The magic of EVMs!
Editor,
The latest victory of the saffron party in Madhya Pradesh by capturing about 165 out of the 230 total seats cannot but be complimented even by its bete-noire the Congress. The final results must have surprised and shocked the psephologists as they have anticipated that the Congress party would emerge victorious in this State. And, contrary to all expectations the saffron party registered a thumping majority.
Conversely, it was reported that in this State when the postal ballot papers were counted the Congress party was leading in 199 seats, but lo and behold, when the counting of votes from EVMs was accounted for, the results dramatically tilted in BJP’s favour.
While recapitulating the foregoing narratives, it may be recalled that since the introduction of EVMs in our electoral scenarios the same have unleashed a welter of unabated cynicism amongst the voters as some experts in the field of electronic components have opined that any machine with a chip could be conveniently hacked! Coincidentally, in 2018 when our State of Meghalaya was on the verge of holding the Assembly elections, and when the saffron party was at the helm of powers at the centre, the then BJP president of Meghalaya Shibun Lyngdoh had boasted that his party, the BJP, would spring a surprise by winning a large number of seats to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. And in apt riposte, one of the UDP leaders commented, “Yes, you ‘ll spring surprises by bringing in those tampered EVM machines from UP and Bihar.”
Yours etc.,
Jerome K Diengdoh,
Shillong-2
Why school dropouts on the rise
Editor,
This is about the sad tale of the Class 10 students of Meghalaya who walk out of the education system each year. Once celebrated as the educational hub of the Northeast, the state has now earned disrepute due to whopping 33.5% dropout rate. Is it not ironic that we talk of digital India and smart classes while the majority of the state’s citizens consider it a luxury to send their children to college?
Needless to say, among the weaker sections of people, where every rupee is meant for survival, education certainly loses to more immediate needs like food and shelter. I strongly feel that they are not just dropping out of higher secondary classes; they are being dropped from a narrative that promises progress and prosperity.
Another bigger question is whether the dropout youths are suitably employed. It is doubtful amidst this employment crisis. Let’s not forget young girls, whose stories are often more pathetic if we make deeper studies. In a twist of societal norms, some are pulled out of school much earlier to help at home, and as a result, their aspirations are locked away in the kitchen or the fields. Early wedlock or teenage pregnancies have also become a serious concern, leading to an increase in school dropouts. Young women will have to face various unforeseen challenges, impacting the whole family and society at large.
It is very important that the government, NGOs, and spiritual leaders come together to address all these pressing concerns. It is not just about building schools, but to build dreams and raise mass awareness for a healthy society. Yes, initiatives that understand the “root causes” of these dropouts are crucial. After all, it’s not just about getting children back to school, it’s about keeping them there, engaged and inspired so that they excel in the academic sphere.
So how do we address these issues? Do we need more schools, better infrastructure, or scholarships? Of course, they are indispensable. But the answer also lies in empathy and action on a war footing to improve the “socio-economic” status of the underprivileged.
Truly speaking, the government needs to consider taking a “holistic approach,” focusing not only on educational reforms but also on enhancing the economic status of each household. Value-based education and skill development programs designed to address “local needs” and resources can empower students with marketable skills. Such initiatives, ranging from agriculture-based skills to vocational training, can open new employment avenues both in rural and urban areas. These programs definitely foster sustainable livelihoods that resonate with the local populace.
As we work towards this goal, let’s remember that each adult child brought back to the classroom is a step towards a brighter, more equitable future. The prosperity of the state is always ensured when the employability of the youth with quality education is ensured.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Acute water scarcity
Editor,
We the residents of areas near Pine Mount School have been facing erratic water supply for several weeks now. There are days when there is no supply of water and when we do get water the pressure is very low. We have complained to the people in charge but the problem has not been solved as yet. We never had this acute water shortage before. Hope those in charge of water supply from the Sericulture Farm source/ Shillong Municipal Board( Water Works Department)/ PHE will take note of our grievances through your esteemed paper and reinstall/ repair/ restore the water supply as soon as possible. Otherwise this festive season seems bleak for us due to the water shortage.
Yours etc.,
J Jyrwa,
Via email
BJP’s double standards
Editor,
The news report about the mimicry of a TMC MP did not mention that he used a single word against the community of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Yet the mimicry which happened during the Opposition’s protest on the stairs of Parliament is being criticised as an insult to the whole community of the latter. Interestingly, a few months ago, a BJP MP used the most vulgar and communal words regarding a particular community against another Member of Parliament of the Opposition bench on the floor of Parliament. But no action has since been taken against him despite the existence of audio visual proof.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata