Editor,
The case of corruption in Police Department that included subversion of the system, misappropriation, and submission of false certificates in the administrative department has raised many eyebrows. How such sleaze came about again raises questions that are not very difficult to answer. Perhaps the system is also to be blamed for it hardly keeps a tab on the function and accountability of the concerned officers. It is good and in the interest of the state that the case has been taken by competent watchdogs. Hope they will not compromise on the rules of law. What one feels strongly is that this scam should be taken as a lesson for us all to learn from. Who can guarantee that other departments are not affected by similar kinds of unscrupulous practices? They also run on motors, which are recorded in the accounts book but not on the road. How can we expect good service if the authorities concerned easily deviate from the set rules and regulations? Is this not a serious threat to democratic values? Kudos to a few upright whistle-blowers and media, or else this scam would have been easily buried in the shroud of silence.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Why conduct NEHU interviews in Guwahati?
Editor,
Recently NEHU conducted an interview for the post of Controller of Examinations, University Engineer and Librarian on October 19, 2022 at the NEHU Guest House, Guwahati. The question here is what is the logic of holding the interview at NEHU Guest House, Guwahati? On any parameter (s) is it not more convenient to hold such interviews in the beautiful NEHU campus at Umshing, Shillong? Forty years ago interviews were held in Delhi and other places because communication bottlenecks but at present with better communication, there is no excuse for NEHU to hold interviews anywhere other than its own permanent campus.
The very fact that the interviews for the above posts were not held in the University Campus at Umshing, Shillong raises suspicions of something underhand. Is this how the present Vice Chancellor Prof. P.S.Shukla wants to run NEHU? Will interviews next be held in Delhi? Will NEHU itself be run from Delhi sooner than later?
Yours etc.,
Dr Omarlin Kyndiah
Via email?
Incompetent Police and Administration
Editor,
The violence that engulfed the city on October 28 is a wakeup call for the people of the state regarding the incompetent police force and administration. Although, many renowned personalities have highlighted the sick mentality of those who attacked innocent pedestrians, it is very important to emphasize the role played by the state police machinery and administration during this particular event.
It was surprising to see many innocent people being beaten up while police personnel were standing right there doing nothing. This makes the general public wonder about the existence and the role of the police force in the state. The videographic evidences show that the policemen present at the spot did little to stop the attackers. Newspaper reports have mentioned the cluelessness of the Chief Minister as to why the police did not take any action. That, however, is alright because we, the public, are well equipped to answer him when we will be asked to vote in the upcoming elections. The Chief Minister must remember that it is a matter of grave concern for the general public who are worried about the state’s future and that they have given up their hopes in the State Police. Dealing with such a serious event in a frivolous manner would prove to be disastrous for the future of the state.
Yours etc.,
P. Bhattacharya
Via email
Why the change in MPSC syllabus
Editor,
The recent changes in the syllabus of exams conducted by MPSC is rather suspicious. Firstly, the syllabus for combined Junior Duty post exam which was held on 22nd October 2022 includes only ENGLISH AND GENERAL AWARENESS. I fail to understand as to how for an officer’s post of LEVEL 15, there isn’t any arithmetic or quantitative aptitude included.
Secondly, the syllabus for LDA secretariat 2020 which was held on 29th October 2022 includes ENGLISH for 150 marks and GENERAL AWARENESS & APTITUDE for 150 marks. But during the actual exam no quantitative aptitude questions were seen but only reasoning ability.
For both of the exams the level of the question papers was somewhat easy.
This is rather questionable compared to the number of candidates who appeared for the exam which is around 15000 plus..
This raises some concerns for the youth.
Because, If we go according to the syllabus of Central exams. The main subjects would be
1. General English
2. General awareness
3. Quantitative aptitude
4. Reasoning ability
So Why did the MPSC make such sudden changes? Is it because the previous syllabus was too tough for the children or relatives of the members in the MPSC? Maybe they wanted to make it easier for them. I cannot fathom as to how Arithmetic or basic Mathematics were not included in these exams. I think even LDA’s require some basic Mathematics.
Whatever maybe the reason, I just feel like it’s an injustice to the people who have prepared well for the past few months; those who have even attended coaching classes and especially those who have referred to previous years syllabus or pattern of questions. MPSC exams are so unpredictable and very tough to prepare because there is no specific pattern, no detailed syllabus is provided unlike central exams.
Just to enlighten people. Previously, the subjects for LDA secretariat exams were as follows.
1. General English-100 marks
2. General knowledge & aptitude – 150 marks
3. Arithmetic – 100 marks
For so long we have seen that the recruitment process conducted by MPSC is never transparent. The syllabus is never clear and also the marks secured during the exams are never disclosed, leaving room for nepotism. When will things ever change?
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Via email