Editor,
A letter to the editor by one Banshanlang Lyngdoh published in the Shillong Times on the July 14, 2022 had raised a serious issue of illegally allotting of energy billing for consumers of our State to one outside firm M/s Inventive Software Solutions Pvt Ltd also known as UGO Billing without inviting tenders. In addition, I have also heard that no Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) was signed between MePDCL and M/s Inventive before providing them the consumer data which could result in serious breach of privacy and also lead to manipulation of energy auditing. This is no doubt a very serious matter if true. As rightly pointed out by leader of opposition Dr Mukul Sangma, the government has made MeECL a milching cow, it has been made evidently clear from this instance.
The Government which stood guarantee for Rs. 1345 crore through Atmanirbhar loan to the MeECL which has been followed by an unconditional grant of more than Rs 700 crore from the state exchequer in the last 10 months is clearly resulting in the siphoning (milching) of all this amount through such illegal contracts. This amount could easily have been used for paying of salary arrears of Adhoc and SSA teachers or payment of terminal benefits to former MeECL employees. Now, despite it being more than two weeks, we have not seen any clarification or statement from the Power Dept/MeECL on this matter. Plato once said “Your silence means consent”. We the citizens of the State expect that the Power Dept/MeECL should not do anything that general consumers are affected financially in a negative manner. In this case we the citizens of Meghalaya feel a deep sense of betrayal.
Yours etc.,
Khraw Sutnga
Shillong – I
Is India ready for 5G technology?
Editor,
First, we need to know what the 5G Network Technology is. It is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices. 5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. Higher performance and improved efficiency empowers new user experiences and connects new industries.
After understanding the basic concept, the question is – Is India ready for 5G roll out? I did a little survey and research with a small group on the rollout of 5g Services which shows that 70% of the group does not want 5G roll out amidst fears of serious health concerns and the adverse impact that 5G technology has on the environment.
This year we witnessed 5G being rolled out in the United States, and on the day of its release, many flights had to be suspended from major airports such as JFK International Airport, Newark International Airport etc., due to its high disturbance on the navigation system on flights. The 5G network’s interference with the aircraft’s radio altimeter could prevent engine and braking systems from transitioning to landing mode, which could prevent an aircraft from stopping on the runway as per the FAA’s statement. So, that is also a big worry here in our country.
What worries me most, is that Telecom Providers in India have not been able to pioneer 4G networks that well and especially the rural community in India is massive and are still not able to get even proper 4G connectivity service. The poor financial health of Indian telcos is another key concern that will certainly impact their 5G strategy. Also, a pan-India roll-out of infrastructure would require significant capital investment from the telcos.
Spectrum availability and pricing are key aspects that will require focus and effort. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is yet to provide its recommendations on the available spectrum as ISRO and the Defence authorities are yet to vacate several bands. Further, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought TRAI’s recommendations on spectrum base price, given that the current base price recommended for 5G spectrum airwaves is considerably high.
But for now, all we have to do is see and wait that everything works well and that people’s questions are answered. I am not here to discourage the roll out of 5G or people using it, mind you.
I know 5G will definitely revolutionize the way we connect and it will be a boost to every user.
Several sectors, particularly the manufacturing sector, financial services, and electronics industry, would benefit hugely from the deployment of 5G. Also, with the entire world moving at a fast pace towards such innovative and sophisticated technologies, India should not be left behind. Therefore, it is imperative for the market to become mature enough to absorb these new changes and implement them and to be ready to address any challenges that may arise.
Yours etc.,
Chanmiki Laloo
Shillong 02
Via email
Upright leaders needed in democracy
Editor,
Is politics synonymous with sleaze? If someone doubts this then the person has not updated himself. The current special article by Patricia Mukhim – “Stop politicising crime: Let the law take its course” discussed what very few have spoken out. I personally do not wish to point a finger at any individual and hurt him/her. It is not my intention either. But it certainly hurts the citizens when democratic values are ruthlessly trampled upon. How could our leaders who rule this democratic country of the people, for the people and by the people be so morally depraved? Ms Mukhim rightly points out that in the country these days many people have been known to fight and win elections from inside a jail. I think this is totally outrageous. Allowing devious people to sit in the chair of power will hurt the integrity of the nation. All cases of corruption that the country is beset with are because we elected the wrong people to govern the country. Look at how certain leaders directly or indirectly incite such forces that pose a threat to the nation. I wonder where we are heading towards. What message are we sending out to our new generation?
Thank God, Ms Mamata Banerjee sacked Partha Chatterjee for his involvement in the teacher recruitment scam. This uprightness of the Bengal CM has won high appreciation this time. But will she also disown those violently riotous cadres in TMC who have robbed the peace of certain people who disagree with them? Let’s raise our voices to preserve the sanctity of democracy and social harmony.
I also wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of our beloved leader – RG Lyngdoh who was a paragon of integrity and stood his ground against corruption. We lost him but his moral rectitude and intellectual strength will continue to inspire millions.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong