Editor,
Apropos the letter, ‘Unscrupulous Allotment of MBBS Seats,’ (ST Nov 15, 2021) I would like to add a few points. At the outset, I congratulate those who qualified for the NEET 2021. More so, as all should know, since the NEET took charge to re-examine our students that topped in Physics, Chemistry and Botany, be they from MBOSE, CBSE or ICSE, only one applicant from a Shillong School had qualified for NEET in 2020 despite the Scheduled Tribe concession for the Khasis, Jaintias and Garos.
Few were absorbed in Veterinary Science and B.Pharm, and that after two attempts. In 2011, the then UPA Government learned of capitation fees running to lakhs of rupees charged by coaching centres that coached students who were not directly selected by the State’s Directorate of Health Services (DHSs). The DHS collected all the applications of aspirants, and asked them to name the college of choice (first and second choice). After scrutinising the applications the merit list and allocation of seats was hung at the DHS Office and published in newspapers.
In 2012, the UPA Government used the National Testing Agency (NTA) to thwart this menace. The NTA transitioned into the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET). But things only worsened and the Supreme Court then quashed NEET’s eligibility in 2013 one year after it was born. It was a big blow to the coaching centres who by then were mushrooming in all the towns and cities. Sadly, the persons most affected by the apex court’s judgment – namely the coaching centres and books for short cut learning, filed a revised petition in the Supreme Court and the eligibility of NTA/NEET was restored.
Hence from 2019, the year the NEET take charge of the exams, only one aspirant could qualify. To hear the news that many applicants have qualified this year makes me overjoyed, although the number of students from Meghalaya qualifying for the NEET is pretty small, unlike those that qualified by virtue of their Class XII marks from 1965 to 2018. Then it was pure merit and hard work ,with parents’ inspirations. Those students scored 96% in Physics, Chemistry and Biology by studying books prescribed by CBSE or ICSE right from Classes 9 – 12 and were taught by experienced teachers. They made it to medical colleges and are today doctors serving the PHCs and CHCs and the civil hospitals. Around ten doctors from the State are serving in AIIMS, JIPMER and other medical colleges.
It is unfortunate that today the method of allocating medical seats to students from Meghalaya who qualified for NEET is based on political clout. This brings to naught the hard work and merit of students. To subject the choice of medical colleges to politics rather than merit is demoralising for students. However, let me tell the writer that this rot as far as choice of medical colleges is concerned is not new. It had set in some years ago. This newspaper had in fact carried a similar letter some years ago. The victims’ parents then had threatened to move court but apparently relented. This has only encouraged the arbitrary allocation of medical seats even today.
We live in a modern, competitive world where merit and resolute hard work should not fall prey to political pressure. And to learn that these manoeuvrings in the DHS continue even today is very disturbing indeed. But I would like to counsel the medical aspirants to be contented with any college allotted, as the college does not really matter. It is the spirit to serve especially the poor and the marginalised sections of the society especially during these Covid times when doctors are most needed, that really matters. On that note, I wish all the medical students the best of luck.
Yours etc.,
James Kharmih
Shillong -1
Violence that merits strong condemnation
Editor
The deadly ambush of late Colonel Viplav Tripathi who was travelling along with his wife and a six year old son deserves the strongest condemnation from all quarters. The dastardly act by insurgent groups of Manipur speaks about their barbaric nature. Col Tripathi was escorted by a quick reaction team and yet could not escape the IED blast brings to the fore the question as to how effective the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is. This Act is termed as a ‘draconian law’ but it has failed to curtail insurgency in Manipur as well as in other parts of the Northeast. Ironically AFSPA is not applied in Maoist hit areas where frequent ambushes and violence have become a regular feature. The Assam Rifles being the mainstay for internal security in the northeast region has always been at the forefront in curbing all sorts of illegal activities. This deadly incident would now require a complete overhaul and a re-look as to whether internal security in the North East and the application of AFSPA have been able to reduce militant violence or if the Act has in fact affected civil society.
Yours etc..
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar
Shillong
A grave inhuman act
Editor,
A deadly ambush near the Myanmar border in Manipur that led to several fatalities brings into sharp focus China’s possible role in supporting insurgencies in India’s Northeast and creating trouble in the region amid escalating border tensions between the two countries. Questions about China’s role in creating trouble in the region have been raised earlier too. India’s trade pact with Taiwan had provoked China and it had warned India that it would retaliate by supporting Northeast separatists. In addition, China believes that Sikkim is not a part of India.
It is assumed that insurgent outfits in the Northeast including Manipur have links with armed groups in Myanmar. Chinese weapons reach the Northeast through these groups. Besides, China provides safe havens to insurgent leaders like ULFA commander Paresh Baruah and National Socialist Council of Nagaland’s Shimrang.
Amid mounting tension along the LAC, China must have re-established its ties with insurgent groups. It must be noted that the latest ambush occurred at a time when the security situation in the NE had improved significantly. Given that India and China have hardened their positions on LAC, there is a possibility of China resorting to a different form of warfare in the NE to pressurise India. However, China has denied the Chinese involvement and accused India of training and funding Tibetan insurgents against China.
Yours etc.,
VENU G. S.,
Kollam