Editor,
Helmets are indeed essential for riders of two-wheelers and helmets have been known to save lives too in many cases. It is only natural that the Government of India, through its appropriate departments and offices, should make it compulsory for all riders of two-wheelers to wear them at all times while riding their two-wheelers. The recent notice making it compulsory also for pillion riders to wear helmets has resulted in mixed responses. On the one hand, the thoughtfulness of the law to safeguard the life and limbs of both the driver and the rider cannot be undermined. But the huge inconvenience that adhering to it would cause the drivers of two-wheelers cannot be summarily disregarded either. We can clearly understand how making pillion riders wear helmets will prevent the loss of more lives in road accidents and we would be immature to think otherwise. But there is also a large degree of discomfort that must be addressed too.
There is this issue of having to carry along with you two helmets wherever you go. Imagine the discomfort caused by the need to carry one along with all your work-related tools and gadgets; now you have another helmet that you must have with you, in case you have to give a lift to anyone you meet along the way. Consider the plight of a parent who must bear the weight of heavy-laden school bags, lunch boxes, water bottles, their young children on their arm and two clunky helmets that they must carry with them everywhere. Very soon, riders of two-wheelers will begin to resemble those who go on expeditions to Mount Everest – bent under the weight of their backpack, an oxygen tank in one pocket of the bag, an ice pick in another, ropes dangling from yet another pocket.
In a similar vein a modern-day two-wheeler rider will have to carry his/her backpack with all the nuts and bolts, safety suits and protective gears to go to work on his/her two-wheeler. This matter is exacerbated by the fact that it is not safe to leave good quality helmets and gears on parked two- wheels, whether at work or on errands. Without an extra helmet, we will no longer be able to assist our very own family members who we may meet on the way and while completing our errands. Think of the utter awkwardness and anxiety at not being able to offer them a lift home only because you could not afford another expensive helmet or did not have the facility to carry two cumbersome items with you. It would have been great to have helmets that one could fold or dismantle when not needed and kept in our bags, to be reassembled when needed. It would save a lot of space and also conserve our energy, not to speak of the ease with which we could continue to carry the usual work-related items or the shopping bags that we need to.
It would appear that I am advocating convenience over the safety of life and limbs; nothing can be further from the truth. My only quarrel in this instance is that adhering to this particular law will greatly hamper daily activities causing more anxiety and irritation to a section of the public throughout the day. I would like to submit here that since the regulation has come into effect largely due to the many fatalities and injuries that have occurred as a result of rash and reckless driving of immature and thoughtless riders, to prevent the occurrence of more such cases more stringent laws should be passed and enforced to penalise riders who violate the speed limits and the traffic rules. What the new regulation will do is only harass riders who are careful and who ride their two-wheelers sensibly. Besides, how much speed can you get in a city packed choc-a-bloc with cars? I would request the competent authorities to kindly consider the above issues as well while implementing the new regulations.
Yours etc.,
- Majaw,
Shillong -1
Unfair practice by some FP dealers
Editor,
What if our authorities are unsympathetic towards the poor? The rich then will find “multiple” ways to exploit them. It is always easier for those in higher positions to exploit the downtrodden. The poor can hardly ever raise their voices against oppression. During the early phases of the lockdown, I was startled to know many things that have never been brought to the knowledge of the concerned authorities. The stories and miserable condition of the poor drove me to tears. Many families starved while many others lived on meager amounts of food due to loss of livelihoods. Given the pandemic situation, a few like-minded friends decided to pitch in some amount to support the very needy households. During those exceptionally hard times, I also came to know that “some” unscrupulous Fair Price Shop dealers indulged in unfair trade practices. Instead of 35 kg rice the consumers received 2 to 9 kgs less while some dealers did not issue dal/lentil though supplied by the government for free distribution.
What is very off-putting is that some dealers regularly distribute ration without using the standard measurement scales/machine but use the old fashioned baskets or tins to weigh out the rice/atta/sugar. This practice has gone on for years.
I found this practice highly unethical and I believe this must be brought to the knowledge of the government. I immediately wrote a “letter of public grievance” to the concerned authorities in the state and also a letter in this newspaper (ST April 28, 2020) – “Suggestion for Fair Price Shop dealers”. Meanwhile, I was also informed by other acquaintances from other states about such devious practices prevalent in their states too. Hence with the help of friends, I had sent the same letter to the Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution. My letter immediately drew the attention of the secretaries, deputy secretaries, and finally the Director of the particular department. After some days, the Ministry issued a nationwide General Circulation to all the authorities in all the states and Union territories against the use of non-started weighing scales and with strict instructions for the mandatory use of weighing machines. I appreciate the government initiative in the larger interest of the citizens who were victimized. One considerate dealer remarking on the underweight distribution observed that small variations in weight is acceptable but why do they exploit the poor so mercilessly? It is ethically unpardonable! This dealer during lockdowns gave away kerosene and rice for free to many of the needy families who were without ration cards. That’s indeed a commendable gesture of humanity.
In response to the nationwide circulation from the Union Ministry, some commissioners and secretaries of other states duly forwarded me the email letter with their intimation about the actions initiated against the crafty FP dealers. I am overwhelmed with inner satisfaction at having done something significant for the needy. I was also optimistic that no dealer would ever indulge in the unholy practice. ButI was shocked to know that the same unethical practice is still being followed by “some” of the FP dealers with a vengeance in certain localities. There can’t be a bigger irony than this! Despite repeated reminders to the FP shop dealer no decisive action has so far been taken against the offenders. What does one make of it when the poor are experiencing unprecedented hard times while others are preying on their vulnerability. Hope this letter of grievance in the larger interest of the poor will draw the kind attention of the authorities concerned. All loopholes must be plugged for the better. The poor should not be deprived of their fair share.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong