Editor,
Apropos the news item “Blame on CM for incomplete COVID info” (ST June 12), I am more worried than surprised by the reaction of the twitterati at the way the State Government has handling the explosive situation created by the Coronavirus pandemic. The issues raised by the netizens cannot be pushed under the carpet. They need to be addressed in an honest and transparent manner. Governments in this country, including the central government are coming under the scanner for various acts of omission and commission. Firstly, if there has been error of judgment, it is better to own up rather than hedge. Clarify beyond any doubt that there is no hide and seek and demolish the impression that the government is under-reporting the figures. As I see it, there is a bigger danger of creating an institutional distrust among the public, if the various arms of the government are seen to be bungling with the Covid challenge. Before the perception becomes ingrained in the public psyche that they are in the hands of some untrustworthy people, there is an urgent need for a few corrective steps.
First and foremost our energetic Chief Minister should reconsider the strategy of being seen as a one-man army. It is understandable that politicians can hardly resist the temptation of being in the limelight. But if the CM, who is the highest decision maker in our prevailing dispensation, makes an error of judgment, which is the next higher authority that the people can turn to? It is therefore advisable for the CM to discontinue the daily press briefing and entrust it to a senior medical officer who is articulate and knowledgeable on all aspects of Covid-19. Meghalaya should take a cue from other states, including the Central Government, and follow what a Sonowal or a Narendra Modi has been doing which is to take hard decisions behind the scenes for a dedicated team to implement.
Talking of team, the need of the hour is team work. Has our State succeeded in this regard? Well, a rag-tag team has been cobbled up but there are gaping holes in the system for everyone to see. The various decisions arrived at do not always percolate to the ground level. There have been instances when citizens have found the ground staff speaking in conflicting voices, even contradicting the official decisions. There is lack of clarity at lower levels. Curfew enforcement, traffic control, maintenance of health hygiene, market regulations, reopening of places of worship etc., come to mind.
There is urgent need for regular briefing of the field staff by the District Heads. I am not sure this is happening adequately. Already, much to its embarrassment, the government had to retract from its half-baked decision about reopening of religious institutions. Therefore, the CM and other political wannabes should not try to hog the limelight for bolstering their public image through the Corona battle. This habitual practice, to say the least, is a double-edged sword
The more important thing is to realise that the pandemic is not going to vanish in a hurry. This is a simmering battle staring in our faces. The political masters need to realise that it is not a 100-metre sprint; it is a cross country marathon! Stamina (read, the indomitable will to fight it out), muscle power (read, material support) and practice (read, impeccable knowledge of the subject) are the sine qua non for dealing with Covid-19. The rest is pure destiny!
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Shillong-4.
Pandemic affects middle class adversely
Editor,
Ilhan Omar the US politician has rightly said, ” We are accountable to each other, having an equitable Minnesota benefits everyone, not just the disenfranchised.” India is becoming an inequitable country and it is becoming difficult for the middle class families to financially sustain themselves after being buffeted by COVID-19. Those working in the private sector such as companies, private schools or running small businesses are suffering a lot. Many people have lost their jobs or are getting only part of their salaries from their concerned organisation/companies.
The condition of private school teachers is much worse as they are not receiving even half their salaries. Noble exceptions are there but these are too few to make a difference. It is understood that the only source of revenue for private schools are the fees received from students, which is not being paid during this pandemic. But it is not justified not to pay teachers as they are still giving their services in the form of online classes tirelessly so that students are not deprived of their learning.
Those running small businesses have suffered much loss during the lockdown period. The financial support from the Centre in the form of a loan to compensate for these losses is hardly enough to cover up their losses and to help them make a new start.
Moreover, the assistance coming from various NGOs or other organisations and individuals are only for economically backward families. The middle class are not treated as destitute even though they face similar travails.
Lastly, the financial package announced by the Government of India will also largely cater to the needs of mostly micro, small, medium enterprises (MSME’s), Agricultural sector, migrant workers Jandhan account holders and pensioners which is a very good step taken by the Government of India but nothing as such came as share to private sector employees especially those hailing from middle class families which account for almost 28% of the Indian population.
Hence, I feel this is a matter of great concern that should be taken cognizance of by the Government both at the State and the Centre.
Yours etc.,
Debu Sarkar,
Shillong- 4
Correction
In yesterday’s Op-ed article,NEIGRHIMS: The Way Forward by Patricia Mukhim, the name of former director, NEIGRHIMS was spelt as Dr DS Thappa instead of Dr DM Thappa. The error is regretted.