Editor,
There was a huge uproar in the media when the Dome of the new Assembly building at new Shillong township, Mawdiangdiang, crumbled into debris; when the ISBT Building at Mawiong developed cracks at many places and experienced heavy leakages; when newly built roads and bridges by Public Works Department in Ri Bhoi and in Greater Shillong developed big craters and serious engineering faults putting commuters at peril. All these few events have publicly revealed just the tip of the massive deep-rooted rot of corruption perpetrated by the current NPP led coalition Government – the MDA.
The litany of corruption committed by this Government began with the unabated violation of the NGT and Supreme Court orders banning surreptitious and illegal coal mining and transporting of the natural resource. Then followed the alleged scams in the purchase of electrical goods in MeECL by the Power Department and implementation of power central scheme (Saubhagya) in the state. This was followed by a series of allegations of special favours given to selected contractors of the ruling MLAs in awarding contract works in implementing the famous Jal Jeevan Mission in the state. Similarly for other contract works by other departments the officers concerned have no choice but to toe the line of the concerned ministers because of direction from them.
That is not the end of the litany of allegations. It was openly and popularly alleged that the ruling MLAs controlled and dictated to the officers of the Districts, the Sub-Divisional and Block levels by ensuring that schemes for individuals should be given to their relatives, friends, supporters and party men. Even schemes for development ought to be given on priority bases to their enlisted villages and localities or based on their sectarian preferences. In employment in government District, Sub-Divisional and Blocks levels officers are controlled, dictated and instructed by the ruling MLAs/Ministers to appoint only candidates enlisted by them in job vacancies. Even for casual/temporary appointment officers were specifically asked to induct the candidates of the ruling party MLAs. The situation has reached such a pass, it is terrible, shameful, abhorrent and beyond limits.
Who is to be blamed? The answer is the MDA government. It is the NPP, UDP, BJP, HSPDP, NCP, KHNAM and an Independent. The Opposition also are not free from blame for they have failed to nail the government. Even those 5 MLAs who are supporting this dispensation must share the blame. Finally, we voters of Meghalaya must own the responsibility for all the ills committed by the ruling dispensation because we elected the perpetrators of these ills and because we never raise our voices, never protest and allow them to have a free run with public resources.
Yours etc…
Philip Marwein,
Sr. Journalist,
Shillong-2
UPSC not insurmountable
Editor,
There is no doubt at all that all fellow Meghalayans should rejoice at the success of Ankur Das in securing the 52nd rank in the recently declared UPSC Exams. At least the name of the State of Meghalaya figured in the list of successful candidates after a long gap of 8 years not 9 years as the last two who cleared the Civil Services Exam is (Allied Services) in 2014 were Spencer Mervin Mylliem and Daniel Stone Laitphlang. After 2014 there was dead silence from Meghalaya with nobody clearing the exams from the state. The big question is why? If other IAS aspirants from all over India could crack the exam then why not us, especially the indigenous lot? Where had we gone wrong? Of course, the exam is a very tough one and requires a long and thorough preparation but it is not impossible. One is very sure that along with a goal, matched by sincerity, dedication and hard work the goal can be achieved. Without sincere determination and hard work one will not be able to taste the fruit of one’s success. Nothing comes easy in this world, especially now that the world is in cut-throat mode with multiple competitions and challenges. To quote Ankur Das: “Consistency and hard work for one or two years is the key”. Hard work always pays.
One would be immensely overjoyed to see students from the Khasi, Pnar and Garo tribes clear the UPSC exam in the coming years. Their success will help cater to the need to serve the governance of our state.
One does agree with Emidao Shylla in saying that Meghalaya does really lack coaching centres (come to think of it, our state lacks in everything good and positive). However, self-help and hard work will help one realize his/her dream.
To end the letter on a more positive note, let us hope that in the coming years, our State will be able to produce more IAS officers to serve the state.
Yours etc.,
Helen Dkhar,
Shillong-4