Editor,
As a pensioner, I feel deeply aggrieved by the shabby treatment meted out by the SBI generally, and the Laitumkhrah Branch, in particular. We felt assured when RBI issued an official notification that “Banks are advised to provide a clearly identifiable dedicated counter or a counter which provides priority to senior citizens and people who are differently-abled, including visually-impaired persons”. However, the counter has not been functioning in recent months and pensioners were made to wait with the general public in the first floor of the bank for transactions, which obviously has caused a lot of distress to us pensioners. Further, the first floor counters are always short of manpower which has resulted in further delay and unnecessary suffering.
It is requested that authorities take necessary steps to redress the issue and provide a suitable counter in the ground floor for pensioners’ transactions and other banking formalities like verification of Life Certificates etc.
Yours etc.,
Kharmawphlang (Pensioner)
Shillong-3
Unpleasant scenes at Golf Links
Editor,
I am writing to draw your attention to the unpleasant sight and experience that occurred at Golf Links Shillong on the afternoon of Sunday, April 2, 2023. With several people around, a drunk man was spotted urinating in the open to the utter dismay of the people around. It may be noted that despite issuing entry tickets to the visitors, along with presence of security personnel at the entrance, no frisking is being undertaken. This encourages people to bring their booze and get drunk in the field. I would like to ask the Shillong Golf Course Management what additional steps are being taken to frisk citizens so that no alcohol or other intoxicating drinks are permitted inside the premises. Requesting the concerned authorities to take cognizance of this letter and penalize anyone found violating the rules. Let the beauty and the serenity of the place remain intact.
Yours etc.,
Gracefulness Rymmai,
Via email
Democracy likely to become defunct
Editor,
We are taking democracy for granted. People really don’t not seem to realize the consequences of not having democracy in our country. The leaders of Opposition parties on the other hand think they are not accountable for retaining the function of democracy or perhaps they are not serious about this serious matter. We have seen how difficult it is for the opposition parties to unite. Similarly our Meghalaya Assembly too is without a strong opposition like in Parliament. If there’s no unity among the opposition parties then this is clear sign of a defunct democracy. Our democracy rests on four pillars – the Legislature, Executive, Judiciary and a free press. India is already losing out on press freedom and a strong opposition to checkmate the executive. So how are the opposition leaders going to defend this falling democracy? It seems party leaders are more interested in expanding their party strength than retaining democracy’s functions in the states.
The power struggle among the leaders had turned into a political drama in Meghalaya which was witnessed before the election. Leaders have made the voters so confused that they betrayed their trust. Leaders gave more attention to digital information instead of addressing the dilemma of their supporters. Digital information was often baseless assumption to attract viewers. People were misguided but the leaders were not there to educate people and show them the right track.
Certain political groups had penetrated into the heart of Garo hills and Khasi hills with the sole purpose of trading with our democracy. Left wing leaders are no match before this group. May be it’s time for the Left wing leaders to admit their fault and stay united to retain democracy.
America has experienced 246 years of democracy and their citizens are proud of what their fore-parents fought for whereas in India people are selfish. What are we leaving behind for our future generations? A prison? If democracy in this country becomes defunct in the near future then this present generation is to be blamed.
A gentle reminder to the Left wing leaders that democracy is not a joke. It’s a rule, “of the people by the people and for the people.”
Yours etc.,
Junebirth C. Marak,
Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress General Secretary,
Williamnagar
Covid arrives in Meghalaya
Editor,
The second wave of Covid 19 second in the country has caused havoc with thousands of active cases being reported every day. This is really an alarming sign of the spread of this pandemic. Our state too is no exception to this quick spread of Covid and already a case has been detected in East Khasi Hills. Instead of issuing guidelines or SOP’s , the Health Department is still monitoring the situation. Will the Health Department take appropriate steps before the situation goes out of control as it is said that a “stitch in time saves nine.”
Yours etc.,
S L Singhania,
Via email