Editor,
There was a time I believed that if not a hundred percent at least some politicians and political parties of Meghalaya had a vision and a constitutional duty to think and plan for the overall welfare of our state. I also believed the civil society pressure groups had the same set of long-term vision and perhaps, also the zeal to uplift the state and its damned society from the burden of unemployment and lack of economic development, but it seems that after 51 years even newbie politicians have zero understanding of the state’s economy and how the state GDP increases or decreases. The subject of allowing railway networks for goods and essential commodities needs to be debated publicly and government has to think of the long term interests of the large majority of citizens. Goods trains are much needed for adding stimulus to trade and commerce which relies heavily on transportation. Lower transportation costs also mean essentials will cost lesser and help the consumers. Notable examples of how during calamities the railways have helped communities in distress and also propelled the state’s economic contribution are plenty. Those who shout for development and employment don’t seem to be able to figure out the situation in the 21st century which is fast- paced. The regressive mentality of blocking development means that the end result would be more unemployment and lack of infrastructural improvement.
Yours etc..
Dominic S. Wankhar,
Via email
Stop the nuisance of sirens on VIP vehicles
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily I would like to request the Transport Department and Police Department, Government of Meghalaya to take strict action against those vehicles both government and private that are using the siren illegally. It is such a nuisance and a great disturbance to everyone passing through the busy roads of Shillong. These days with the insurmountable traffic jams and congestion all over the city, the siren is a menace created by these self-styled lords and powerful people. As daily commuters in the busy streets of Shillong we are fed up of this nuisance and it is the duty of the government to see to it that these very people are brought to book.
Then there is this menace of vehicles with dark-tinted glasses roaming freely in the streets of Shillong. Although dark tinted glasses have been banned some years back but today their numbers have increased by leaps and bounds especially the government vehicles. What is the Police Department doing? Is it turning a blind eye to these law breakers? If the police charge heavy fines from vehicles parked in ‘No Parking’ areas, is it not equally justified to also put a heavy fine on these law breakers? I wish the government listens to the voices of the people and that there is respect for the law and that everyone is treated equally.
Yours etc.,
B. Syiem,
Shillong – 8
We should vote to end corruption
Editor,
As the parliamentary elections are due in 2024, I would appeal to the general public to make your vote count. Don’t vote as if the candidate is your favourite film star, or someone whose personality you like. Vote for the public good. I have personally never read any party election manifesto in Meghalaya if there were any. In the other states of India people question the Government and what benefits a political party promises before voting. At present all of us suffer from financial difficulties. We need to know what development will be provided to the common citizens such as good water supply, free education for the children of the poor, lesser rates charged on electricity consumption per unit , affordable homes for middle class, jobs, pay hike for government staff and school teachers, subsidy on gas, lesser rates of petrol and diesel, good roads, free medical facilities for the poor and affordable medical facilities for the middle class. Also in the list is to provide engineering and medical colleges, to ensure the country’s security etc.. But what I have heard here is that a meeting is called by candidates and people are paid between Rs 500 to Rs 2000 to vote for a select party and candidate. For how many months can a person survive on Rs 500 or Rs 2000? Are we not facilitating corruption for the money paid during elections does not come from the candidate’s pocket but from public money meant for development.
I am not asking anyone to vote on emotions but to vote wisely. We forget that after the MLAs are elected there will be a budget session that will decide on our welfare. So please vote wisely, and for the party that would benefit us and one we believe would fight corruption, and fulfil our requirements to live a peaceful and successful life.
Yours etc.,
Raj Vashist
Shillong -3