Editor,
I thank the Shillong Traffic personnel for implementing the one-way system on the road from Pynthorbah market to Vishal Mega Mart, Demseiniong. Initially, I thought the road restrictions were due to its poor condition and the need for construction. Given the previous two-way traffic that caused regular gridlocks, the one-way decision has helped reduce congestion.
However, within less than a year, the newly constructed road has again deteriorated. Although there’s now reduced traffic, this route has become inconvenient for two-wheeler commuters.
I request the authorities to consider allowing two-wheelers to make a left turn onto this road from Polo to Pynthorbah Market. This limited access would not disrupt the main traffic flow from Polo to Demseiniong, as long as it prohibits two-wheelers from entering diagonally from Demseiniong to Pynthorbah.
Currently, two-wheeler commuters heading to Pynthorbah are forced to take a much longer route via Polo Market and Golflinks, or through the under-construction, poorly conditioned road at Nongmensong. Additionally, the shortcut road from Nongmensong to Pynthorbah has also been sealed, being a locality road, due to its poor condition and narrow width, further limiting options for commuters.
Allowing two-wheelers to enter the one-way road towards Pynthorbah would alleviate some of this inconvenience. I hope the authorities will consider this request to improve ease of access for two-wheelers without compromising traffic flow.
Yours etc.,
B Laitphlang,
Via email
India caught in middle income trap!
Editor,
The editorial “Growth, stagnation” (ST November 13, 2024) made interesting reading. One cannot disagree with the points raised in the editorial on growth and stagnation. But what exactly is a middle-income trap? The middle-income trap is a situation in development economics where a country experiences rapid growth and reaches a middle-income level, but then struggles to progress to a high-income status. This can happen due to five factors:
Loss of competitive edge: As wages rise, the country may lose its competitive advantage in exporting manufactured goods, but it may not yet be able to compete in high-value-added markets.
Low investment: There might be insufficient investment in infrastructure, education and innovation, which are crucial for moving up the income ladder.
Limited Industrial diversification: The economy may not diversify enough, relying heavily on a few sectors, which can limit growth potential.
Poor labour market conditions: Issues such as low productivity, inadequate skills, and poor labour market conditions can hinder further economic development.
Aging population: An ageing population can strain public resources and reduce the labour force, making it harder to sustain growth.
To escape the middle-income trap, countries need to invest in physical and human infrastructure, enforce social policies like higher minimum wages, and foster innovation and technological advancements. It is a complex challenge, but with the right strategies, it is possible to overcome it.
India is currently navigating the complexities of the middle-income trap, a situation where countries experience a slowdown in growth after reaching a certain income level. While India has made significant progress, there are several indicators suggesting it faces challenges typical of the middle-income trap. Real wage growth has been stagnant, which affects overall consumption and economic momentum. The manufacturing sector has not seen significant growth, which is crucial for moving up the income ladder. There is a growing concentration of wealth among powerful business houses, which can hinder broad-based economic growth. Slowing global export demands and rising protectionism make it difficult for India to rely on exports for growth. However, with strategic investments in infrastructure, education and innovation. India has the potential to overcome these challenges and avoid the middle-income trap.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh
Via email
Why punish the guiltless common citizen ?
Editor,
On November 13, 2024 a group of VILLAGERS from 21 villages with a grievance against some decision of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) decided to confront the Executive Committee of the Council at their office here in Shillong. Like true elected representatives of the people the EC members of KHADC decided to lock themselves up inside their office than face their aggrieved voters. Naturally the agitating VILAGERS got more aggrieved and decided to hold a dharna by sitting across the main road ( the GS Road) in front of the KHADC office. I want to put it on record that it was a wrong decision! It resulted in the biggest traffic jam the city has ever known. All outgoing traffic from the Military Hospital to the District Council junction was stopped as was all upcoming traffic from Thangkhiew Petrol Pump, Mawlai towards Shillong. Chaos prevailed and many innocent commuters were needlessly held up for hours for no fault of theirs.
Now some questions need to be asked and answers given. Firstly, it was sheer stupidity to block the National Highway just because the EC members of KHADC decided not to meet the agitating VILLAGERS. MDC elections are coming and the MDCs concerned could have been taught a lesson in parliamentary decorum at the ballot box. I fail to see how the defaulting MDCs could be brought to their senses by punishing the innocent public of Shillong! It was heartbreaking to see patients staring empty eyed in their stranded ambulances and desperate parents and guardians helpless on their way to school with their children and wards. My question to the agitating VILLAGERS is why punish blameless Peter to punish defaulting Paul? Is it justified? Or is this the type of justice that is meted out by dimwitted VILLAGERS to innocent people in our rural villages? These questions need to be asked.
Secondly, in the demonstration mentioned above it was the public of Shillong, especially those from Mawlai , Mawprem and adjoining areas that suffered for no fault of theirs. The question was where were the Police when this suffering was taking place? Were they apathetic observers of the whole drama? Was it not their duty to protect the innocent and the citizens of this city? No, it is not OK to be politically correct at all times. There comes a time for the police to act and action against the agitating VILLAGERS was a priority on November 13, 2024. The agitating VILLAGERS blocking the main road should have been removed, and normalcy restored. I have all respect for the administration but to call a spade a spade, the city administration failed the public on the 13th. Let us hope this act is not repeated.
Yours etc.,
Marban Dkhar,
Shillong-2
Rule of law basis for economic growth
Editor,
This year’s Nobel laureates in economics – Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson – have demonstrated that societies with a poor rule of law and institutions that exploit the population do not generate growth or change for the better. Their findings echo the warnings of Tagore who penned in his poem, Apamanita (Insult), “Those whom you push down will tie/ you down also,/ those whom you have kept at the/ back will pull you back.” There is no wonder that exploitation ultimately hinders growth and development. As a matter of fact, any kind of exploitation ends in a disaster. Exploitation of nature leads to a number of negative consequences. Even overuse of a machine can cause explosions.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata