Editor,
It is disheartening to witness the recent controversy over the “WELCOME TO SHILLONG SMART CITY” board that has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among the youth and residents of our beloved city. The very essence of a smart city lies in modern infrastructure, efficient public services, and a sustainable living environment—qualities that, unfortunately, Shillong sorely lacks.
The reality on the ground is starkly different. The roads are riddled with potholes, with broken branches strewn about, and footpaths that have remained unchanged for decades. Water supply issues persist as pipelines run dry, traffic jams have become a permanent fixture across the state, and internet connectivity lags behind at 2G speeds in an era of 5G. These are not the hallmarks of a smart city—they are the signs of a neglected one.
Basic civic amenities like garbage disposal, proper street lighting, hygienic public toilets, and clear signboards are glaringly absent. It is shameful that while a few CCTV cameras and flags have been installed to create a façade of progress, the fundamental issues have not been addressed. Police Bazar, one of the busiest areas, is now a chaotic mess with its worsening condition and tiles being trampled by vehicles.
How can Shillong be considered a smart city when there are uncovered drains emitting foul odours, polluted rivers, and piles of garbage accumulating in every corner? The smart city initiative seems to be nothing more than a smokescreen, with crores of rupees disappearing into thin air, and no visible improvements in the city’s infrastructure. The youth of the state, the very future of Meghalaya, are being pushed into cynicism as they see their government fail to deliver on promises.
Smart cities are meant to enhance the quality of life for their citizens, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and convenience. Shillong is failing on all these fronts. The state government must be held accountable for the glaring disparity between its promises and the reality. Installing boards that declare Shillong a “Smart City” without addressing the root problems is not only an insult to the people but also undermines the credibility of the government.
It is time for our leaders to wake up, face the truth, and take concrete steps to bring about real change. Remove those misleading boards and start working toward building a city we can all be proud of—a city that lives up to the aspirations of its people, not just the rhetoric of its leaders.
Yours etc.,
A Sarki
Shillong
ICSSR-NERC needs a helping hand
Editor,
This has a reference to Professor H Srikanth’s special article on “Growth and Decline of the ICSSR-NERC,” published in the Shillong Times on 3rd October 2024. Since, I had a close association with the ICSSR-NERC for more than two decades as the Deputy Director (1995-2020), I read this article with much interest. I felt sad when I read the line, “It is unfortunate that ICSSR-NERC, which played such a pivotal role in the growth of social sciences in the region…has lost its sheen and glory.” I had the wonderful privilege of seeing and nurturing the growth of the regional centre from the humble beginning to this extent and for this we were privileged to have institutional builders like Professor Pakem, Mrinal Miri, David R. Syiemlieh at the NEHU, Shillong and a distinguished scholar like Professor Andre Beteille at the ICSSR, New Delhi as its Chairman. Unfortunately we miss such great stalwarts and foresighted leaders with vision today.
For the NERC decline I will not fully blame NEHU and the NERC but the parent body ICSSR is equally responsible. The archaic way of selection of honorary directors and the non-appointment or filling of the sanctioned posts, particularly the post of Deputy Director and the Accountant is a block on the forward movement of the Centre. There are several internal issues that ICSSR, New Delhi needs to address for the smooth functioning of the NERC.
First and foremost, the immediate implementation of the 6th and 7th CPC benefits to the staff of the regional centre without further delay is imperative. No one knows for what reason both the ICSSR and the Ministry of Education is keeping this issue pending for such a long time. Nearly four of the staff in the NERC died without receiving the benefits. Six years ago, late Ms. Cerilla Khonglah, Documentation officer at the NERC was hospitalized and in a pleading way she wrote a mail to the former Chief Justice of Meghalaya and the High Court directed the NERC to release her money forthwith, but it was not done till date! There is no pension provision in the regional centres of the ICSSR, as such, but at least the Centre must release the staff retirement benefits on the day of retirement, which is not done in the NERC. The NERC has completed 47 years of its existence but till date the Council did not implement the status of the regional centre.
The Centre is known for its programmes such as seminars, workshops, lectures series, projects, publications, etc. Alas, all these have taken a backseat and other non-important issues have taken an important place. The Centre needs to come out from the “contract” and “guest house” culture mind set. The original vision of the regional centre is to be a catalyst in social science research and to complement and supplement the existing University system in the Northeastern region Therefore, the Vice Chancellor, NEHU should take the lead to bring back the lost glory of the ICSSR-NERC! Moreover, the ICSSR, New Delhi also must extend its helping hand.
Yours etc.,
C. Joshua Thomas
Former Deputy Director ICSSR-NERC,
Shillong
Shillong’s Traffic Crisis: A Wake – Up Call for Authorities
Editor,
As a concerned student of St. Anthony’s College, I am compelled to highlight the debilitating traffic congestion plaguing Shillong. The city’s growth, though welcome, has exposed the glaring inadequacy of its infrastructure. Daily, thousands of students, professionals, and citizens suffer due to: 1. Clogged roads 2. Inefficient traffic management 3. Lack of alternative transportation
On October 3rd, 2024. I missed my 11:00 AM class, arriving at 11:30 AM after a frustrating struggle through traffic. This is not an isolated incident. The collective loss of productivity, time, and well-being is staggering.
I urge the Meghalaya State Government and Shillong Municipal Corporation to: Develop and implement a comprehensive traffic management plan
Invest in modern infrastructure (e.g., flyovers, public transportation)
Encourage sustainable transportation options (e.g., cycling, walking)
It’s time for proactive measures to : Reduce congestion. Ensure citizen convenience.
I request the authorities to treat this as a priority issue, ensuring Shillong’s growth is sustainable and citizen-friendly.
Yours etc.,
Joel Mukhim
Student, St. Anthony’s College.
Via email