Editor,
In Clint Borgen’s words, “Poverty is relatively cheap to address but incredibly expensive to ignore.”Gandhian principles suggest that the bloodline of the country lies in the rural population. I am dismayed to read the daily newspapers and watch TV news channels where the plight of the poor is portrayed day in and day out in these hard times, especially those in rural areas. Millions from the cities are going back to their village homes. Unemployment exacerbates their status even more. The plight of the rural underprivileged is not at a nascent stage; it was only mostly ignored by the working classes due to modernization and technological revolution in modern society. The current pandemic only accentuates this problem.
Various ways and means have been suggested to the government by experts in numerous articles, like Direct Benefits Transfer, expanding the scope and funds of MNREGA, basic amenities support, etc.
As concerned and responsible citizens, each one of us should lend our hands to the needy in whatever way we can during these hard times to ensure collective sustainability.
These of course are my personal views.
Yours etc.,
Kevin M Shangpliang,
Via email
Covid impact on small businesses
Editor,
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown so many questions about government and citizen responsiveness to the greatest global health crisis in more than 100 years. The pandemic has led to a series of unprecedented policy measures ranging from lockdowns to requests for citizens to suspend their normal economic and social interactions to limit the spread of the disease.
Amidst all of this, small businesses in sectors which are most affected by COVID-19 and least financially resilient (such as hotels and guest houses, food and restaurant services, educational services; arts, entertainment and recreation) account for a disproportionate number of low-wage workers, people with less formal education, and minority business owners. Their fears are real
We as citizens and residents can lend a hand in helping small business owners, supporting efforts to help them expand by trying to shop at small businesses first.
Buying from small businesses will help those owners stay open longer and possibly make it through the rest of the pandemic. Many small businesses operate only online and don’t have a storefront to save on expenses. An effective response would also be to increase the access of small businesses to credit and stimulus funding.
The state requires the support of citizens of course and it is most likely to work well where citizens are bound together in a “community of fate”, creating societal trust. It’s a reminder that we don’t control the tangibles. And the only legacy that holds any value is how we serve one another in crisis.
Yours etc.,
Manisha M Pala .
Shillong .
Of frayed centre-state relations
Editor,
It is unprecedented for the central government to recall the Chief Secretary of any state on central deputation when he is due for retirement. This unfortunate incident has happened with the West Bengal Chief Secretary who was to retire on May 31, 2021 but who on the request of the State Government has been given a 3-month extension. The Chief Secretary has been issued orders for central deputation without adhering to Constitutional provisions. Granted that IAS officers do seek central deputation but not at the fag end of their careers. This incident is a show of strength by the BJP-led Modi Government to avenge the BJP defeat in the Bengal elections. As a result centre-state relations which is the essence of federalism is seriously impacted. To transfer a cadre officer on central deputation without the consent of the state violates the fine balance of centre-state relationship. Rule 6 (1) of the IAS Cadre Rules, 1954, clearly state that the concurrence of the state government concerned is necessary. The word “concurrence ” here is critical. This decision and transfer of the Chief Secretary at a critical juncture when the state is fighting the Covid pandemic as well as facing the impact of the severe cyclone storm Yaas will affect the morale of the overall administrative framework.
Political harassment and vindictiveness unleashed on civil servants on account of political conflicts between the centre and state would damage the spirit of federalism in the long run and hinder and undermine the capability of the officers to stay non-partisan. It will also send a wrong message to many other officers who wish to work without any political affiliation. The “caged parrot,” policy must be jettisoned; frequent interference in transfers and postings of civil servants to fulfill a political agenda would destroy their ethical and moral integrity. The dire need in this country is to uphold the political impartiality of the civil services by not influencing them to act in a manner that jeopardizes their ability to remain outside all political influences. Decisions on postings and transfer of civil servants cannot be sacrificed at the altar of political expediency. Civil servants cannot be subjected to political vendetta.
Yours etc.,
C Majaw,
Political science Dept, NEHU,
Via email
Better strategies needed
Editor,
The second wave of the pandemic has affected lives on a different trajectory. Whereas the health officials, the Government and various organisations are coming out with innovative strategies to control the spread of the pandemic, a fact that has overshadowed all these attempts at containing the virus is the plight of small and medium sized businesses and those working in these establishments. The closure of shops has left them high and dry. The situation has turned so acute that some people are even indulging in illegal activities just to earn their daily bread.
No doubt, imposing complete lockdown has proved highly efficient in slowing the spread of the deadly virus, but not allowing shops to open at “specified timings” will affect the financial and mental condition of thousands of businesses and those working therein, making the scenario even worse. PT Sawkmie said it well, “The Government says they have enough stock of essential commodities but the ground reality is that people don’t have money to buy them.” It’s a well established fact that only a prosperous economy can lead to a healthy state of mind. Hence opening of shops with strict adherence to the SOPs will put the State’s economy on track and will also bring a smile to the thousands associated with this economic cycle.
Through your esteemed daily, I would request the Government to re-think the decision of restricting the opening of shops and hope that it formulates a strategy that provides a sigh of relief to the shopkeepers and their workers.
Yours etc.,
Partha Pratim Duarah,
Via email