Editor,
\The four week imbroglio on the elevation of the CEM, Mr Rakesh A Sangma has exposed the total lack of leadership on the part of the NPP. Mr Rakesh A Sangma was elected democratically CEM, by the MDCs of the GHADC, through the process of ‘Parliamentary Representation.’
Any organisation can oppose his elevation but the spineless MDA Government instead of seeking a solution through the process of the courts had the gall to send an MLA to negotiate with those organisations that have a difference of opinion on the election results of the democratically CEM, Mr Rakesh A Sangma , who they felt was not the best man to be the CEM .
Who is an A’chik? That has been clearly stated by many renowned A’chik scholars on the A’chik customary law. There’s no dispute on the ethnic status of Rakesh A Sangma. So why this pussy-footing on this issue by the NPP? One pussy-foots in order to appease, instead of going by principles of governance. And the entire state has witnessed this charade of pussy-footing and has exposed the ‘invertebrate leadership’ of a “National Party” that it lacks courage to take a stand and support the citizens of the country, (eg the People of Meghalaya )
Tomorrow another issue may arise and we may yet see the MDA Government bending over backwards to soothe the bruised egos of some people who may have a different point of view.
Is the MDA Government made up of ‘Men of Straw’ that it cannot stand up for principles of governance?
It’s ironical that this is happening in the 50th year of the Statehood of Meghalaya. Have we elected ‘Mental Dwarves’ that none of the people who have been elected be it MDCs, MLAs or even the 3 MPs have the courage to take a stand on the side of Righteousness? The organisations in the Garo Hills protesting against the GHADC, CEM are doing so within their democratic rights. Rightly or wrongly, they can protest, but the lack of leadership shown by the NPP led MDA is indeed pathetic. This display of lack of leadership cuts a sorry figure.
2023 is around the corner and I appeal to all Meghalayans – let us vote with a clear conscience and elect men and women who are not ‘Men of Straw’, but people who deliver to a better 51st year to the state of Meghalaya .
Yours etc.,
Tyrone D’Brass
Tura
When merit is a thorn for the powerful
Editor,
I sincerely pity our medical aspirants who have to sit for the NEET exams. They are facing a double edged sword. They have studied hard from KG to Class 12th and passed out from MBOSE, ICSE or CBSE. With hard work and dedication and with the support of the entire family, they managed to score in the range of 95 – 98% each in Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Class 12. But since 2019 after NEET won back the case in the Supreme Court our toppers failed to qualify their NEET exam. The SC ruling was based on the heavy capitation fees charged by some medical colleges, some in crores. The year NEET took charge of medical entrance examinations our toppers failed to qualify. Some had to go for Veterinary Science. The others switched to Arts to be lost in the crowd forever. Those who can afford attend coaching classes for NEET paying a hefty sum as coaching fees.
Those who wish one hundred percent success in NEET go to KOTA in Rajasthan which guarantees high scores in just one attempt. There was a time when after passing the Higher Secondary exams students scoring 425 marks and with ST concession would be called for screening and then sent to different medical colleges. They were allowed to give two options for their college of choice. This was appreciated by all as merit of a candidate is the certificate to a better medical college. Sadly the much appreciated method that had stood the test of time is now dumped to allow political interference, especially just a year before the polls. Because of NEET a boy with higher scores both in Higher Secondary and NEET was sent to a less prominent college and a boy with lesser percentage is allotted a better college.
Be that as it may I encourage and support the candidates who qualified their NEET and no matter which college they are allotted they should give it their best shot. If they emerge meritorious they would raise the prestige of that college. The world is becoming more cruel every day where the poor but meritorious in all government departments are discriminated against. This is the way of the world. But karma never forgets!
Yours etc.,
M.Khyriem
(affected father)
Via email
Good news for the environment
Editor,
India is all set to ban single-use plastic items from July 1. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has asked all states to implement the ban accordingly. The CPCB has issued notices to producers, stockists and e-commerce sites so that single-use plastic items are not produced, sold or used again.
Plastic is considered to be a major contributor to rising pollution levels in the world and in India. Half of all plastic produced is meant to be used only once and then discarded. The world produces about 300 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. Most of the plastic that has been produced has ended up in the environment.
Only a very small percentage of plastic is recycled or incinerated. The rest is accumulated in the environment. It is a matter of concern that 8 million tonnes of plastic end in oceans every year.
India must be commended for its decision to ban single-use plastics. On the other hand, it is not the only solution to plastic pollution. People must be sensitised about the health hazards of using plastic. In addition to the ban, there must be other initiatives and regulations. Manufacturers need to be directed to specify the kind of plastics used in a product so that it can be properly recycled.
Although plastics cannot be completely dispensed with, their overuse can be stopped. Environment must be conserved for posterity. We cannot afford to degrade the environment and harm ourselves. Let’s live in clean and green surroundings. As a first step, let’s bid adieu to single-use plastics.
Yours etc.,
Venu G.S.,
Kollam