Editor,
It’s no hidden truth that this beloved part of our land has been and is still in shambles and having a Deputy Chief Minister from this region has made no difference whatsoever! The state of affairs in terms of education, health, environment are all deplorable and all of the big shots have fled and settled in Shillong leaving the helpless people of Jaintia Hills in their sorry conditions to fend for themselves.
Be that as it may, the focus today is confined to the deteriorating road conditions in this region, particularly from the border onwards as you enter Jaiñtia Hills District from the East Khasi Hills, including that of the Deputy Chief Minister’s constituency, Ummulong. The numerous potholes have become a significant hazard for drivers and passengers alike and travelling through these roads now has become a nightmare!
Over the past few weeks, the situation has worsened, with potholes appearing on nearly every part of the highway once you’re “welcomed” into Jaiñtia Hills. These depressions not only damage vehicles but also pose serious risks to safety, especially for motorcyclists. The erratic driving that results from navigating these obstacles creates a dangerous environment for all road users.
Of late, there have also been instances wherein many trucks have broken down in the middle of the road owing to these potholes and depressions causing massive traffic jams for hours on the highways adding to all the misery.
The lack of timely repairs has raised concerns amongst all commuters about the local government’s commitment to maintaining our infrastructure. We deserve safe roads that promote community wellbeing, and it is disheartening to see our highways and roads neglected.
While Jaiñtia Hills District is home to some of the most sought after tourist destinations in the State such as the Phe Phe Falls, Dawki, Krangsuri Falls, it is embarrassing that visitors from other parts of the country and even the world must travel and navigate through enormous potholes, something which is an ancient issue where they come from.
Further, it is no secret that people from this region travel to and from Shillong regularly for medical care (even for tests we have to go to Shillong and NEIGRIHMS), education (as most of the children study in Shillong), shopping, etc. You cannot begin to imagine the plight of pregnant women, infants, children, sick and infirmed people travelling through these roads today.
I don’t think the Deputy Chief Minister brings his Maybach through these horrendous roads to his constituency but our backs are definitely breaking by journeying through them and we urge local authorities to prioritize road maintenance and address this issue promptly. The safety of our people depends on it.
Yours etc.,
Lop S Khonglah
Via email
Dip in puja shopping fervour
Editor,
This refers to your news report “Puja shopping in Shillong nosedives” dated 1st October 2024 where it has been highlighted how Shillong’s market streets are empty this festive season with businesses keeping low stocks with ever decreasing footfall at their shop’s. This phenomenon is not new and has been seen over a couple of years now primarily with the easy access of online shopping at one’s fingertips coupled with huge discounts that these online portals offer through various shopping festivals. Having said that, did the local businesses try to reinvent themselves to keep up with the changing times and consumer demands? The answer to this question will give a lot of insights on how and why retail shopping in Shillong has “nosedived”.
Why should I as a consumer go for substandard products at higher rates than what is nationally available? Even a drive down to Guwahati gives one the option to indulge in retail therapy with the availability of multiple renowned brands and throughout the year discounts. A couple of years ago a renowned shop dealing in clothing refused to take online payment saying only cash was accepted. With such high-handedness, now the complaint of low business does not go down too well to be honest. For too long the consumers have been fleeced but now the tide has turned and turned quite significantly to hit it where it hurts.
I hope the well-established local business houses here realize this and offer consumers products and prices that are competitive to survive the onslaught of online shopping, otherwise this pain of business “nosediving” will be eternal.
Yours etc.
A Choudhury
New Delhi
Mitigating road accidents
Editor,
Every state government has a set of road safety protocols and information that should be publicized in newspapers and through the local electronic media channels considering the rate of road accidents where families lose their loved ones with some permanently disabled. The onus lies in our State Transport Department and the police as well to enforce road safety rules. Unfortunately we don’t see that happening. The recent accident near Jowai Civil Hospital is another stark reminder that the District Administrative authorities need to buckle up instead of turning a blind eye to the series of fatal road accidents. Another dangerous point is at Woodland Hospital crossing along the way to Ialong which has witnessed near-misses and accidents as well along this entire stretch. The police personnel deployed are busy minting money instead of being visible to control traffic at these crucial points. We have come to a point where the police care a damn about the law and rules. It is time the DGP makes a surprise visit to these vulnerable places where people are mostly left to fend for themselves. The state authorities too should take cognizance of the rampant accidents in Jaintia Hills where things are getting from bad to worse.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S.Wankhar,
Shillong
Meghalaya Reservation Policy: The status quo must prevail
Editor,
We all know who wanted to review the Meghalaya Job Reservation Policy 1972 and why. The current position is 40℅ for Garos, 40℅ for the Khasi-Jaintia, 5℅ for other backward communities and 15℅ for general candidates but this is only on paper even after 52 years of statehood. The truth cannot be suppressed for too long. The cornerstone of the reservation for job opportunities is based on the backwardness of certain communities in India which is well conceived by the Father of Indian Constitution whose name is known to all. It is well thought out, well scripted and has become a popular law of the land since its inception. In the same way, the Meghalaya Job Reservation Policy was legislated and became a law for providing equal opportunities to the bonafide citizens of Meghalaya. The State has recently witnessed varying views expressed by distinguished personalities before the seven panel members headed by a lone lady who is second to none among the great personalities present there for the hearing. In my opinion, the presence of only one Garo in the person of Dr Mukul Sangma for discussions on such an important issue with six other personalities was not fair. It now appears, the matter is not so easy to resolve without considering the matter based on ground realities. The reality is that the Garos had been deprived of equal job opportunities on various grounds for many years.
As the spirit of the Reservation Policy is based on the backwardness based on education, economy and social status, I am a votary for continuation of the existing 40℅ job reservation in Meghalaya for the Garo people as we are still backward when compared to our brethren in Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
Your etc.,
Thrumen Sangma.
Via email