Extending the age limit: A beacon of hope for Meghalaya’s youth
Editor,
In the realm of employment and career aspirations, the age factor can be a decisive game-changer. In the vibrant state of Meghalaya, where the young minds are eager to contribute their energy and talent to the progress of the state, there has been a noteworthy development that deserves commendation and further consideration.
First and foremost, we would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Adelbert Nongrum, whose unwavering support for the youth of our state has ignited a significant discussion on an important matter – the age limit for job applicants. Mr. Nongrum’s initiative, pushing for an increase in the age limit, has garnered attention and support, aiming to create more opportunities for our talented youth.
In light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the sluggish progress of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) in conducting recruitment processes, the students and job seekers of the state have faced significant hurdles in securing government jobs. It is in times like these that we realize the importance of adapting policies to meet the evolving needs and concerns of our citizens.
Recently, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Service Amendment Rules, 2023, set a precedent by increasing the upper age limit for individuals applying for jobs in the KHADC to 37 years. This progressive move reflects the forward-thinking attitude of the Council, ensuring that aspirants have a broader window of opportunity to secure employment.
Taking inspiration from such positive steps, it’s heartening to note that other states are also recognizing the significance of adjusting age limits for government job aspirants. The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, for instance, has approved an increase in the upper age limit for state civil service examinations, extending it to 35 for general candidates and 40 for scheduled tribes. Similarly, the Assam government has increased the upper age limit for certain government job categories, recognizing the changing dynamics of the workforce.
In light of these encouraging developments, it is only fitting to urge the authorities in Meghalaya to consider extending the age limits further. Currently set at 32 years for the general category and 37 years for SC/ST candidates, there is a strong case for raising these limits to 37 and 42 years, respectively.
This move would not only align Meghalaya with the age limit standards adopted by several other states but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to the welfare and future of our youth. It is worth noting that many states have already recognized the merit of an extended age limit of up to 42 years.
The government’s willingness to adapt and respond to the aspirations of its youth is a testament to its vision for a brighter and more prosperous future. Extending the age limit is a concrete step in this direction, demonstrating a genuine concern for the wellbeing and aspirations of our young population.
In conclusion, we urge the authorities to consider and implement this critical change. It is an investment in the potential, dreams, and aspirations of the youth of Meghalaya, ensuring that they have ample opportunities to contribute to the growth and development of our beautiful state.
The future of our youth is, after all, the future of Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
R. Sarki
Shillong
Minimum salary for teachers: Call for legislative action
Editor,
The editorial “Despondent Teachers,” (ST September 7, 2023), rightly highlights the pressing concerns of underpaid teachers, particularly those employed in private schools. It is indeed a matter of grave concern that some longstanding private schools continue to offer unreasonably low salaries to their teaching staff, despite their dedication and years of service.
To tackle issues like these within the labour force, we have the Minimum Wage Act in place. Under this Act, which is designed to protect the interests of labourers exploited by capitalist enterprises, workers are categorized into semi-skilled (SS), skilled (SK), and highly skilled (HS) grades. Our state government, in accordance with this legislation, has mandated minimum wage rates: INR 340 for SS, INR 380 for SK, and INR 420 for HS per day excluding DA. Astonishingly, in some private schools, experienced teachers are still remunerated at rates significantly lower than those prescribed for semi-skilled workers. This predicament reveals a stark contradiction within our education system, whereby highly educated teachers in the private sector find themselves subject to exploitation, much to the chagrin of our political leadership.
In light of these facts, it is strongly urged that our state government consider the implementation of appropriate minimum wage or salary standards for primary, secondary, and higher secondary teachers, akin to the principles outlined in the Minimum Wage Act. Furthermore, any such proposed legislation should explicitly deem the payment of wages or salaries below the government-mandated minimums for teachers as illegal. Such a legislative measure would serve as a pivotal step towards rectifying the prevailing disparities in the compensation of educators and would alleviate the discontent among the teaching community. In the meantime, pending the passing of such intended legislation, our Government may consider issuing an order that payment to teachers below the wages prescribed under Minimum Wage Act would henceforth be illegal.
In conclusion, addressing the issue of minimum salaries for teachers is not only a matter of moral obligation but also a step towards ensuring the well-being and dignity of those who play an indispensable role in shaping our future generations. It is hoped that our political leadership recognizes the urgency of this matter and takes swift and decisive action to rectify the prevailing disparities in teacher compensation.
Yours etc.,
Krishna Chettri
Shillong
One nation, one election
Editor,
The only argument in favour of the idea behind one-nation-one-election is its cost effectiveness. But as a matter of fact, it would actually become more costly. First It would cause premature deaths of some elected legislatures in order to club them under the umbrella of one election. Second, no one can guarantee in a parliamentary democracy that all elected legislatures be it some of the Vidhan Sabhas or the Lok Sabha will not go to the polls before completing five years of their full term. There is hardly any possibility that five years after a one-nation-one-election, Lok Sabha and all Vidhan Sabha elections will again automatically come into a synchronised joint event.
Some other one-one formula be it opposition-mukt one-nation-one-party or one-nation-one-leader is a trade mark of a totalitarian regime with the odour of majoritarianism. It is totally unsuitable for a diverse, federal, parliamentary democracy like ours. India’s three language formula and recognition of 22 languages as official languages discarded the divisive idea of one-nation-one-language which helped solidify our unity. Likewise India also adopted secularism cancelling regressive one-nation-one-religion majoritarianism. We need to banish such one-one formula to safeguard our unity in diversity and to protect our parliamentary democracy, secularism and federalism as enshrined in the Constitution of India.
Sometimes a tree has been pruned in a bad way turning it into a sorry state of one-tree-one-branch. Such a tree loses its balance and more often than not falls flat causing grave accidents in the process.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata