Editor,
This letter is to apprise the Government and public of a case in Tura where the documents and forwarding letter of new appointees to the Directorate of Higher And Technical Education (DHTE) have been delayed for over a year. New appointments were made at Tura Christian College in August last year after interviews were duly conducted as per protocol. The new recruits joined in the first week of September but even after the lapse of over a year the Institution has failed to forward the necessary documents of candidates. Whenever the candidates approached the Secretary of the Governing Body, of the College he would tell them that the papers have been sent and gives all sorts of excuses. In fact, he is known to carry all official papers around like they are his personal files. The lack of clarity and transparency in the process from the part of the TCC management, misleading statements and false hopes given, have drained the candidates dry and subjected them to undue mental stress. The candidates understand that official work in DHTE can take time but the problem with this case is that, the Institution has not made efforts in the first place to get the process started. Does any other institution do this to their selected candidates? Is there any other institution which plays with innocent lives by not sending their documents for approval for 15 months?
The question I want to pose for people to consider is- Should there not be a provision to protect candidates against such instances where the Institution does injustice to the selected candidates? If the College has called candidates for interview and selected them, why is it then causing so much pain and suffering by delaying the work it should have finished months ago? Shouldn’t the management be answerable? It seems very unfair to the selected candidates that they have to be stuck in this predicament where they do not have employment proof and all other benefits that they are entitled to, for no fault of theirs but the sheer inefficiency of the management of Tura Christian College!
I sincerely hope that justice will be served and the candidates will receive their long due approval letters at the earliest. Perhaps the church which oversees the functioning of the College should look into these matters before the name of God which the College claims to represent is soiled further.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
St. Anthony’s LP School Building Reconstruction
Editor,
I write this letter to draw the attention of the general public to the plans that have been initiated for the reconstruction of the St. Anthony’s L. P. School building at Don Bosco Square. It is a welcome move as it would allow more space and safety for students. However, it also seems that the school authority may demolish/deconstruct the iconic front facade of the school that faces Don Bosco Square.
The front facade which features the long flight of stairs and three small towers or steeple-like structures and a tinned roof is synonyms with the identity of the school, Laitumkhrah and of Shillong as a whole!
Hence, this is a plea to the concerned authorities to kindly preserve this iconic structure and make the current renovation plans open to the public. Other avenues must also be explored to expand the school building without destroying this prominent image.
Yours etc.,
E. Sohtun
Via email
India’s Digital Dilemma: Battling the Rise of Online Scams
Editor,
India, amid its rapid digital transformation, is witnessing a troubling rise in online scams across various sectors, including banking and shopping. The shift towards digital transactions, while providing convenience, has also opened doors for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals. These scammers employ increasingly sophisticated techniques, such as phishing, fake investment schemes, social media scams, and UPI fraud, which have led to substantial financial losses for many. Understanding these scams is crucial.
Phishing involves scammers pretending to be legitimate entities like banks or government agencies to extract personal information, while fake investment schemes lure victims with promises of high returns on dubious opportunities often communicated through platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook etc.
Social media scams involve creating fake profiles to gain trust for fraudulent purposes, and UPI fraud exploits users by tricking them into sharing their payment information.
For anyone falling victim to such scams, immediate action is vital. Ceasing all communication with the scammer is the first step, followed by notifying the bank or payment service provider to block any further unauthorised transactions. It’s crucial to change passwords on all online accounts, especially those related to financial services, and enable two-factor authentication to bolster security. Reporting the incident to local Cyber Crime Cells or using the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal can facilitate investigation and potential recovery of lost funds, emphasising the importance of timely reporting.
To protect against future scams, exercising caution is essential. One must be wary of unsolicited offers, especially those that seem too good to be true, and one must always verify the legitimacy of emails, websites, and phone numbers before engaging or sharing personal information. Scammers often play on emotions, using fear or excitement to cloud judgment, hence, remaining calm and critically assessing situations can prevent falling into their traps. Additionally, adopting strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication across accounts enhances protection against unauthorised access. Staying informed about the latest scam tactics and educating oneself about common fraud techniques can significantly reduce vulnerability to these threats.
By maintaining vigilance and awareness, individuals can better defend themselves against the expanding menace of online scams in India.
Yours etc.,
Chanmiki Laloo
Shillong-02