Editor,
On August 18, I raised a concern about pedestrian safety from Jhalupara taxi stand to Garikhana Lumdiengjri Police Station. I appreciate that my concerns were published in both the editorial and Shillong Jotting sections of your esteemed newspaper.
However, I fear that steps on constructing the footpath may only be taken after a major accident claiming lives. From Jhalupara to Lumdiengjri Police Station, there is ample space for a footpath, and it must be constructed keeping in mind the safety of pedestrians and that a large number of school children use the stretch during school hours. Constructing the footpath now could prevent future tragedies.
This issue isn’t limited to Jhalupara-Garikhana; other areas of Shillong face similar challenges. If citizens voice their concerns and urge concerned MLAs and Ministers to act, our representatives may fulfil their duties of protecting children and improve public safety.
I believe constructing safe, unobstructed footpaths with benches and shaded areas across localities would encourage walking, reduce traffic and pollution, and alleviate congestion, especially for short commutes. This would benefit those stuck in traffic for hours, whether dropping children at school or commuting to work. Good footpaths promote pedestrian movement. All these would be helpful not only for the public but also for the environment.
Additionally, here are other key priorities that would further benefit Shillong:
Designated Hawker Zones: Creating dedicated spaces for hawkers, away from main walkways, will keep footpaths clear and maintain smoother traffic flow.
Morning Traffic Patrols: Increased patrols during rush hours can manage the congestion caused by school drop-offs, ensuring pedestrian safety on narrow roads often crowded with vehicles.
By addressing these issues, we can significantly improve both traffic and pedestrian safety in Shillong.
Yours, etc.,
Muhammad Sageer
Shillong
Over – protectionism kills enterprise
Editor,
The demand for restriction of tourist vehicles in Meghalaya is an indicator that various protectionist measures that had been granted to the tribal people after attainment of statehood, half a century ago, have miserably failed to make the beneficiaries confident and self-reliant. After enjoying protectionism for decades in the field of job, education, trade, commerce and in the service sector, it was expected that the recipients would become stronger and be able to ensure fair competition in every field. It is ironic that in this age of globalization and digitization, there is growing demand for imposition of more restrictions in domains which were hitherto unrestricted. The taxi operators of Meghalaya instead of asking for more restrictions can easily augment their income by expanding their area of operation to other states of India where there is no bar for entry of Indian citizens and Meghalaya registered tourist vehicles. Going by the present economic, social or political scenario of Meghalaya, it can be reasonably inferred that such exclusionary policies had made the beneficiaries detached from the real world where the Darwinian theory ‘survival of the fittest’ is still relevant.
Yours etc.,
NK Kehar,
Shillong-3
Meghalaya CM’s response ambivalent
Editor,
The response given by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma regarding the cow yatra—that the decision to allow it or not rests with the district administration—may cost him in the future. By not taking responsibility, he is trying to keep all sides happy, but he risks losing significant support. It’s important to remember that his sister lost the Tura MP seat partly because there was a perception that the NPP is a BJP-B team. His inability to protect the rights of the state’s indigenous communities will only strengthen his opponents’ arguments that his government is a stooge of the BJP. This does not bode well for the long-term sustainability of the Party, especially in Meghalaya and the Khasi Hills region.
At the same time, the Swami leading this cow yatra, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, gained notoriety when he criticized the inauguration of the Ram Temple, claiming it was incomplete. He has also been a critic of Prime Minister Modi. This raises questions about whether the cow yatra is an attempt by the Swami to rehabilitate his image among conservative Hindus who may have been upset by his previous stance. Are we merely pawns in a personal ambition? Does the Swami not understand the potential consequences of his actions, which could leave others to face the fallout of his ego trip? While he may return satisfied that he has proven himself to his followers, the scars he inflicts may not fade easily.
In the end, religion has never been free of politics, and we are witnessing another example of that.
Yours etc.,
Bhogtoram Mawroh
Via email
Concerns on Irregularities of NTECC issuance by KHADC
Editor,
Presently significant concerns have arisen regarding the process of obtaining Non Tribal Employee Clearance Certificates (NTECC) from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC). Numerous employers including labourers, particularly those engaged in manual and construction work, have reported troubling irregularities in the licensing process, leading to frustration and financial strain.
The issue begins with the initial application process. Several employers and labourers have encountered middlemen who approach them with application forms. These individuals, claiming to be authorized agents, charge fees and issue receipts that are purportedly valid for 15 days. However, despite these payments and the assurances given, many have found themselves waiting far beyond the promised period without receiving their certificates in spite of the application being submitted over a month back which has affected their day to day businesses, trade and work in general in view of the frequent checking by various pressure groups who forcefully shut down any and all business activities on the spot.
When the employers and labourers approach the District Council to inquire about the delay, they are directed to meet with the Licensing Officer. It is here that the situation becomes more concerning. The employer and labourer are allegedly asked to pay additional fees, which are not documented in any official paperwork. Despite making these extra payments, the employers and labourers still do not receive their certificates. Even when they present their receipts as proof of payment, they are met with further delays and unsatisfactory explanations from the Council’s Labour department.
This situation has drawn the attention of many who have questioned the legitimacy of the additional fees and the overall efficiency of the licensing process under the current administration. However, their inquiries have yielded vague and unsatisfactory responses from the District Council.
Such issues were reportedly absent under previous administrations, raising serious concerns about the transparency and integrity of the current licensing process. The question now is why these certificates are not being issued in a timely manner and why employers and labourers are being subjected to unexplained additional fees.
This situation not only highlights potential inefficiencies within the KHADC but also suggests possible corruption or mismanagement. It is imperative that the Council addresses these concerns promptly and ensures that the process of obtaining a NTECC is fair, transparent, and devoid of any unnecessary financial burdens on the employers and labourers, who are among the most vulnerable members of society.
The employers, labourers and their advocates are calling for an immediate investigation into these irregularities and for the implementation of a streamlined and accountable process for issuing NTECC. Without swift action, the trust in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council’s ability to administer its duties effectively and fairly may be severely undermined.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email