Editor,
I write this letter as a plea from a tired and stressed- out student. COVID-19 has affected all of us, especially students. As a college student, I worry for my future. Since classes and exams are all being held online, teachers and many other academics say that this “COVID Generation” marks would be quite difficult to evaluate. “They may not help you in your future”, one educational institute administrator has said. So are our studies actually a waste of time?
Also, colleges and schools preach about mental health but do not seem to practise it. We are over-burdened with assignments, projects, extra courses and so on. Extra work is being made to do so as to compensate for the absence of a classroom environment. Apparently, it would make students learn the concept the same way as in school. This has taken a toll on our state of mind and well-being. Parents are also of no help. They just consider it the new normal and do not say anything to the school and college authorities. Some do help out their children, but many are left to their own devices.
The pandemic has also taken a toll on our wallets. Students have had to spend more money on data balance and new WiFi connections. Craft projects have been made more difficult and expensive with materials not available due to closure of shops. Examination are more expensive too. With the need of specific A4 sheets and envelopes, we have had to pay for xerox, Speed Post fees and Examination fees too! Examination fees are usually the fee for the question papers and answer scripts. It makes no sense to be paying such a fee at the same rate as a “normal exam” since our question papers are just PDF files and we have had to make our own arrangements for answer scripts. We also have had and are still being told to pay inflated fees to support “the staff” during these uncertain times.
I plead to the government to make colleges reduce the fees in the same way they have down with schools. Most of the fees charged are unjustified since students and teachers alike do not use college materials for teaching. The only thing we are paying for is probably the brand name of the college, that will be printed on our graduation certificates. I also ask them to have mercy on us. We are the future generation. We will burn out soon if this stress, work and worry is constant.
Yours etc.,
W Sohtun,
Via Email
Politics of convenience
Editor,
The new MPCC President Mr Vincent Pala has minced no words in castigating the United Democratic Party (UDP) which is an alliance partner in the current dispensation. From accusing it of creating a “messy situation” all around to allegations of misuse of authority by their very own ministers, holding charge of various departments in the Government its all a big mess; all of which portray the reality of failing governance. However, the Congress should also not feel “bad” when the very party that Mr. Pala is accusing was part and parcel of every decision taken in the previous Government too headed by the Congress. Hence no one can say that politics is a house of angels. Rather it is a house of holy sinners. Period.
Yours etc..
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar,
Shillong
Everyone is selfish when it comes to politics!
Editor,
Apropos of the letter to the editor, ‘UDP looking at washout in 2023’ by Khraw Sohtun, I cannot agree more with the writer when it comes to the UDP which portrays itself as a party of the people and the region and one that cares for the State and for which they like to be at the frontline throwing allegations at the Government and other political parties and legislators. The UDP is a major partner in the ruling MDA government, yet repeatedly they have been throwing dirt at the government, not missing out on any opportunity to do the same. However, those who have been observing the political scenario of the State are not fools.
The UDP as a party is keeping quiet about the wrongdoings of their own party leaders. The resignation of the Home Minister that came after the growing demand of the people showed that the decision was solely of the minister himself and not a decision taken by the party members, although they had stated that they support the decision. It would make one wonder though that on what account was this decision supported? Was it on the fact that this party genuinely cares for the people of the State that they too supported and joined the bandwagon of those who were demanding the removal of the Home Minister and are seeking justice for Cherister Thangkhiew who was gunned down? Or was there a political motive behind it?
We are well aware of politicians and their selfish motives. Many times, political parties play petty politics based on regionalism and by playing victim. Regional parties, because of their political interests, act as divisive forces and wish to emerge as heroes for a particular section of the people where in lie their political interests. But people cannot be swayed at all times. The newly appointed MPCC Chief and MP, Vincent Pala, had brought to light many allegations against the UDP stating that they are responsible for the failure of law and order and all other illegalities taking place in Meghalaya. As much as we would like to term the MP as an opportunist who is trying to resuscitate the Congress we cannot disagree with his statements. Never did the UDP as a party have the backbone to take the blame on themselves and their party MLA, who is handling the portfolio that maintains law and order in the State. Never did the party speak up when illegal transportation was taking place right under the wings of the Home Department. The UDP came out in defence against the statements of the MPCC Chief. How much of it is enough to sway the people or win their trust? How does this party expect the people to trust them and how do they expect to retain their numbers in 2023 when there is nothing they are doing for the citizens and the State who they claim to care for? It seems the only reason they are clinging on to the NPP-led MDA government too is because of their motives, for at the end of the day, they are in a position where they are getting what they need by sitting comfortably on those cosy armchairs; so happily they will stay. Taken out of this setting, one may start to wonder how they will even survive.
Yours etc.,
Jordan Diengdoh
Shillong – 2