Editor,
Post the meeting of the Prime Minister of India with the state chief ministers on April 27, 2020, speculations are rife as to whether the lockdown restrictions due to the Covid -19 crisis will be lifted in Meghalaya and whether that will be sooner or later and to what extent. While citizens are keeping their fingers crossed, the looming uncertainty would make it difficult for the state government to arrive at decisions and to give much leeway when decisions are made. Be that as it may, decisions have to be made from the perspective that these are for the larger good.
Given that the State has been under lockdown for over a month now, we need to perhaps adjust to the fact that there are barriers towards achieving results to the extent anticipated. While the prescribed lockdown protocols could be irresponsibly overlooked by some, many others who are deprived and are extremely poor do not have the wherewithal to even reasonably follow such protocols. Their financial capacity for purchase of essential commodities is only for immediate needs and not for bulk purchase to last long enough. They therefore contribute to the crowding whenever the market opens during the lockdown period. This happens in Shillong and in other parts of the state and country as well, as projected in the media.
This occasional but disorderly crowd gathering during the lockdown period is way beyond managing in spite of government efforts to do so. Such gatherings could lead to what is most dreaded presently. It could also mean that the lockdown and curfew impositions for the intended purpose could be compromised if social distancing norms are violated. Therefore the patient wait throughout the lockdown period for an earlier liberation from the stifling atmosphere could after all be in vain.
Nonetheless, the state government has done well in preventing the Covid -19 spread in the state so far. As reported, the number of positive cases has not increased beyond those few earlier confirmed cases and the condition of these patients is stable. These cases also manifested specifically within Shillong city and nowhere else. As such it could perhaps be safely concluded that presently all the other districts and most parts of East Khasi Hills District are Covid-19 free for now.
Given the present Covid-19 situation in the state and with the need to relieve economic stress and mental stress as well, it does seem that there is need to ease the lockdown restrictions now with adequate safeguards keeping in mind the present precarious situation. The absence of new cases in spite of violation of social distancing as mentioned should reduce apprehension of uncertainties ahead. In any case we have been living for so long with prevalent communicable and non-communicable diseases around. Some have high incidences and mortality rates which are way higher than that of Covid -19 under the current statistics and likely later since Covid- 19 recovery rate has improved in India in spite of it still being mysterious. Hopefully, a proven therapy for a cure comes soon while immunity from Covid- 19 also sets in rapidly within a large population. Meanwhile life goes on though we tread cautiously.
Ultimately we leave it to the wisdom of those in government to consider all aspects if there is to be a decision to ease the lockdown restrictions and to consequently decide on the activities that are allowed to commence and continue. Moreover, the state government may perhaps consider the local situations while framing guidelines for the implementation of these activities without adhering to the generalised national guidelines for better results.
Yours etc.,
K L Tariang,
Via email
Govt’s arbitrary decision
Editor,
The Government order for deferment of salaries of Government employees is unfair. The Government could have at the very least deducted one or two day’s salary from its employees. As it is Government has not yet paid the 30% pending arrear of the revised pay of the Meghalaya 5th Pay Commission, supposed to be settled in December 2019. The Government should have envisaged the difficulties that its employees would face. Many of them have loans to pay off and other encumbrances. I’m not speaking here about those officials holding higher posts but for those who are the sole earning members of their families.
If the Government is serious about tackling this economic emergency, it should at the first instance de-notify all political appointments and stop further appointment of retired officials on contractual basis, as these are the real factors for the financial crunch today.
Salaries for Government employees are always in the “Plan” Budget Expenditure. So it is a fixed consolidated fund to be incurred recurrently. Why does Government not explore other options from the “Non-Plan” funds? Government employees are paid their monthly salaries, whereas the political appointments come with various perks and facilities. Retired officials who are re-employed are also enjoying their pensions plus their contract remuneration. This is patently unfair. Government should have managed the present crisis with sagacity and fairness and not by imposing its diktat on the employees arbitrarily.
Yours etc,.
Name withheld on request,
Via email