Editor,
At this time of crisis when we are up against the herculean task of protecting and saving ourselves from the novel corona virus or CoVid-19 and for which citizens are playing our part by following the lockdown ordered by the Government, we also have to deal with other crises. While the lockdown is imperative to save our lives yet it also has serious financial implications. All sections of the society are compromising on their incomes and bearing the loss. Daily wage workers, farmers, labourers, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, etc are all affected. Thankfully the government and civil society are playing their part by supporting the weaker sections of society, which is commendable. Moreover, it has also been requested by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and also officially ordered by the Labour Department (attached herewith) to NOT to cut the salaries of employees under any circumstance until the situation eases out.
Although the businessmen/employers are duly following the orders wholeheartedly because they consider their staff as part of their family and it would be criminal to disown them or effect pay cuts at this juncture. But is there any stakeholder in this state or nation who can also spare a thought about the mediocre businessmen whose fixed expenses like bank interest, staff salary, rent, etc., all payable but who has zero income right now to meet the same?
I would like to raise the question as to why the landlords of commercial properties (shops/offices) have been kept out of the ambit of contributing their bit to the society? Do they not have a moral responsibility to waive off the rent for the lockdown period of their tenants who are not even able to open their shops/offices due to this situation? Are owners of commercial enterprises/building landlords not part of the same society that is suffering from the onslaught of Covid19? If all other businesses are asked to make sacrifices then why not these building owners? Can they not waive off rent for this lockdown period? These landlords are sitting pretty at home and earning from monthly rents while the tenant is unable to run his business and meet his fixed expenses due to the lockdown.
Now if Government can order a middle level businessman to continue to pay salaries to the employees during the lockdown period should the same not apply to rich landlords who have rented out their commercial properties? I hope this concern will reach the Chief Minister and the concerned department will take an unbiased call to support the unsung heroes of this nation – the great Indian middle class.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Celebration of Hope amidst the Pandemic
Editor,
The term Easter comes from the Old English word Eostre meaning “dawn or to shine.” Easter is the feast of all feasts in Christianity. It is the day where the Christians commemorate and celebrate Christ’s victory over death. It is a festival of hope which motivates and encourages the people to hope for a better future ahead. It is also a day where people gather together in churches to pray and sing hymns of victory, joy and happiness but this year people could not do this because of the coranavirus pandemic. Yet, in spite of all this, Christians across the world, particularly in Meghalaya celebrated a quiet Easter in their homes or wherever they were. On Sunday evening at 6 pm, citizens from across the country joined hands with Meghalaya to pray and seek God’s blessings and strength to fight the deadly disease coranavirus.
Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma had invited the citizens of the state through “Meghalaya Prays” to pray and sing together the hymns Amazing grace and How great thou art with candles in their hands. Many people responded and participated well in the prayer. Many shared that they were really touched by the short video and talk given by the Chief Minister. This simple and humble act of prayer tells us there is hope amidst this disaster. This virtue of hope boosts our courage and confidence to keep on trying and fighting against covid-19. Let this celebration of hope help us to unite and work together as a one.
Yours etc
Elvis Kharkongor
Via email
Let’s hope no second Covid-19
Editor,
How the coronavirus entered Meghalaya is still not very clear. Let the competent authorities deal with that systematically. Of course, till Sunday April 12 we were basking in the joy that Meghalaya was not invaded by covid-19. The Government was planning to ease the lockdown but suddenly all this “optimism” is shattered.
This single covid-19 positive case has brought the State to a grinding halt. What is ironic is that the infected person is himself a high-profile doctor. This should send out a serious message to all Meghalayans, nay the Northeast. The situation should also caution us against any “negligence” on our part in observing the precautionary measures. The virus never discriminates. Let’s make sure to be extra careful. Even an “inadvertent” misstep might lead to a major catastrophe. We have to learn from others’ mistakes. Have advanced countries like Italy, Spain and the even USA not regretted their initial negligence and passivity?
Now the major responsibilities have fallen upon the shoulders of the Government which has been working round the clock. We are immensely grateful to the Governments which is making all-out effort for the safety and wellness of each “individual” citizen. So, let’s now obey the humble command of the authorities and the patrolling police. No more roaming around and no more fake stories of going out to buy medicines. It will be playing with fire. Our remaining completely locked up at home is the only way out, and that alone can save us. Let there be no second corona infection in the state.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong