Demanding
Urgent Government Accountability & Reforms in KHADC
Editor,
I write to you with an urgent and seething frustration over the ongoing governance and trade-related catastrophes plaguing the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC). It is nothing short of infuriating to witness the same old farce of government instability, changing like clockwork every six months, with no end in sight since 1973. This chronic instability is the root cause of a litany of problems, chief among them being the absolute shambles that is the policy framework.
Let’s talk about the Kafkaesque nightmare in obtaining a trading license in this region. The utter lack of infrastructure and competent manpower to efficiently process these licenses has resulted in months of excruciating harassment for those who dare to seek a legitimate path to trade. The citizens of KHADC are burdened and belittled at every turn, and frankly, it’s beyond intolerable. What’s equally abhorrent is the reprehensible scapegoating of local women for allegedly supporting so-called “outsiders.” To peddle this offensive narrative while clearly chasing political gains, especially with elections looming, is an act of sheer contempt for the genuine citizens of the state. The National People’s Party (NPP) seems hell-bent on appealing to the lowest common denominator with divisive tactics that only further tarnish their integrity.
Moreover, the deafening silence of the Chief Minister on these issues is nothing short of a dereliction of duty. Instead of addressing the critical problems at hand, the government’s response is to arbitrarily shut down shops, as evidenced by the recent closure of 46 establishments in Byrnihat and its environs. Such rash actions won’t win votes or solve the underlying issues. What’s needed is a systematic overhaul, streamlined policies, and an efficient licensing process, not a third-party labyrinth.
The Chief Executive Member’s (CEM) claim that notices were sent but ignored by shop owners doesn’t warrant the summary execution of businesses. The focus should be on simplifying the licensing process, ensuring timely issuance, and providing clear notifications in newspapers to inform labourers and shop owners about the requirements. Prematurely shutting down businesses without due process is an affront to justice.
Let’s not forget the United Khasi Jaintia District Trading by Non-Tribal Regulations, which emphasize the importance of trading licenses in regulating non-tribal establishments. However, these regulations should champion fairness and simplicity, not bureaucracy and harassment.
Lastly, the deplorable state of the oldest market, “IEWDUH,” remains unchanged for eons, with garbage near Motphran serving as a constant reminder of administrative apathy. It’s high time the authorities addressed these infrastructural and cleanliness issues with the urgency they deserve.
In conclusion, I implore upon the authorities in KHADC to jettison their complacency and prioritize genuine governance, accountability, and equitable policies that uplift all citizens. The people deserve better, and the government’s dereliction of duty must be met with outrage and a resolute demand for immediate change. Swift and resolute action is not just required; it’s long overdue.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Urgent need for addressing
pot-holes on roads
Editor,
I am writing to draw attention to a critical issue that has been affecting our community’s infrastructure and quality of life – the alarming prevalence of potholes on our roads. As a resident who traverses our city’s roads on a daily basis, it has become increasingly concerning to witness the growing number of potholes that seem to be expanding unchecked. These potholes not only pose a significant threat to the safety of motorists and pedestrians but also have a direct impact on our vehicles’ maintenance costs and the overall image of our community, apart from other health problems.
The current state of our roads has led to various consequences, including:
Safety Concerns: Potholes have the potential to cause accidents, especially when drivers swerve unexpectedly to avoid them, leading to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Vehicle Damage: Potholes can cause substantial damage to our vehicles’ tires, wheels, suspension systems, and alignments. This translates to increased repair costs for residents already facing economic challenges.
Negative Aesthetics: Our city’s roads are often the first impression visitors and newcomers have of our community. The presence of numerous potholes can reflect poorly on our town’s image and deter potential investors, tourists, and businesses.
Traffic Congestion: Motorists often slow down or change lanes abruptly to avoid potholes, causing traffic congestion and exacerbating the risk of accidents.
It is clear that immediate action is required to address this issue. I urge our local authorities and relevant departments to take the following steps:
Swift Repairs: Prioritize prompt repairs of existing potholes, ensuring the safety of road users and preventing further deterioration.
Preventive Maintenance: Implement regular road maintenance measures, such as crack sealing and resurfacing, to prevent the formation of new potholes.
Community Engagement: Encourage residents to report potholes and road hazards promptly, creating a collaborative approach to addressing the issue. Allocation of Funds: Advocate for the allocation of sufficient funds to road maintenance and repairs in our community budget.
Transparency and Accountability: Establish transparent communication channels to update residents about ongoing road maintenance efforts and progress.
In conclusion, the current state of our roads, marred by the proliferation of potholes, requires urgent attention and remediation. As concerned citizens, it is our duty to raise our collective voice and advocate for the necessary changes that will improve our daily lives and the well-being of our community.
I sincerely hope that this letter serves as a catalyst for positive change and that our community can work together to ensure safer and more efficient roadways.
Yours etc.,
Karan Nath
Via email
One Nation;
One Election
Editor,
In the letter, “How viable are simultaneous elections” (ST, September 18, 2023), Krishna Chettri says that as the central government has established a committee to examine the concept of one-nation-one-election, it will be prudent to temporarily set aside this topic and await the committee’s insights.
I have to differ with the writer on that. A democracy cannot survive if people go into sleep mode after giving their votes. The value of an edit page of a newspaper is immense as it is a platform for dialogue, debate, discussion and dissent which are indeed the lifeblood of democracy. Each one of us is a stakeholder of any decision of the government as it touches our daily lives. As a matter of fact, democracy is not only for the people but it should also be of and by the people. Therefore, the committee formed by the government to look into the viability of a joint election needs to listen to the voice of the people before arriving at a decision. In the argument in favour of one-nation-one-election, the writer says, “With national elections and state elections occurring simultaneously, the public would be spared from the recurrent electoral cycles, benefiting both the electorate and the administration.” Sometimes we cannot decide what size of a ready-made garment to buy. At such a time we may feel that it would be much better if fashion designers could have made ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL garments. But we know that it would create more problems.
One-nation-one-election would also cause huge problems. Implementation of such a scheme would actually become more costly and create more confusion instead of reducing expenditure. It would prematurely terminate some elected houses in order to push them into a ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL election. This would be a wastage of public money without any regard to the people’s mandate. Moreover, in a parliamentary democracy some elected Vidhan Sabhas or the Lok Sabha may go to the polls before completing five years of their full term. Therefore, mechanical synchronisation of their expiry date is totally impossible.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata