Editor,
There is something very curious about the Congress party in Meghalaya. Their leaders seem to be talking in forked tongues.I am referring to the State Government’s COVID management and the Congress response. Recently, Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma called a meeting to brief the opposition on its strategies for fighting the pandemic. They were taken into confidence on the actions being taken on the ground. The government also disclosed the revised micro-management approach with localised lockdowns, instead of blanket lockdown like in April and May.
From the published reports we have seen that Congress endorsed the government plans and actions. In fact, it’s spokesperson HM Shangpliang congratulated the government of the day.
But a few days later, another Congress leader Zenith Sangma, who is also the younger brother of former CM Mukul Sangma, sang a different tune. He seems to have gone in the completely opposite direction and castigated the government for perceived failure to end COVID in the state. If the party leaders are unable to see eye to eye or cannot agree whether the government is doing a fair job or not, they why go to town with the divergent views? Maybe, it throws light on the internal feuds in the party, with Shangpliang and group on one side and Sangma Brothers on the other.
Be that as it may, blowing hot and cold on important public issues like COVID sends wrong signal about the state of the Congress.
Yours etc.,
Banskhem Lyngdoh,
Shillong-6
Education not the only problem in Meghalaya
Editor,
Apropos the editorial, “Education overhaul needed” (ST July 23, 2020), it appears that the views are based only on perception without proper analyzing the general facts.
Firstly, it is wrong to say that Government schools and other Government aided schools in the State are the last resort for many parents, because, at the end of the day it is the hard work and the resilience of the student which defines success or failure. Of course proper grooming is required, but the will and the desire to succeed lies with the students. There were many friends and colleagues who completed their schooling from these institutions and presently they are at the top echelon in their careers. Hence, the perception about government run or government aided schools not performing up to the mark is totally biased.
Secondly, the edit mentions the Education scam. This matter is sub-judice and the law is already taking its course of action. The accused have already been charge sheeted. But one thing is prevalent, after all these years of corruption and nepotism in the State, the Education Scam is the only issue which comes up every now and again in the media. It seems that no one dares to talk about other political appointments or “back door entry” in other State Government Departments and organizations. One such Government organization which comes to mind is the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretariat office. Majority of the employees appointed there are through the above procedure. I have never seen any job vacancy advertisement given by the said office, yet many close aides and relatives of serving employees and political leaders are appointed every now again. Only God knows the recruitment process undertaken by this office. It is due to this reason that this office is notoriously known as “Family Office”. The NGO’s and the Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) in particular which is known as the flag bearer against these types of political appointments is nowhere to be seen. In this age of cut throat competition many educated unemployed youths are deprived of a government job.
Lastly, the editorial mentions that, “teaching is not a job, it is a calling,”which is true but to say, “the best brains opt for secure government employment,” just because the remuneration paid in deficit schools is poor and irregular is also not true. Many bright students with good academic records have opted for academic careers and professions rather than the so called “secure government employment.” To name a few, Raghuram Rajan the Ex-RBI governor and Arvind Panagariya the Ex-Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog were both successful and renowned academicians.
Therefore, the notion about overhauling the education system in the State requires mutual cooperation from various stakeholders right from the grassroot level, then only the overall system can be upgraded.
Yours etc.;
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Congress survival imperative for democracy
Editor,
The Congress needs a strong central leadership to rebuild the party. It is natural that in a democratic polity, no party can remain in power forever. The BJP remained out of power for ten years (2004-2014). Nevertheless, it could overcome the crisis and come back to power. There are three important factors that have contributed to the crises faced by the Congress. They are weak central leadership, generational discord and ambitious young leaders.
A survey conducted between 2014 and 2019 indicates that while the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been rising over the years, Rahul Gandhi’s appeal has been on a steady wane. Even when many unexpected developments posed challenges to the government in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, Modi’s popularity did not decline. But despite Rahul Gandhi’s efforts, people did not recognise him as a promising leader.An ailing Sonia Gandhi on her own finds it difficult to solve the crises that the party faces.
Generational discord poses a serious threat to the Congress. A weak central leadership finds it difficult to solve this problem. The crisis in the Rajasthan unit has only worsened this divide. Younger and elder leaders often fail to understand one another. As a consequence, conflicts develop among them. Elder leaders stake their claims on experience, while the younger ones demand their due citing dynamism.
Ambitious young leaders have caused trouble to the party for a long time. There is no harm in being ambitious in politics. Politics is not considered a social service now. Political parties are in pursuit of power. Ambitious young leaders want to capture top party positions and hold on to them for a long time. Crises are inherent in politics. In some political parties it is more than normal whereas in some others it could be uncommon or subdued. However, the crises the Congress faces is endless. In our democratic politics, the existence of the Congress is of paramount importance because a democratic system is all about choices and alternatives. The resurgence of the Congress depends on the response of the party’s top leadership to the above challenges. It must wake up to the situation and resuscitate the party.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS
Via email