Editor,
The article, ‘Should Meghalaya have a casino’ by Avner Pariat was an enjoyable read. However the article ignores the forward and backward linkages that an economic enterprise has and the revenues that accrue by way of taxes. Most probably there will be tax breaks in the initial period for the casinos. But in the long run tax generation will contribute to the coffers of the state. However, the article does raise an important question: Should the State focus on private consumption to bail the economy out of trouble? Even before Covid-19 disrupted the global economy it was already in recession. This means that spending is already very low. How in such an environment an initiative based on consumption is going to be successful is very difficult to understand? Also such an establishment will attract a certain type of clientele which narrows the scope further. A more sustainable way would be to focus on demand creation which is based on production (agriculture, construction, and manufacturing) accompanied by wage increases which will put more disposable income in the hands of the local population. An improved financial status of the local populace will then lead to increased spending and investments in the local economy itself. The difference with this kind of spending and investment is that it is driven by internal sources and broad based making it more sustainable. The fear that the investment might migrate is less because it will come from local entrepreneurs who will be less flight-prone than external investors. Most importantly this will ensure that the control of the economy is in local lands while also avoiding concentration of wealth in a few hands.
Personally I have no problem with casinos and it does make some economic sense. But it will be a mistake to think that it is going to be the panacea to our economic woes, not at least in times of economic recession. The focus should be on improving the fundamentals of the economy instead, i.e., concentrate on production linked with living wages so that any revival that takes place should distribute the gains more equitably.
Yours etc.,
Bhogtoram Mawroh,
Via email
Following Covid-protocols crucial
Editor,
Apropos the letter “Stigmatisation at its worse” (ST July 27, 2020), the writer has narrated his consternation vis-à-vis his visit to Supercare hospital which may be justified. I visited Supercare Hospital on July 15 for a routine check-up. The entry protocol to the hospital was comparatively more stringent and detailed. Although, irritated initially, the importance of adhering to all such protocols are warranted in the present Covid-19 situation. All my details were entered meticulously in standard forms including area of residence, etc, besides being put through the standard diligence checks.
On the same day, after interacting with a senior authority of the management, to educate myself on the strict protocols, I was convinced that all possible precautions and safety measures were imperative, since patients visiting the hospital are with ailments other than Covid-19. Although fighting the pandemic is a major priority of health service today, emergencies and health issues, other than Covid, cannot be ignored. Supercare together with other private hospitals and nursing homes, are attending to such patients, who are a bigger number and increasing daily, with government hospitals concentrating mostly on Covid related cases.
The precautionary measures have been put in place to ensure safety of all in-patient and out-patient facilities including doctors and other support staff of the hospital. Moreover, as per guidelines of various authorities, doctors and support resources above the age of sixty years are normally advised against attending to patients in person or visiting hospitals etc except in emergencies. It was heartening to be informed that Supercare in its commitment to attain optimal safety is procuring additional latest safety equipment besides ventilators etc. I came out assured but with a worry that if such health centres are closed or sealed for a minor lapse, then what would be the fate of non-Covid patients? All patients need healing. The answer probably lies in all of us dutifully following all SOPs and protocols everywhere, at every step; at home and outside.
Yours etc
Naba Bhattacharjee
Shillong – 4
Are we teaching & assessing our children the right way?
Editor,
Apropos Albert Thyrniang’s article, ‘The ills in education: reform the educator first’ (ST July 29, 2020), I concur with the writer’s observations. He notes that in a recent letter to the editor, a teacher blamed the students for failure. Our teachers need to be innovative enough to engage with millennial students. We can start by getting to know our children’s preferred learning style and tap into their multiple intelligences, so that we as teachers can use varied pedagogy to suit their needs. But does the system provide teachers the space to innovate and invest in their training?
The recently declared SSLC results by MBOSE speak for themselves. While it is heartening to note that many students from not so popular urban schools were listed in the top 20 merit list, on the flip side it was sad to see that the overall pass percentage was only 50.31%. This makes us wonder if we are assessing their learning in the right way. Is the long awaited matric examination the only way to gauge a student’s learning? Can we not minimize the weightage of the regurgitation (examination) process that mainly measures memorized knowledge? Can we give more emphasis to internal marking and place the onus of academic judging of the child more on the teacher (teacher led evaluation) who interacts with them on a daily basis? If this change were to happen then proper planning and capacity building of teachers is needed. If there is a will, there is a way. Introspection time is over, our children’s lives are at stake; we need to act now!
Yours etc.,
R Jennifer War,
MLCU, Shillong