Editor,
“It is tempting, is it not? To take credit when things go well, but deflect the blame when they don’t?”
As coach and author, Ben Dattner said “It’s a natural human response to play the blame game. But good leaders avoid the temptation to blame others or hoard credit.”
As humans, we all want to be recognized for our efforts and accomplishments and we resist being blamed when things go wrong. What we forget is that, the most successful of leaders are able to see their role in the blame game, admit mistakes and focus on fixing or rather helping to fix the situation rather than blaming.
In the last few days of the Assembly Budget Session, I think we have seen much of debate going on. The hot topic was of the NTPC Agreement which was signed in 2007. This Agreement was signed during the Congress rule in the year 2007, when the portfolio of the Power Minister was held by Dr. Mukul Sangma. In the agreement signed between NTPC and the government, the latter had agreed that from the year of installation of the last unit at Bongaigaon thermal plant of the NTPC, the pact would be valid for the next 25 years. Now, since the installation of the last unit was done in 2019, adding another 25 years to this will mean that the pact or the agreement will be valid till the year 2044. Based on this same agreement, the NTPC also invoked certain provisions where they can simply stop the State from purchasing power from other companies. Another interesting finding is that, in all contracts, a right to termination is available to both the parties but no such right has been given to Meghalaya under this agreement which shows that the interest of the people of the State has been overlooked.
This certain agreement has now put not only the Meghalaya Electric Corporation Limited (MeECL) but the State government too in a tight spot. They are now bearing the brunt of this one-sided agreement signed by the then Government in 2007. This is arm twisting and paralyzing the government from purchasing power from other power generation companies. We can also see how the current Power Minister and the Chief Minister are pursuing this matter diligently with the NTPC to invoke the unreasonable clauses mentioned in the agreement.
In the August house, the CM also clearly admitted that there are a number of blame games being played rather than debate and discussions in the Assembly. There is a lack of constructive criticism and suggestions coming in especially from the Opposition side. The very purpose of having the Opposition is to have a healthy discussion and suggestions coming in from their end based on various issues, but it is sad to see a lot of destructive criticism being spurted out. We can see the Opposition now blaming the MDA government as to why it is not invoking or doing something related to the NTPC agreement. Questions I would like to raise here are, why did they not ponder upon the clauses? Why was this ill-fated agreement signed in the first place? A hidden agenda in place? Why were the interests of the people not taken into account? Questions I simply might not receive answers to.
The Opposition Congress tabling the ‘breach of privilege motion’ against the Chief Minister in the Assembly, only makes me wonder if they are playing the victim card, knowing very well the NTPC agreement with unbiased clauses were all signed under the then Congress government. There is no question that the blame game exists and it can be painful if we don’t receive the credit we deserve or are blamed for things we feel we are not at fault for. At this point of time, it is the need of the hour for the Opposition to change their approach, evolve and focus on the future. Yes, in the world of politics, one simply has to dream of the Ruling and Opposition parties working hand in hand. But why not for the sake of good governance? Why not for the good of the citizens and the State? Now is the time for change, to make amends for what has gone wrong.Enough of hiding under sheep’s skin. Enough of playing victim!
Yours etc.,
Jordan Diengdoh
Shillong – 2
Rising crimes against girls
Editor,
Apropos the news item, ‘Minor’s body recovered in EJH’ (ST March 14, 2021) I would like to raise my voice as a senior woman citizen of the state and urge the government to take immediate steps against the culprit/culprits who dared to rob a minor, innocent school-going girl of her life while she was returning from school. What can be more disappointing than when young girls cannot even move safely in broad daylight? Where is the safety and security for women in Meghalaya? The Government has failed to ensure law and order. On February 20, Ms Ampareen Lyngdoh, Chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Women’s Empowerment assured that crime against women and children will not recur else it would tarnish the essence of the matrilineal society for which Meghalaya is widely known for.
Dr. Rekha M. Shangpliang of NEHU wrote, ‘Women’s rights are human rights’ (ST. March 3, 2021), but these are only theories. Humans and women are not dealt equally! Two heinous incidents of rape and brutal murder of minor school girls happened in the same District of East Jaintia Hills while they were returning from school. Does not it expose the ineffectiveness of the administration and reluctance on the part of the Government to do anything meaningful?
It is unfortunate and disgraceful for the state that girls and women are highly insecure and their lives are at stake. But criminals even when caught red-handed are not given exemplary punishment. Some cases are pending for years and justice is delayed on the plea of investigations etc. As a result, the criminals are emboldened to repeat their crimes of atrocities against women. How long can women tolerate this weak and debilitating justice delivery system? May I draw the kind attention of the Chief Justice of Meghalaya to these crimes against women?
Yours etc.,
Uma Purkayastha,
Shillong – 4