Abandoned Jowai supermarket
Editor,
Finally, there is a news item regarding my hometown Jowai. But lo and behold! It is one which is distasteful and depressing. I am talking about the much-anticipated Jowai Super Market published by this daily on the November, 27, 2023. The news item reads “Jowai Super Market project in a limbo, people in torment.” This is one of the solemn promises not kept by our politicians. What could have been a great help to the public is now just another construction left incomplete (even if authorized by the Ministry of DoNer). On another note this year, 2023 we have a fully functioning District and Sessions Court in Khliehtyrshi. The date of construction for this court was July 27, 2013 as per the information given by a section of the media. It only took 10 years to complete the District Court premises. As for the Super Market Jowai, it is now 22 years since it was officially started in the year 2001, as per the information given by this newspaper, but it is still lying incomplete. Why is the JHADC not completing the construction even after 22 years have passed? Where did all the funds for the Supermarket disappear? These are questions that require to be answered to the public, because lately it seems as if Jowai is an orphan left at the hands of those best used to mistreating her. It is such a sad state of affairs that as a concerned citizen one cannot help but vent one’s frustration in this esteemed paper even if no one else is listening. Alas! All one can do is hope that even if the Jowai Supermarket is half done, our leaders will come to its rescue even if it is late. Better late than never!
Yours etc..
Omarka Laloo,
Via email
A timely reminder about growing poverty
Editor,
Kudos to Salil Gewali for his letter, “Why Daphi shouts for our attention” (ST, November 27, 2023). His letter captured the reality of rising inequality in India and how difficult the lives of small farmers like Daphi have become because of rising inflation, lack of social security and welfare measures for them.
The second thing that the letter beautifully captured was the honesty, dignity and sensitivity of the poor, hardworking people like Daphi. She did not want to accept Gewali’s gift. But when he humbly persuaded her to accept them, she took it with an expression of gratitude which Gewali said, “can’t be expressed in words here.”
It is a fact that poor people are more honest and have more self respect and dignity than the rich and super rich. This is the reason why the pay back rate of micro loans is much more than macro credits. Nobel laureate, Mohammed Younus of Bangladesh gave micro loans to the poor and even to beggars through the Grameen Bank and the pay back rate of such loans was as high as 95 per cent.
Sometimes, we compare some unscrupulous businessmen with beggars. But this is an insult to the beggars most of whom are victims of circumstances and they do not steal or snatch public money unlike some creamy layer looters. We see that beggars have enough compassion to feed street dogs and more often than not, they even share their food and money with other beggars. This is in total contrast to the modus operandi of some filthy rich people that can even charge a seven-year-old girl’s parents Rs.18 lakh for the girl’s 15 days of treatment in a hospital and that too after her death in that very hospital!
It is said that a fish rots from the head down. This biological phenomenon explains why corruption is more likely to pollute the creamy layer first rather than the poor.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
Collection or extortion?
Editor,
Once again the district councils are in the news for all the wrong reasons. Now the CEM, KHADC threatens to file a defamation suit against anyone questioning their functionality, authority and legal standing. Secondly, they indulge in justifying the need to mop up resources through their toll gates. If an RTI were to be filed on the acts of omission and commissions of the KHADC and JHADC without an iota of doubt, skeletons of all sizes and shapes would tumble out. The ADCs are accountable to the public who elect their MDCs to be their voice and platform for being an effective local governing body as mandated by the Constitution of India. The incident that was shared and reported in most media outlets gravely show the modus operandi of collecting money from heavy commercial vehicles and the stink is worse than our septic tanks, which is a disease in this so-called holier than thou state of Meghalaya. The Government of India has time and again asked the Autonomous District Councils for accountability but each time they are found lacking. It is time the ADCs make themselves open to public audit and scrutiny and that they put on the public domain all financial assets and liabilities of the Councils before they lose their sheen.
Yours etc..
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar,
Via email
Unjustifiably high rentals for commercial space
Editor,
What has become a matter of great concern for the business community in Shillong are the unjustifiably high charges for commercial space and exorbitant security deposits that are stifling local entrepreneurship.
In a particular instance, at Laitumkhrah, a 500 sq ft commercial space demanding a monthly rent of Rs 35,000 and a security deposit ranging between 10 to 15 lakhs is not only financially burdensome but also raises questions about fair and standardized practices.
Given that Laitumkhrah falls within the municipal jurisdiction, it is imperative for the government to intervene and establish a transparent and fair pricing system for commercial spaces. A government-set price per square foot would not only curb overcharging but also ensure that businesses, especially small enterprises, can operate without facing astronomical financial hurdles.
The exorbitant security deposit requirements further exacerbate the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs. The government should consider implementing guidelines to cap these deposits at reasonable levels, making it more feasible for businesses to establish themselves in the area.
I urge the relevant authorities to review and regulate commercial space pricing in Laitumkhrah promptly. The establishment of government-mandated prices per square foot, aligned with fair and reasonable security deposit norms, is crucial for fostering a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive.
It is my hope that the government will take swift action to address these concerns and contribute to the sustained growth of the business community.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email