Editor,
Keeping in view the economic and financial hardship that the three months lockdown has inflicted on the shopkeepers in Iewduh, the decision of the State Government to partially reopen the market may not be irrational thinking. After all Iewduh is “ka pliang ja” (the rice plate) of thousands of people of Meghalaya who are dependent on it for their livelihoods. The decision of the Government to allow only 30-33% of shops to reopen on a rotational basis every day may perhaps be on trial basis to observe if shopkeepers as well as customers strictly abide by health protocols and standard operating procedures.
What needs emphasis here is the matter concerning hawkers. There is no denying that Iewduh wears a highly congested look in normal times. Besides the shops, hawkers are seen occupying every nook and corner, lanes and by-lanes they can possibly find. They would simply spread their wares at any place they find, making it difficult for shoppers to walk and to find their feet. Today, we cannot afford such a congestion. Thus, while the State Government has agreed to reopen the market partially by numbering shops that would be allowed to open on specified days, it becomes even more important to check that no hawkers should spread their wares. Iewduh is known for its congestion and is likely to get back to that status quo if unchecked. At the risk of facing the wrath of the hawkers, I wish to clarify that I have no personal grudge against them. In fact I had always advocated for a designated space to be provided for the hawkers so that they can trade and do business without being interrupted and also without causing inconvenience to the general public. Today, keeping health in consideration the hawkers will have to be stopped from doing business at Iewduh and only shops with proper doors/shutters should be allowed to operate.
Thus, as much as the reopening of the market is desired it is expected of the people to treat this reopening as a way to discipline themselves into citizens that care about others and most importantly about themselves. Therefore the state government and the Syiem of Mylliem must not only be vigilant but must be very strict and stern with violators, be it the shopkeepers or the customers themselves.
It is commendable that the DC, East Khasi Hills has issued an order that any shopkeeper flouting the odd-even number system would result in their shops being closed down for good as well as strict action would be taken against them. With the same severity shoppers who fail to follow the COVID-19 protocols should equally be punished. The state that we are in today does not permit us to be callous and casual about our health. After all, we are responsible for our health as well as the health of our fellow beings.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email
Boycotting Chinese products
Editor,
Chinese aggression at the LAC in which 20 Indian army personnel were killed has aroused fierce anger in Indians. People’s anger was clearly evident in a survey that shows that a majority of Indians are in favour of boycotting Chinese products. The boycott Chinese products movement gained strength at a time when the government is promoting a campaign to make the country self-reliant under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission. 87% of the respondents in the survey said that they were ready to boycott all Chinese products. “Boycott China” is a recurring theme in India. If China has to be dealt with, then India needs to attack its economy. While the Chinese attempts of incursion in Ladakh can be handled by the army, the Chinese invasion in India can be dealt with only with the cooperation of the general public. This sentiment was aroused in India due to the attitude of the Chinese administration. During the 2017 Doklam standoff too, an antagonistic atmosphere towards China had been created. However, it is not easy to overcome India’s addiction to Chinese goods.
There is no denying that China has farsightedness and the Chinese people are hardworking. The efficiency of China’s administrative system must be acknowledged as well. Democratic principles are not applied there. Rules and regulations are formulated without considering people’s interests. China manufactures goods at low prices. Industries in other countries cannot compete with China. China finds out what is in demand in the market and delivers it in large numbers quickly and cheaply. The main reason for China’s dominance in markets is that the Chinese government strongly supports its industries.
India has been trying to restrict the entry of Chinese products for a long time. It has been working on policy measures to restrict the entry of Chinese imports long before the Chinese aggression in the Galwan Valley. In order to achieve this goal, the government has to come out with a clear policy on import reduction and a realistic plan on how to substitute the supply chains. It has to ensure that it makes India a competitive country like China with policy changes. Increasing tariffs on Chinese products is the only option to reduce Chinese imports. However, raising tariffs would lead to higher prices for consumers. India has to plan for the long-term and take trade measures against the Chinese.
In India, there has always been an emphasis on “Make in India” when there is a talk about development. However, there are many hurdles along this path. It is very difficult to ban companies or imports at national level because of global trade treaties. If we want to restrict Chinese products, we will have to overcome our addiction to cheap Chinese products. We will have to list all the things made in China and strive to live without them. We will have to replace them with desi products. A congenial atmosphere for the flourishing of Indian industries must be created in the country. The government must not impose strict and rigid rules about the establishment and functioning of factories. We have to revive the economy that has been battered by the coronavirus. We have to launch Quit India part two and move towards “Made in India”.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS,
Via email