on an equal footing, because we have the qualities and the capabilities to do it and higher scholarships will be based on merit only, and for those Khasis that have reached a certain level of Income, we shall be proud to announce that we will pay Income Tax. However in terms of quantity since we are a tiny population surrounded by much larger populated communities, we need absolute political reservation.
Yours etc.,
Michael N. Syiem,
Via email
Controversial MV Act
Editor,
The recently amended Motor Vehicle Act, which has stepped up penalties for traffic rule violations which came into force on September 1, has come in for severe criticism. Many states are reluctant to implement the Act. There is a growing perception among the states that the subject falls in the State list. The West Bengal and Gujarat governments among others have refused to implement the amendments.
Union Surface Transport minister Nitin Gadkari who introduced the new MV Act finds that he is facing opposition from within the government and party. Some BJP-ruled state governments have joined the Opposition-run state governments in opposing implementation of the new law.
It is curious to learn that no senior Central Minister other than Gadkari has come out to defend the new law. Much to the chagrin of Gadkari, the BJP ruled states Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka have voiced their opposition to the fines that have been hiked nearly 10 times for some violations.
However, Gadkari has pushed the amendments contending that hefty fines would deter people from violating traffic rules. It is good that Government is doing this ostensibly to save the lives of people from road accidents, but penalising the people with hefty amount of fines under the amended act is not recommended.
Recently a truck in Delhi was fined over Rs 2 lakh for overloading and a failing to produce a driving license, registration, insurance papers and a fitness certificate. Strict traffic rules are necessary, but when these rules become a bane to offenders, people will try to resist it. To err is human, but to punish the offender beyond his capacity to pay the fine is a barbarian act especially when it comes from the government. So, the amended MV Act must be reviewed and the government must come out with less severe penalties to make its citizens law-abiding.
Yours etc.,
TK Nandanan,
Via email
Footpaths turn private property
Editor,
Pavements and footpaths are built in cities and towns for pedestrian safety and also for smooth flow of traffic but in most cities and towns footpaths turn out to be ‘free platforms’ for vendors and shopkeepers to display their objects for sale and to do excellent business simply ignoring rules and regulations. In nearly all our towns and cities we find pavements encroached by shopkeepers and street vendors . From billboards and foot racks to mannequins, all are placed right on the footpath. Electric wires to light up the hoardings of the shops hang freely over our heads and the boards fixed with iron bars are also installed on the footpaths , posing inconvenience and danger to pedestrians.
In many towns and cities small eateries can be spotted right on the middle of pavements causing hindrances to pedestrians. Besides the aforementioned hindrances in most of the towns pedestrians face another big problem- that of vehicle users parking their two wheelers and cars right on the pavement! .As a result most often pedestrians are forced onto the road causing inconvenience to traffic. As the concerned authorities turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the woes of the public the vendors ,shop keepers and vehicle owners and users have made the foot path their private “property”!
Yours etc.,
M Pradyu,
Kannur