Editor,
Shillong is truly proud to be called the “rock capital of India.” The fact that every rock concert draws a mammoth crowd in spite of the high-priced tickets, proves that people here are die-hard music lovers. Khasi people like most tribal groups in this region, are exceptionally gifted in music. We feel proud that our state has produced internationally renowned music groups like the Shillong Chamber Choir and recently, the Kiddies Corner Choir which won many medals at the international competitions. In the city we have many well-known local rock bands who perform at the regional and national levels. We are yet more proud that there are many budding musicians among the youth who are promoting traditional music and thereby keeping alive the rich musical legacy of our ancestors.
However, many things are good but when they are exaggerated, they become detrimental to people’s well-being. What we see lately, is the excess of rock concerts coming into our state especially in Shillong. The Tourism Department should be commended for the extravagant Cherry Blossom Festival this year which saw the performances of many internationally acclaimed bands. Positively, the live performances of these international rock bands not only puts the state in the world map of music but they also inspire and motivate our local musicians towards greater perfection in the art. But negatively, they deprive the local musicians and musical bands of the big financial aid which the government could have given them. It is true that while these concerts generate income for the local people and bring joy and enthusiasm to all music lovers, yet there is also the negative impact on the young people. I am speaking here of the moral aspect of such mass revelries where we witness youth getting out of control and becoming tipsy and boisterous. This presents a very negative picture of our state and our people to the outsiders. Many are of the opinion that in this year’s festival, there has been an excessive invasion by foreign bands which of course touches the state’s exchequer.
I thought that the Cherry Blossom Festival was over, yet I am shocked to see that there is another rock concert coming soon in February next year. Although I myself am a musician and a music lover, yet I would personally discourage such an event at a period when our students are busy preparing for the public examinations. Why do the organizers choose to hold such a concert knowing that our youth would not resist such a temptation, during this particular time? This is going to be a huge distraction for the students who are supposed to be engaged in serious preparations for the upcoming examinations. Many of our students are Ed Sheeran fans and so the actual distraction caused to them will not be limited to that day alone but it will be days before and after the event. Even those who are not able to be physically present, will be tempted to scroll through social media and imagine the students living in and around Polo Grounds even as far as Mawlai, will be bombarded with the loud music.
The questions we need to ask here are – is entertainment more valuable than the education of our youth? Should we sacrifice our students’ future for the sake of momentary pleasure? Does the Government care about the education of our youth? Let us not forget that recently, classes and exams were kept on hold to accommodate the Bryan Adam’s concert. “All enjoyment and fun make our students dull and our future bleak.” The book of Ecclesiastes says “there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven” (Eccl 3:1). So, there is time for concerts and enjoyment but there is also time for serious study and work.
Yours etc.,
Barnes Mawrie sdb,
Via email
Invest Meghalaya Agency: The way forward
Editor,
Apropos of the news item “Investment Act to enhance business, foster economic growth: Conrad.” (ST December 18, 2024), to enhance the ease of doing business, several key factors need to be in place, such as, (a) streamlining and simplifying regulations to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and to make it easier for businesses to comply with legal requirements (b) implementing single window systems for approvals and clearances to reduce the time and effort required for businesses to start and operate © Digitizing government processes to enable online applications, renewals and inspections, making it more convenient for businesses to interact with regulatory authorities (d) ensuring transparency in government procedures to build trust and reduce corruption. This includes clear guidelines and timelines for approvals and decision-making.
Other points include establishing efficient mechanisms for resolving commercial disputes quickly and fairly can boost investor confidence. Investment in infrastructure such as transportation, communication, and utilities to support business operations and growth is imperative. Access to finance for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), through supportive banking policies and financial instruments is key and also developing a skilled workforce through education and training programs to meet the needs of businesses and industries. Its important to implement tax reforms to create a fair and predictable tax environment, reducing the burden on businesses and encouraging investment.
Reducing the compliance burden on businesses by eliminating redundant laws and procedures, and decriminalising minor, technical or procedural defaults is required. These measures can create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to economic growth.
In 1995, the Congress Government in Meghalaya under Salseng C. Marak (1993-1998) played a significant role in the state’s political landscape. His tenure saw various initiatives aimed at promoting industrialization and investment in Meghalaya. The establishment of the Single Window Agency (SWA) in 1995 was one such effort to streamline the investment process and attract businesses to the state. While the SWA did make some progress in simplifying procedures and attracting investments, there were still challenges and bureaucratic hurdles that limited its effectiveness. But in 2004 the then Government messed up things and the State saw the flight of capital in the process of so-called industrialisation in Jaintia Hills which was never ploughed back but instead impacted the natural environment.
The recent establishment of the Invest Meghalaya Agency (IMA) aims to address these issues more comprehensively by introducing a more unified and transparent system. The IMA aims to promote and facilitate investment in the state. Its objectives include: encouraging both domestic and international investors in various sectors within Meghalaya by simplifying the process and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. The aim is to promote industrial and economic development to create job opportunities and boost the State’s economy by offering attractive incentives and support to businesses under schemes like the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialisation Scheme (UNNATI) and the Meghalaya Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (MIIPP) 2024.
Ensuring that investments contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth, leveraging Meghalaya’s unique strengths and resources the IMA has a lot of potential to drive economic growth and development in the state. By attracting investments, simplifying business processes, and offering incentives, it can create a more business-friendly environment. This will lead to job creation, infrastructure development, and overall economic prosperity. Bringing all the departments together under a committee, headed by the Chief Minister under IMA will help drive the Agency. However, the success of such an initiative depends on effective implementation, transparency, and continuous support from both the government and the private sector. Ensuring that investments are sustainable and inclusive will be the key to achieving long-term benefits for the people of Meghalaya.
It is heartening that the government will avoid industries, which are not environment-friendly and focus on new technology-based industries in the food processing sector among others. Areas such as tourism, information technology and pharmaceutical industries are the way forward. It is also heartening to hear from the Chief Minister that there is no question of bypassing the KHADC. Every agency has got its power based on institutional provisions. Those powers cannot be negated hence all procedures will be followed.”
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email