Check illegality of underage driving
Editor,
I write to draw attention to the growing concerns regarding the under-age drivers of scooters and the need to address traffic congestion in key areas of Shillong.
I have noticed that there is a rising trend of underage individuals operating scooters, thereby posing a significant risk to their safety and that of others on the road. I urge parents and two-wheeler owners to be vigilant and not allow underage or unlicensed persons to drive scooters. There is need to emphasize the importance of responsible driving practices.
Furthermore, the issue of U-turns for cars in busy areas such as the Civil Hospital junction, Police Bazaar Road, GS Road, Nongthymmai Jowai Road, and other parts of Shillong demand immediate attention. Restricting U-turns in these congested zones would undoubtedly contribute to smoother traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of jams.
Speaking of traffic jams, it is disheartening to witness the increasing congestion in various parts of Shillong. The inconvenience caused to residents and commuters is a matter of serious concern. I urge the authorities to implement effective traffic management strategies, such as optimising signal timings and expanding road infrastructure where possible.
In conclusion, it is crucial for our community to collectively address these issues to ensure the safety of our roads and the smooth flow of traffic. By fostering a culture of responsible driving and implementing thoughtful traffic management solutions, we can contribute to making Shillong a safer and more efficient city.
Yours etc.,
Rishotbaskhem Kharlyngdoh
Via email
Plea for rectification in Rapido’s driver practices
Editor,
In recent times, the ride-sharing app Rapido has been an integral part of our daily commuting experience. However, it is disheartening to observe a concerning trend among some drivers who seem to be deviating from the app’s intended purpose, compromising the trust of users and the reputation of the service.
One prevalent issue that demands immediate attention is the growing number of drivers requesting extra money beyond the stipulated fare. This not only violates the transparent pricing structure promised by Rapido but also places an undue financial burden on passengers. Such practices erode the foundation of trust that users place in the app and its services.
Furthermore, instances of drivers misusing the app for personal gain have come to light. Some drivers manipulate the app to inflate fares or engage in unauthorized detours, leaving passengers with unjust charges. This not only tarnishes Rapido’s reputation but also raises questions about the effectiveness of the app’s monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
It is crucial for Rapido to address these issues promptly to maintain the integrity of its service. Implementing stricter measures to prevent drivers from requesting extra money and enhancing the app’s security features to curb misuse should be a priority. Additionally, conducting regular training and awareness programs for drivers can help reinforce ethical and professional behavior.
As users who rely on Rapido for our daily transportation needs, we ask the company to take decisive action against these malpractices. It is in the mutual interest of both users and Rapido to foster an environment of transparency, reliability, and accountability. Only through swift and effective measures can Rapido regain the trust of its user base and ensure a positive and ethical experience for all.
In conclusion, addressing the issues of drivers requesting extra money and misusing the app is pivotal for Rapido’s continued success. By taking proactive steps to rectify these concerns, Rapido can uphold its commitment to providing a reliable and trustworthy transportation service for all users.
Yours etc.,
Inrilador Gatphoh,
Via email
BJP not invincible
Editor,
The editorial “BJP’s no-go South” (ST November 17, 2023) made interesting reading. In 2014 the popular perception in the Hindi heartland and western India was that Narendra Modi would come and change everything. In 2019 the perception was that he is trying and making an effort and now the perception is that he has not delivered on many fronts and the discontentment is visible. The editor has analysed very well as to why the BJP cannot go South that has “strengthened feelings that the BJP central leadership and its present Chief JP Nadda are at their wits’ end when it comes to strengthening the saffron party in the South.” It would not be inappropriate to say that starting from Bihar, Bengal, Odisha, United Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are areas which the BJP has not been able to conquer and one of the primary reasons is the ‘language barrier’ which the BJP leaders have not been able to master. This places them in a difficult position to communicate in Tamil, Telugu, Oriya or Bengali or Malayali. This region has 220 odd Lok Sabha seats where BJP has got less than 50 seats. If in the West and North where BJP gets roughly 250 to 270 seats, other parties are able to snatch 100 seats from them then power will shift overnight and the power game will come into play as there are 200 seats which are literally redundant.
For instance the 39 MPs from Tamil Nadu are not in the game and are in the opposition for name’s sake. They cannot tilt the power balance. But in 2024 if the combined Opposition that oppose the BJP wins 100 seats in the North or Western India, then these 39 seats from Tamil Nadu become very important. Naveen Patnaik’s 10-12 MPS are also integral and so too Mamata’s 22 MPs. Those of the TRS (Now BRS) and YSR MPs also become relevant. There is a misconception in India about the Hindutva ideology that the BJP has been trumpeting. In India more than 80 percent of the population are Hindus but we are so scared of the BJP and their call of Hindutva but we forget that in the 17th Lok Sabha Election the BJP got only 38 % of the popular vote which means that less than half of the Hindus voted for the BJP.
Now we have to brainstorm and find out which are these 50 percent Hindus who are not voting for the BJP. This is politics in India. It is for the opposition to set the agenda for the next election. We need competitive and not monopolistic politics if India is to remain a strong and vibrant democracy following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi who once said “Where is Independence with all this poverty? If I live, my task will be to reform politics.”
Yours etc.,
V.K.Lyngdoh,
Via email
Spare a thought for ASHA workers
Editor,
One cannot help but sympathize with the ASHA heath workers who had to hit the streets on a cold and wet November to demand better pay for their services. It was even more shocking to know that these health workers were earning a paltry salary of Rs 2000 a month. Beggars on the streets of Shillong easily earn more than this. I understand that the State government has fixed a minimum wage for skilled and unskilled workers ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 500 approximately per day which begs the question – why this double standard? Can’t the same yardstick too be applicable to the ASHAs? These hard working ladies are the backbone of the heath programs of the Heath Department and one can see them trudging from door to door come rain or sun and all that they receive as incentive is a measly 50 paise per household. Have we forgotten how they served the society during those dark COVID-19 days braving the dreaded disease while we ourselves were safely cocooned in the safety of our homes? How short the Government’s memory is. And yes, the same Government called them warriors. Well, these warriors too are mothers with mouths to feed, with hopes of educating their children on a princely sum of Rs 2000 a month. Shame on the Health Department. I hope someone in the echelons of power has some conscience which will prick them to do something for the plight of ASHAs.
Yours etc.,
A Wahlang,
Shillong-6
Greed got Sahara India
Editor,
The success story of Subrata Roy, Chairperson of Sahara India Pariwar, who died a few days ago, suffered an irreparable jolt because of his insatiable appetite for money. This should be a good message in favour of honesty. However, crony capitalism in which a handful of business persons are getting undue political favours, the opaque electoral bond scheme and write-off of huge amounts of bank loans for some super-rich business persons have unfortunately been sending an altogether different message.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata