Editor,
Apropos the letter by Pratham K Sharma (Dec 24, 2020) on the subject of displeasure about the functioning of the Laitumkhrah post office, the print media and Department of Posts: India always works for the benefit of the public and with a common goal for the welfare of society. We are happy that customer feel free to lodge complaints against us for any matter, including fighting on behalf of other customer also. In this case, Mr Pratham K Sharma, mentioned about a frustrated customer. I would like to add here that the frustrated customer is the daughter of Ms Geeta Das Astapati, who came to withdraw money from Laitumkhrah S.O and came to the undersigned also to lodge her complaints. The undersigned has noted her grievances and initiated necessary action on December 23, 2020. Again, Mr Pratham K Sharma, has mentioned about a counter staff and assumed her to be under-aged judging by her looks. This is highly objectionable and irresponsible statement.
As far as social distancing and covid-19 protocols are concerned all the post offices under Meghalaya Division have already been instructed and necessary material has already been supplied to all Post Offices since March, 2020. Due to social distancing and Covid-19 protocols people have to wait in queue for long hours. However, the situation will be reviewed again for any necessary improvement.
It is our endeavour to work for the betterment of the society as a whole and try to provide service to all and with respect for all genders.
Yours etc., ,
Susmita Majumder,
ASP( HQ), Meghalaya Division,
Current charge holder
SSPO’s Meghalaya Division,
Shillong-1
Ethics never lets us down
Editor,
Apropos the meaningful letter, “Essence of education” (ST, Dec 24, 2020) by Prof Deepa Majumdar from Purdue University, USA, I do express my sincere gratitude for her appreciation of my letter – “Education sans ethics equals intellectual indigestion” (ST, 23 Dec, 2020). I am also heavily indebted to Prof. Majumdar who had written a significant article on my research-based book – “Great Minds on India” about nine years ago. Of late, as Ms. Patricia Mukhim points out, the parent fraternity has failed to inculcate ethical values in their children. Though we try to overlook this factor, it’s deleterious impact on society has started to take its toll.
With the rapid rise in consumerism and base entertainment in the digital world, the whisper of morality gets easily drowned out. But at the end of the day, it is morality in which we all have to take refuge. I remember a profound thought of Blaise Pascale in this context – “Knowledge of physical science will not console me for ignorance of morality in the time of affliction, but knowledge of morality will always console me for ignorance of physical science. ” Given the situation, we need to think more upon the “Theory of Ethics” than the “Theory of Relativity”. Without our knowledge of the “Theory of relativity” NATURE will continue to nourish us, but without the strength of ethics and human values, we shall certainly be overcome by various kinds of miseries and griefs.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Probation for how long?
Editor,
Apropos to the news report published by your esteemed daily on Dec 23, 2020, as an aggrieved parent I thank you for highlighting this long pending issue of these “STILL PROBATIONERS” of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation. To recount the ordeal, I remember the MTDC advertisement No. MTDC/413/Per/Recruit Manager/2017 Dated May 31, 2017 to which my ward had applied and after clearing the recruitment process comprising a written test, personal interview and group discussion was selected for the advertised post along with 8(eight) others. One of the points in the Advertisement and also in the appointment letter was “Probation period will be for one year subject to extension of 6 (six) months at the discretion of management”. After the completion of one year probation the young candidates approached the management for consideration of absorption but the management extended the probation period for another 6 months. But the story didn’t end there. The management has been extending their probations after the completion of six months. Further the management has been irresponsible by saying that “the recruits were at least paid salaries”. Prior to the appointment of this batch, similar recruitment had happened and on completion of probation, they had been absorbed to their respective vacancies. My question to the management is why such step motherly treatment is being given to this batch? Whenever the probationers have approached the management they were only given verbal assurances. On one hand we are all out to open our state to the tourists – “Atithi devo bhava” but on the other hand we forget that. “Charity begins at Home”. Hope the management learns from this and puts an end to the suffering of our children.
Yours etc.,
Rishab Poddar
Shillong-4
Spirit of Christmas
Editor,
Christmas is here. Let us take this moment to be grateful about this wonderful journey called life. The year 2020 had been quite a ride, but here we are, blessed with another chance to spread love, peace and joy. Let us therefore take this Christ- filled festivity to assure hope and prosperity and to touch another soul with our warm tenderness of a happy heart. Have a blissful Christmas and a prosperous Happy New Year .
Yours etc.
Christene Nongbet,
Umsning