Editor,
The results of the SSLC selection Test Examination 2021 is pathetic as it brings unbearable emotional distress both for failed students and their parents as well. Classes begins with effect from 1st November 2021 and the Selection Test Examination commenced from mid-November 2021. Teachers somehow managed classes super fast making an attempt to cover up at least 50-60% of the entire course whereas students of diverse mental abilities could not cope up with the pressure and workload. That happened mainly in rural areas of Garo Hills. It was the heaviest burden to the students to cover up the 60% syllabi within two months. It was beyond limits for more than 50% of the students. About 50 – 60 % failure of students in many schools of Garo Hills, in my conjecture, may not be because of their laziness, sluggishness, slothfulness or because they are born brainless, mindless unlike their counterparts from urban areas. There must be some ground realities for the high number of school drop outs – more than 50% in my conjecture. It may be the time factor. When the number of school drop -outs is high, anti-social activities in the society goes up proportionately. The school that produces very high pass percentage but very high number of school drop outs, may not be called a “Good School.” I love my poor students who failed. I am on their side. More than 50% of the failed students have been deprived of their rights and I feel pained for them and their parents.
Yours etc.,
Kenedy G. Momin,
Principal , Dilma Apal, Higher Secondary School
North Garo Hills.
Voices of disunity
Editor
The recent alleged desecration of idols in a place of worship is uncalled and a reprehensible act of trying to create a wedge in a peaceful place like Shillong. The action by such elements demands an immediate attention by law enforcement authorities to prevent any further escalation. However, it is also discerning that the groups who protested this alleged desecration have chosen to remain mum on the same subject when it comes to a similar situation being carried out in BJP ruled states on religious places of Christians. Why they have not lent their voices or protested on an equal platform is ironic. Anti-social elements will always have an advantage if society irrespective of religion and faith or caste and creed are disunited to condemn all acts of vandalism on places of worship.
Yours etc..
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar,
Via email
An uncaring public!
Editor
In view of the surge in Covid-19 cases in the country and the advent of the new variant Omicron, the Government has come out with the guidelines/advisories for the citizens to follow to avert the effect of the viruses. It will not be out of place to mention here that similar guidelines were issued by the Government umpteen times in the past but the citizens seems to defy them as if they are totally immune to the viruses. We see people loitering or walking in business complexes without masks and also no social distancing as per the advisories. It seems that the advisories have no impact on people.
Unless and until stringent measures like imposing fines and warnings the citizens will not adhere to the advisories. It is seen that as soon as there is a decline in Covid cases citizens become slack which them leads to a surge in cases. It seems that citizens have not understood the adverse effects
Another cause of increasing numbers is the hesitation by people to get vaccinated with the Covishield or Covaxin vaccines. It is a wise step by the Central Government to vaccinate youths within the age of 15 to 18 years and it is hoped that these youths will not succumb to the threats of the viruses and should also observe the guidelines and advisories like wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing. The introduction of RT-PCR should be adhered to till the effect of the viruses subside.
It will be difficult for the Government to overcome the economic hurdles as Covid hampers the functioning of industries like tourism etc., but the welfare of the people is a priority. There may be shortfall in the revenue but that should not be a deterrent to Government as it had already lost crores of rupees in various scams in the past as revealed by the CAG.
However, let us hope for the better days to come so that Meghalaya can be a vibrant state in this 50th year of statehood with the cooperation of one and all without any discrimination.
Yours etc.,
SL Singhania,
President,
Police Bazar Welfare Society
China at it again!
Editor,
Satellite pictures show that a bridge is being built by the Chinese Army across the Pangong Lake on its side of the Line of Actual Control(LAC). China has been ramping up border infrastructure along the LAC over the years. On the other hand, this bridge-building across the Pangong Lake assumes enormous significance as the new development occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing standoff between India and China at the LAC. It shows China’s flagrant disregard for the ongoing diplomatic efforts to defuse tension. Notwithstanding the fact that several rounds of talks between the two armies have not produced concrete results, hopes are high that a resolution to the conflicts can be found.
There is no denying the fact that the bitter hostility between the two armies creates an unprecedented situation. While China pretends to be serious about holding military or diplomatic talks, Chinese forces do not show any hesitancy in grabbing territory within India’s side of the LAC. In fact, China’s border infrastructure is better than that of India. Earlier India believed that inaccessibility to India’s side would deter the Chinese from intruding across the border. Over the years India’s approach has changed. Since the Galwan clash, the speed of India’s border infrastructure development has increased. A substantial amount of money has been invested in border infrastructure development.
With the construction of the bridge, the Chinese forces can travel easily across the 135- km long lake and threaten India’s military position at the LAC. Such infrastructure development by China invalidates the next rounds of military and diplomatic level talks. India and China must put in all efforts to end the conflict between the two countries and explore the avenues where the two countries can cooperate and together contribute for the welfare of the world.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS,
Kollam