Editor,
I am a college student residing near the Hindu Mission at Lower Mawprem, Shillong, and I also provide tuition to Class 10 students who are preparing for the upcoming SLC examination. I am writing to urgently draw the attention of the Deputy Commissioner to the increasing disturbances and noise pollution caused by the parking of vehicles and frequent events held at the Hindu Mission. The constant “honking noise” and regular commotion from this location have severely impacted our ability to concentrate on our studies, and I believe it is crucial for the local authorities to address these concerns.
Constant honking throughout the day has become unbearable as there are innumerable vehicles coming and going. It is puzzling why these vehicles need to honk inside the premises where there is no traffic congestion. To make matters worse, the number of vehicles continues to increase daily.
In addition to the parking issues, the Mission regularly hosts large parties, weddings, and other celebrations that often last for over a week. These events are accompanied by loud music, firecrackers, and revellers dancing, sometimes late into the night. Some gatherings feature offensive songs, particularly during Durga Puja. While we respect the temple, the management allows all kinds of Bollywood songs and undesirable dances in the premises. We struggle to understand this contradiction. Last year, the situation escalated to the point where the police had to intervene to control intoxicated revellers during Durga Puja. I think this year will also be the same kind of noise to disturb us during Durga puja. Until three years ago, we often found empty beer and alcohol bottles discarded along the pavement leading to the Hindu Mission. This is very shameful.
The district authorities should seriously consider banning such disruptive activities in residential areas, as they are not only a nuisance but also detrimental to the academic pursuits of students.
The education and future of the children is more important than noisy parties and the commercial use of parking spaces. Many students are preparing for competitive exams, and the current environment is making it increasingly challenging for us to maintain focus.
I sincerely hope the district authorities will take prompt action by banning such kinds of noise pollution and ensure that our neighbourhood remains a peaceful and conducive place both for learning and living purposes.
Yours etc.;
A concerned college student
Name withheld on request,
Shillong-2
Tribute to SBI Laitumkhrah Branch Staff
Editor,
I have been banking with the Laitumkhrah Branch of State Bank of India for more than 20 years. I can proudly say that this branch is one of the most efficient, spacious and customer friendly branches not only in Meghalaya but also in the whole country. I have done banking with other branches and other banks too but the services rendered in this SBI branch is unparalleled. The person in the Digital section namely, Lionelson Shabong is very professional and efficient at his job. An issue with my internet banking which couldn’t be resolved for more than a decade was solved within a day by Shabong. The service manager is also very smart and diligent in dealing with the customers. The lady at the KYC counter is also very efficient and customer friendly. The ever- approachable manager is exemplary in leading the branch. Kudos to team SBI Laitumkhrah Branch.
Yours etc.,
S T Singh,
Shillong-3
Economic performance of North Eastern States a major concern
Editor,
The editorial “Regional disparities” (ST 20th September 2024) made interesting reading. According to the paper series of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister “Relative Economic Performance of Indian States: 1960-61 to 2023-24,” in 1980-81 Sikkim’s per capita income was below the national average. It has achieved remarkable growth, especially over the last two decades. Its relative per capita income surged from around 99.7 percent of the national average in 2000-01 to 319.1 percent in 2023-24.
Assam, which initially had a per capita income slightly above the national average (102.9 percent in 1960-61), experienced a decline in its relative per capita income and reached 61.2 percent in 2010-11. Since then, Assam’s relative per capita income touched 73.7 percent in 2023-24. In 1960-61 Manipur’s per capita income was below the national average and recorded 50.3 percent in 1970-71 it went up to 60.2 percent. A decade later in 1980-81 it reached 77.5% and its relative per capita income declined to 66.0 percent in 2022-23.
Meghalaya’s relative per capita income stood at 74.4 percent in 1980-81 it climbed up to 77.1 percent in 1990-91, a decade later to 88.4 percent in 2000-01, 81 percent in 2010-11, 71.3 percent in 2020-21 and slightly up to 74.3 percent in 2023-24. Mizoram’s relative per capita income in 1980-81 recorded 70.4 percent, it went up to 78.9 percent in 1990-91 and shot up to 111.7 percent during 2000-01, a decade later in 2010-11 it tumbled to 94.3 percent and again shot up to 136.4 percent in 2020-21 and it went down to 126.9 percent in 2022-23.
Nagaland’s relative per capita income was 75.5 percent in 1970-71, a decade later it was down to 74.4 percent in 1980-81, it recorded 88 percent in 1990-91, 106.5 percent in 2000-01, 102.9 percent in 2010-11 and slipped to 94.1 percent in 2020-21 and 85.9 in 2022-23. The relative per capita income of Tripura was 81.4 percent in 1960-61, 79.3 percent in 1970-71, 71.4 percent in 1980-81, 59.4 percent in 1990-91. It went up to 92.1 percent in 2000-01 and then declined to 85.2 percent in 2010-11 and climbed up again to 93.1 percent and 96.5 percent in 2020-21 and 2023-24 respectively.
It would be of interest to note that the North Eastern States share of National GDP stands at merely 3 percent. Arunachal Pradesh’s share is 0.1% in 2022-23, Assam 1.9% in 2023-24, Manipur 0.1% in 2022-23, Meghalaya 0.2% in 2023-24, Mizoram 0.1% in 2022-23, Nagaland 0.1% in 2022-23, Sikkim 0.2% in 2023-24 and Tripura 0.3 percent in 2023-24.
The EAC-PM Working Paper Series, September 2024 pointed out that, “Overall the western and southern regions of the country are outperforming others, with notable success also observed in parts of the north. The stark contrast between Haryana and Punjab warrants further investigation to understand its policy implications. The eastern part of the country continues to be a concern”.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh
Via email