Editor,
The editorial “CAG Must Respond” (ST September 10, 2024) made interesting reading. According to the data of Reserve Bank of India Table 171: State wise composition of outstanding liabilities at the end of March for which data is available from 2005 to 2023 for all the states in the country, the growth of outstanding liabilities of the Government of Meghalaya in 2017 over 2013 was 75.87% which translates to an annual average growth rate of 15.17% between 2013-2017 while the growth rate of internal debt in 2017 over 2013 was 70.32% which works out to an annual average growth rate of 14.06%. This was a period led by the Congress government in Meghalaya.
Now let us see what the data of the Reserve Bank of India says for the period 2018 to 2022. The growth rate of outstanding liabilities of the government of Meghalaya in 2022 over 2018 is 55.17% that is equivalent to an annual average growth rate of 11.03% between 2018 – 2022 while the growth rate of the internal debt in 2022 over 2018 was 80.08% between 2018 and 2022 which works out to an annual average growth rate of 16.01%. This was a period led by the NPP government in Meghalaya.
The best source of data on outstanding liabilities is from the Reserve Bank of India as far as monetary accounting is concerned because it has proper records. I agree with the caption of the editorial “CAG Must Respond”. But the problem is even if CAG responds it is a powerless body which is only advisory in nature. So as long as the Government of India is alive and for that matter governments do not die unlike mortals, why should the states worry about their outstanding liabilities? Since the mother is alive, she will come and rescue her children because there is the Reserve Bank of India. It is a fact that most of the states in India and not necessarily only Meghalaya do not attempt to clean up the accounting mess unlike a private business firm which does its accounting every night and is frugal in spending.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
Unregulated School Fees: A Conundrum to the Common Man
Editor,
With admissions for the academic session 2025 around the corner, schools in Shillong city have started issuing forms for admission. However, the plight of the common man doesn’t seem to end, as school fees continue to soar exorbitantly high. The middle class, with limited options, has to scour schools to find one that fits their budget without compromising on quality education. Considering education is a way to a better life, the race for parents to send their wards to good schools is tiring and challenging.
The inflation in education has remained higher than consumer price inflation. The government’s empathy to address the issue is nowhere to be seen. Failing to put a cap on school fees and regulate them is the need of the hour. The lack of effective policies and regulations has allowed schools to increase fees without fear of government intervention.
The astronomical rise in school fees has made it challenging for middle-class families to send their children to reputed schools, often forcing parents to compromise on their children’s education. The government’s failure to take concrete measures to regulate schools has further added to the woes of the current situation. Schools, notably a place of diversity, should give fair representation to children from all social and economic backgrounds. However, the ground reality shows a different picture, where the rich and mighty get to avail the best education for their wards.
I urge the local authorities to impose regulations on school fees to ensure that quality education remains accessible to all, particularly the middle class, who are currently caught in this financial strain. By implementing transparent fee structures, capping school fees, and providing subsidies, we can alleviate the burden and reestablish education as an opportunity for growth and advancement, not an unattainable dream.
It is imperative to ensure that education doesn’t become a luxury reserved only for the privileged few. The society as a whole must advocate for middle-class families and ensure equitable access to quality education for all children.
I hope this letter resonates with the readers and sparks a much-needed conversation about the state of education in the country.
Yours etc.,
Rahul Chettri
Shillong -1
Raising age limit for state exams
Editor,
I commend the state government for previously raising the age limit for state examinations from 27 to 32 years. However, I would like to draw attention to the disparity between the age limits set by our state and those established by other neighbouring states.
For instance, the Assam Public Service Commission allows an upper age limit of 38 years for general candidates, while the Manipur Public Service Commission and Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission set it at 38 and 35 years respectively. Similarly, the Tripura Public Service Commission has an upper age limit of 35 years. These limits are considerably higher than those set by the Meghalaya Public Service Commission, which stands at 32 years for general candidates, and 37 years for SC/ST candidates.
Given the challenges many of us faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted our ability to prepare for and participate in various examinations, I respectfully request the state government to consider further extending the age limits. Specifically, I propose an increase to 37 years for general candidates and 42 years for SC/ST candidates.
I urge the relevant authorities to consider this adjustment for the benefit of all aspiring candidates who have been adversely affected.
Yours etc.,
A Sarki,
Shillong