Editor,
With majority of the electorate now realising the need for lawmakers and policymakers to represent us in the legislative institutions of the parliament and the state assembly, we also see on social and print media several candidates being interviewed by the press and even during their campaign trail, picking up this trend and echoing the same ‘concern.’ While there are some candidates who have spelled out the laws and policies they will introduce once they are elected, there are others who are just parroting this public concern that the state urgently needs lawmakers and policy-makers if the state is to move forward and progress, without elaborating what are the laws and policies they will initiate, be it on critical issues like health, education, employment, economy, sports and other issues if elected as an MLA.
It is high time for our friends in the media and also the electorate to ask these candidates to spell out just one or two laws and policies that they will help introduce and frame in the next 100 (hundred) days once they are elected to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly so that the public can judge and vote accordingly or else this sudden ‘concern’ will become just a slogan for someone’s political gain.
There is also much talk about the importance of a ‘corruption free government’ but there is no mention about fully implementing the provisions of the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act 2014 which was campaigned for many years by the Meghalaya Right to Information Movement. This Act is a powerful weapon and is one step to bringing about that ‘corruption free government’ which many of these political parties and candidates are promising the people of the state. If they are really serious about this, then they should assure the people of Meghalaya that they will implement all the provisions of the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act 2014 once elected or else the promise of a ‘corruption free Meghalaya’ will not have the desired results as expected by the citizens of the state.
May the political consciousness of the electorate in Meghalaya be raised a notch higher.
Yours etc.,
Michael N Syiem,
Via email
Noise pollution: another view
Editor,
In response to HT Wells, “Open letter to the District Administration,” on February 10, 2023, I would like to salute the writer for bringing to public notice a very pertinent issue. Wells claimed that the “inept district administration” had ignored his calls which were intended to draw attention to the issue of becoming a forced audience to loud noise from adjoining areas. It may be reminded that in 2005, the Supreme Court had made it clear that its judgments regulating the use of loudspeakers and timings were based on the legal principle that, “freedom from noise pollution is a part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution”.
As a citizen, Wells is encouraged to escalate matters to the Meghalaya High Court and file a petition invoking the Writ of Mandamus against the District Administration for failing to protect the Fundamental Rights of the citizens of localities like Jaiaw Umpohliew that are immediate neighbours of Mawlai Nongpdeng.
On the other hand, however, it is questionable as to why Wells would prefer to name-shaming one particular locality at a time when all of Shillong, including Jaiaw, is reverberating to “the tune and tenor of music euphoria with full decibels” of a vibrant democracy. His tone also suggests that he harbours ill-will towards the youth and inhabitants of Mawlai Nongpdeng, who are in no way responsible for organising the musical events or seeking administrative permissions. Rather, the blame lies squarely on the political parties and political aspirants who organise such events. Perhaps Wells should direct his ire at the people responsible for the noise pollution so that his tirade gains currency and garners public support. Otherwise, it becomes a highly opinionated outburst against a section of society that is perceived to be unable to offer a retort.
Yours etc.,
TH Sten,
Shillong – 8
Meghalaya needs development sans homogenization
Editor,
Hearing Amit Shah’s speech in Tura just made me realize that the BJP is the only party with a clear vision for Meghalaya. The BJP is the only party that has clearly laid out an economic roadmap for our state. Amit Shah’s speech focused on organic farming, the MSME sector and the health sector; none of the political parties as per my knowledge has laid down any concrete steps to develop these three sectors. The growth of these sectors will definitely boost growth and investment and it will also lead to the rapid development of our State. Congress and the numerous regional parties have failed us. As far as VPP is concerned, it is a ray of a hope but I guess it will not make any huge impact considering the fact that it is contesting only 30 % of the total seats.
On the flipside, Amit Shah saying that if the BJP is going to come to power, it will make Garo the medium of instruction up to Secondary level in Garo Hills could be a double-edged sword. Right now the SSLC pass percentage every year in Garo hills has hovered around the 30 percent mark; if Garo is made the medium of instruction, the SSLC pass percentage will improve dramatically but as far as higher studies are concerned, making Garo the medium of instruction up to Secondary level could further impinge on their educational attainment at the higher level. For higher studies, the instruction books are mostly in English. I’ve heard stories about how students from the Garo community are finding it hard to cope with their medical studies. Some of them never complete their medical studies within the stipulated time. If Garo is made the medium of instruction it could further aggravate their current plight since the English language will be given less importance. My opinion is that the government facilitating the growth of our regional languages is definitely a good thing but minimizing the importance of the English language could do more harm than good especially for small communities like the Garos and Khasis.
My personal opinion is that we need a strong regional party and we need to stand on our own feet. I keep going back to the thought of my paternal great grandparents being able to send my grandfather’s younger brother to Kolkata for higher education in the 1950’s without needing a single paisa from the government. Mind you in the 1950’s, 70 percent of Indians were living below the poverty line and I think barely 10 percent of Indians could afford higher education. In the 1950’s,along with the Assamese, the Khasis were the most educated in the North East; we need to bring back those glorious days and we also need self-belief that we can stand on our own feet but I guess my opinion doesn’t matter.
Meghalaya at the moment still needs a huge injection of public funds and if the BJP deliver on its promises, then it is the only party that can take the state forward. Having said this, the BJP will only get the support of the public if it doesn’t push forward with its agenda of homogenisation.
Yours etc.,
Gary Marbaniang,
Via email