Editor,
The news report, “From mining to conservation: Coal landscape don’s green hue,” (ST August 23, 2024) is such an inspirational piece. Normally news coming from Jaintia Hills are about criminal activities, pollution, illegal transportation of coal and what have you. This news is one bright spark and made my day. I plan to visit this place in Sutnga Elaka sometime soon to witness the greenery that has now replaced if only in a small way the black, coal-pocked landscape of Jaintia Hills. The gentleman responsible for this environment friendly initiative has rightly been recognised by the central government and also the State Government. Mr Self Denial Lyngdoh is a trend-setter in shifting from coal mining which has in the past caused several deaths due to mine collapse and flooding to a very sustainable form of livelihood – horticulture. Oranges are now an export product and the Khasi Mandarin grown by Lyngdoh is a prized fruit in the country and the world.
What is most heartening is that Lyngdoh has blazed a trail of shifting from an environmentally destructive activity which any mining activity is and has become an advocate of eco-restoration. If only more coal mine owners would follow his example instead of expanding the scope for exploration of coal and seeing the rivers being afflicted by acid mine drainage. Lyngdoh has to wait to harvest the oranges for a few more years since he planted the trees in batches but when all those trees begin the yield fruit then that orchard will become a tourist destination for sure. That is what good business acumen is all about. Its not about getting rich quick but reaping a harvest of much effort and without harming mother nature. May Mr Lyngdoh continue to spread his message of hope to all other miners.
Yours etc.,
JR Kharkongor,
Via email
Advantages of lateral entry into central services
Editor,
The editorial “Lateral entry, expertise” (ST August 23, 2024) made interesting reading. One cannot disagree with the points raised in the editorial. The ’lateral entry’ into certain posts in the Union government came into being in 2018 under the first Narendra Modi government. There are reports that the idea was mooted by the then Congress-led United Progressive Alliance, and recommended by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) in 2005 under the chairmanship of former Union Law Minister and Congress leader M Veerappa Moily. Recruitment through lateral entry is aimed at the inclusion of domain experts from outside the civil services in policy-making. Lateral entry into the bureaucracy is a topic of debate with both supporters and critics. Here are some key points to consider: Lateral entry allows for recruitment of experts from various fields, bringing in specialized knowledge and innovative approaches to governance. It can help address complex policy challenges more effectively by leveraging the experience of professionals from private sector, academia, or public sector undertakings. Hiring on a contractual basis allows for flexibility in terms of tenure and performance-based extensions. These are the pros. Coming to the cons, critics argue that lateral entry might bypass the traditional reservation policies, potentially affecting representation of marginalized communities. Integrating lateral entrants into existing bureaucratic frameworks can be challenging, as they may face resistance from career bureaucrats. There are concerns about transparency and fairness of the recruitment process, with some fearing it could lead to favouritism.
In 2018 more than 6000 applications for joint secretary-level posts were advertised. After the selection process by the Union Public Service Commission, nine individuals were recommended for appointment in different ministries/departments of the Government of India in 2019. Similar advertisements were made in 2021 and 2023. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State told Rajya Sabha recently that as many as 63 appointments have been made through lateral entry in the last five years. He also added that lateral recruitment is aimed at achieving the twin objectives of bringing in fresh talent as well as augment the availability of manpower. Presently there are 57 officers recruited as lateral entrants in central government ministries/departments.
In the past there have been several notable examples of successful lateral entries into the Indian bureaucracy. Dr Manmohan Singh before becoming the Prime Minister of India was brought into the government as an Economic Advisor in 1971. His significant contributions include the economic liberalization of India in 1991 when he served as the finance minister. Montek Singh Ahluwalia was appointed as the Economic Advisor in 1979, Ahluwalia played a crucial role in shaping India’s economic policies. He later served as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission which has now been abolished and replaced by NITI Aayog. Raghuram Rajan known for his tenure as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India was initially brought into the government as the Chief Economic Advisor in 2012. Sam Pitroda, a technocrat and entrepreneur was inducted into the government during Rajiv Gandhi’s administration in the 1980s. He played a pivotal role in India’s telecom revolution. Kaushik Basu was appointed as the Chief Economic Advisor in 2009, Basu had a distinguished academic career and later became the Chief Economist at the World Bank.
These examples highlight how lateral entry can bring in specialized expertise and fresh perspectives, contributing significantly to policy-making and governance. All this is because of merit as the sole criteria.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh
Via email
Pedestrian safety compromised along Jhalupara to Lumdiengjri Police Station / Luckier Road
Editor,
Through this letter I wish to draw the attention of the authorities and citizens to a critical issue affecting the safety of school students and residents in the Jhalupara, Mawbah, and Rilbong areas.
The stretch from Jhalupara Taxi Stand to Lumdiengjri Police Station lacks a proper footpath, forcing pedestrians to risk their lives on the busy road. This route is a lifeline for students of Arya Vidyalaya, Gorkha Pathsala, Ivy Green, Sunrise School, Nepali Kankya School, Madarsa School, and BBS College, as well as residents of Jhalupara, Rilbong, and Mawbah. Additionally, there are many shops, banks, temples, and offices along this path.
However, the footpath is frequently obstructed by shop owners unloading goods from lorries and numerous cabbies stopping to pick up passengers, especially during peak school hours. While traffic police regularly patrol the area and lock the wheels of unattended vehicles, they do not take action when drivers are present.
The absence of a safe pedestrian path and the reckless parking of vehicles create a perfect storm for disasters. This has already led to several accidents, some fatal. Many young children walk to school unaccompanied by their elders or parents, navigating through the chaos and risking being knocked down by vehicles from either direction.
We urge the authorities to (1) Construct a pedestrian footpath (2) Enforce strict parking rules.
(3) Increase surveillance.
Let’s work together to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of our children and citizens. Please take prompt action on this issue and ensure that citizens enjoy basic safety and the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution.
Your etc.,
Mohammad Sageer,
Via email