Problem of damaged roads in Mawlai
Editor,
I am writing to express my concern about the condition of the road in Mawlai. The condition of the road is deplorable with countless potholes making the very purpose of making the road a futile one. Things get even worse during the rainy season when potholes are not visible due to the poor drainage system and the area becomes heavily accident prone. The residents are facing a lot of inconvenience due to the road condition. I have seen the road deteriorate over time. The potholes are getting bigger and more numerous and the cracks are getting wider. These have not been repaired for quite some time. The potholes on the road are a major cause of concern. This is not just an inconvenience but it is also dangerous.
We need safe roads for our drivers, our cyclists and our pedestrians. This is our fundamental right. I therefore urge the authorities to repair these roads at the earliest and not plead shortage of funds.
Yours etc.,
Haphisha Nongbri,
Mawlai (Mawtawar)
Unsafe water crisis in Shillong
Editor,
I write to bring to your attention a matter of utmost concern for the residents of Shillong city. Recent findings by the Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) have revealed a shocking reality – residents of 44 localities within Shillong are consuming unsafe water, as per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). In a proactive move last month, FKJGP leaders collected water samples from 46 different localities in Shillong and had them tested at the State Food Testing Laboratory, Commissionerate of Food Safety at Pasteur Hills. These actions were prompted by the public’s growing concerns about the quality of drinking water in our city. The results of these tests are alarming. Out of the 46 localities tested, 44 were found to have ‘Coliform and E. coli organisms’ present in the water, in addition to ‘low pH value, high turbidity, and iron content’ exceeding prescribed limits.
According to FSSAI standards, this categorically labels the water in these 44 localities as ‘unsafe water.’ Continuous consumption of such water poses a severe risk to human health, as highlighted by FKJGP President Dundee Khongsit. The detection of a low pH value in these water samples indicates that the water is ‘acidic’ in nature, a condition that falls well below the recommended pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 for drinking water. Such acidic water can have detrimental health effects on those who consume it.
In light of these findings, FKJGP has taken a commendable step by urging the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, to intervene urgently. We, the residents of Shillong press upon the Government to take swift and resolute action to rectify this issue. Access to safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental right, and the current situation is untenable. We also call upon our government to ensure that every citizen in Shillong has access to safe drinking water that meets the necessary quality standards. This issue demands immediate attention, and we trust that our elected officials will prioritize the well-being of the people they serve.
Yours etc.,
Pinky Lodh
Shillong
Curse of the Caste System
Editor,
One of the immortal books in Bengali, Sukumar Roy’s Abol Tabol has completed one hundred years. We need to understand the satire of those poems to banish prejudices that are still prevalent in our society. In the poem Sat Patro (The Suitable Groom), Gangaram was passed for a suitable bridegroom only because of his high caste in spite of having many negative qualities. This prejudice still prevents 95 percent Indians from going for inter-caste marriages as per the Indian Statistical Institute’s survey in 2017.
We should study a century and two decades old history of Nobel prize to find that there were only a microscopic percentage of Nobel laureates whose parents on either side also won the same honours. The same holds true among Olympics medal winners. Even with the help of nepotism and money power, the established class fails to establish the theory of their blood supremacy in any single field. The book remains as important today as it was a hundred years ago. Here lies the greatness of this book and its author Sukumar Roy.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
Concerns regarding poor performance of Schools in Shillong
Editor,
I write to express my deep concerns about the declining performance of schools in Shillong and the critical issue of the lack of qualified teachers in various subjects. As an individual who has been involved in tutoring students for the past 13 years, I have witnessed first-hand the detrimental effects of this situation on the education and future prospects of our children.
It is disheartening to note that a significant number of schools in Shillong are struggling with inadequate teaching resources. Many teachers are forced to teach subjects in which they lack specialization, which often leads to a compromised quality of education. As a result, students are finding it challenging to grasp important concepts, particularly in subjects like Mathematics and Science, leading to a growing phobia for these crucial disciplines.
From my experience, it has become apparent that poor teaching strategies are largely to blame for the lack of interest among students in certain subjects. This not only hampers their academic growth but also undermines their confidence in pursuing these subjects further. It is alarming to observe that some reputed schools in our region are failing to address this issue, with instances of incomplete copies and a lack of proper guidance on upcoming examination chapters.
Equally concerning is the apathy displayed by some school administrations towards the overall progress of their students. A lack of attention to correcting students’ assignments and copies is a reflection of this negligence. It is distressing to see the future of our children being jeopardized due to the disregard shown by certain educational institutions and their teachers.
Parents play a pivotal role in shaping the education and future of their children. However, the fear of retribution from schools often dissuades them from lodging complaints against such practices. It is essential that schools and educators create an environment where parents feel empowered to voice their concerns without fearing repercussions.
In order to rectify this situation, I urge schools to adopt several measures. First and foremost, schools should prioritize hiring qualified teachers who have expertise in their respective subjects. Merit and competence should be the primary criteria for employment, rather than personal relationships, religious affiliations etc. Additionally, it is imperative for teachers to implement effective teaching strategies that engage students and foster genuine interest in subjects like Mathematics and Science.
Furthermore, schools must maintain a strong focus on the evaluation process. Timely correction of students’ work and the provision of constructive feedback are essential for their academic growth. The selection of appropriate textbooks from reputable publishers is equally crucial to ensure that students receive accurate and reliable information.
Education is the foundation of a strong and prosperous society. The future of our children relies on the quality of education they receive today. It is high time that both schools and parents collectively work towards creating an environment that nurtures a genuine passion for learning and equips our children with the skills they need to succeed in life.
I trust that by highlighting these concerns, we can inspire positive change within our education system and contribute to a brighter future for the next generation.
Yours etc.,
R K Sarki
Shillong