Editor,
I would like to draw your attention to the news item “NEP plan of NEHU finds few takers” in your esteemed paper dated July 23,2023 wherein the Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) claimed that during the 110th Academic Council meeting no resolution was adopted to implement the NEP 2020 from the academic session 2023-24, hence, the notification issued by the College Development Council (CDC) Officer on Special Duty, dated July 12, 2023 , which stated that “in pursuance of the decision taken at the 110th meeting of its Academic Council that was duly endorsed by the 187th meeting of the Executive Council, the University would implement the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) envisaged in the NEP 2020 with effect from the ensuing 2023-24 Academic Session at its affiliated colleges” tantamount to misrepresentation of facts. To date, the office of the CDC has maintained an astute silence on the allegation of the Association.
However, on July 26, 2023, in a news item “NEHU academic council cannot implement NEP” in your paper, Prof. Ghanshyam Bez claimed that the Executive Council has delegated its power to the V.C. to decide on NEP implementation, implying that the approval of the same by the Academic Council is not required. As a sample, I am just forwarding the following two URLs: https://nep.gauhati.ac.in/notification and https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/delhi-university-approves-implementation-of-nep-from-2022-23-session/articleshow/85823725.cms, which will make it amply clear that, both in the case of Gauhati University (a State University) and Delhi University (a Central University), the implementation of NEP 2020 was made only after the decision to implement the same was passed by the Academic Council, which was subsequently approved by the Executive Council. So, to assume that the decision of the Academic Council is irrelevant in the implementation of NEP 2020 is unacceptable, unless material evidence can be provided to prove otherwise.
Moreover, the learned professor’s implication that the Academic Council has no part to play in the implementation of NEP 2020 highlights the lack of coordination between the NEHU administrative set-up, as the CDC notification and the claims of Prof. Ghanshyam Bez, a member of the NEP 2020 implementation Committee of NEHU, contradict each other.
Lastly, all stakeholders who have received the said notification and have been forced to act upon it should get clarification from the concerned authority of the university as to the authenticity of the matters stated in the notification because, as of now, it seems that authority in NEHU seems to believe that the end justifies the means.
Yours etc.,
SK Pradhan,
Shillong
Chaos at Inter-School Tae-kwondo Championship
Editor,
I wish to share my profound disappointment and concern regarding the recently conducted 1st Meghalaya Inter-School Taekwondo Championship, organized by Army Public School, Umroi Military Station on 22nd and 23rd July 2023.
The event, which held great promise for countless children and their parents, turned into a disheartening ordeal for the participants. Many of these young taekwondo enthusiasts had trained diligently and prepared wholeheartedly to showcase their skills. However, due to the disorganized nature of the championship, it failed to live up to its potential.
One of the most glaring issues was the lack of proper timing and scheduling. Expecting young children to endure long hours from 9 am until 10 pm took a toll on their physical and mental well-being. Additionally, the failure to allocate separate time slots for the weigh-ins of participants who had submitted their application forms in advance added to the chaos, leading to an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience for everyone involved.
The inadequacy of infrastructure was also evident, with only two arenas available for a staggering 400 participants. This forced participants with varying skill levels to compete together, resulting in unfair matches and some children being deprived of the opportunity to showcase their talents altogether. This, in turn, led to a wave of disappointment and frustration among the eager young athletes.
I urge the organizers to take immediate action to rectify the organizational flaws and ensure a fair, safe, and enjoyable experience for all participants in future events. Our young athlete’s dreams should not be compromised due to organisational negligence.
I sincerely hope that my concerns will reach the appropriate authorities and prompt and necessary steps taken to ensure that events like these are better organized in the future, allowing our children to shine in the spirit of sportsmanship.
Yours etc.,
F.Marbaniang
A concerned & disheartened parent,
Via email
Unprecedented traffic chaos
Editor,
I am writing to express my deep concern about the increasingly severe traffic congestion on the route from Mawiong to the Civil Hospital area. As a daily commuter on this route, I have personally experienced the frustrating and time-consuming ordeal of being stuck in traffic for more than two hours every day.
The situation has reached a tipping point where traffic jams have become a regular occurrence, leading to significant delays and disruptions in the daily lives of countless individuals who depend on this route for their commutes. The issue not only affects the working population but also impacts students, businesses, and essential services, causing an adverse ripple effect on the entire community.
The reasons behind this chronic congestion demand urgent attention from the concerned authorities. Some possible factors contributing to the problem could be inadequate road infrastructure, an increase in the number of vehicles, ineffective traffic management, and ongoing construction activities. Identifying the root causes is vital to formulating effective solutions.
I urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to alleviate the traffic congestion on this crucial route. Some potential measures to consider include:
Conducting a comprehensive traffic study to understand the underlying causes and identify bottlenecks.
Implementing better traffic management strategies, such as traffic signal synchronization and lane management.
Investing in road infrastructure improvements to accommodate the increasing traffic flow.
Encouraging the use of public transportation by improving the frequency and efficiency of buses or other public transit options.
Promoting carpooling and ridesharing initiatives to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road.
By addressing this issue promptly, we can improve the overall quality of life for everyone who relies on this route for their daily commute. Additionally, it will lead to environmental benefits, as reduced traffic congestion translates to lower emissions and a cleaner atmosphere.
I call upon the concerned authorities to take swift action and prioritize the resolution of this pressing matter. Let us work together to ensure smoother traffic flow, shorter commute times, and a more efficient transportation system for the benefit of the entire community.
Yours etc.,
Sarki
Shillong