Editor,
The front page of The Shillong Times, (ST Mar 12, 2021), carried an ad from the state government announcing the launch of Azadi ka Amrut. Strangely, the event is being held in the plush security-restricted confines of Raj Bhavan, with the Governor, Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and presumably other ministers, generals, police chiefs, and the so-called cream of the media and society as the special audience.
Social inequity is increased by such elitist events, all the more deplorable when organised by the government, spending tax rupees paid by the common person who are barred from such celebrations. It heightens the notion that the fruits, the heady brew, the amrut, of Independence are enjoyed mainly by the elite of society, while for the poorest of the poor, Independence has brought little relief. For them one yoke has been exchanged for another.
The launch of Azadi ka Amrut could easily have been held in a public place with the event broadcast live. To keep numbers down because of Covid, a few representatives from sections like school children, youth groups, handicapped persons, senior citizens, and army jawans could have been invited. It would have been wonderful if a freedom fighter or an old soldier was selected as the chief guest. It is doubtful if they will even be invited.
This Freedom India program is being better celebrated elsewhere. Lt Gov Anil Baijal of Delhi has stressed the inclusion of unsung heroes of the freedom movement. He advised participation of citizens from all walks of life, identification of themes and locations and preparation of a calendar of events for the coming 75 weeks and has ordered strict compliance of Covid norms for the events.
The Prime Minister himself will flag off a padyatra from Sabarmati Ashram. The padyatra will be joined by different groups of people on the way to Dandi. Union Minister Prahalad Singh will lead the first lap of 75 km. According to a statement from the PMO, the PM will also launch various other cultural and digital initiatives for the India@75 celebrations. Modi is also expected to address the nation with a message on why this historic occasion is special for every Indian. The Prime Minister will highlight government plans for a new India, when we turn hundred in 2047.
The State Government should capitalise on such commemorations to give visibility to special schemes for development, assuring the people of the state that better days are ahead. Nowadays even lip service is lacking.
Yours etc.,
Glenn C. Kharkongor,
Via email
Action against mobile service providers
Editor,
There are only a few business houses that are committed to their promises. Most of the companies just let their customers down at different points of time. Their promises and their business ethics are just thrown to the winds. It’s pointless to even mention about the present deteriorating connectivity of mobile phones. For the past several months, people have been facing enormous difficulty in using their cell phones but this case has hardly ruffled the companies’ feathers. Despite repeated complaints, they have not bothered to improve their services. What is disgusting is that when they cannot even cater to and provide seamless services to existing customers they are in a rush to enroll new customers for connections thereby, overloading the existing technological infrastructure. Why is it allowed and why is the government keeping mum?
Has poor connectivity not adversely affected our day-to-day activities? Apart from business houses, the students and teaching community are now badly hit by the poor mobile phone services. While we cannot easily connect to some mobile phone numbers and only hear some slurring which is beyond comprehension at other times we are told, “The person you are calling is out of network coverage area. This has now become a regular affair. Sometimes it’s ridiculous that the user has to dance around or even rush to the rooftop/terrace to have better network connectivity. During load-shedding, the situation gets worse; one cannot make any calls. Poor internet connectivity is another irritant. One cannot download important files without a hitch. Most of the customers only pay money for the internet DATA without ever been able to use even 2/3 GB for the whole month or the time period of the specific plan.
Through this letter, I would like to draw the urgent attention of the concerned authorities, especially the Deputy Commissioner and the Ministry of Communications to take this case of worsening mobile service with all seriousness. The government should not fall short in taking the defaulters to task. No customer should be taken for a ride by the companies. The customers have pre-paid money only for better service, not to be taken for a ride. Once again I humbly request the authorities concerned to pull up those who promise the moon but only to show us hell on earth.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali
Shillong
China’s dangerous intent
Editor,
PTI (Press Trust of India) has reported that China’s Parliament on Thursday last adopted the 14th Five-Year Plan, the mega blueprint containing billions of dollars worth of projects, including the controversial hydropower project on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet close to the Arunachal Pradesh border over which India has raised concerns. China could build up to 60 GW of generation capacity on the river, which would make it the world’s biggest hydropower project. This would be extremely dangerous especially for Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and, of course, Bangladesh.
India, unfortunately, of late, has not been able resolve vexed issues with China. The prospect of the project spelling doom on the north-eastern part of India is quite evident.
Yours etc.,
D Bhutia
Guwahati – 19