Editor,
There are certain government departments in Meghalaya that give preference to compassionate / ad-hoc regularised employees when it comes to promotions to elevated posts particularly in the ministerial staff and the heads of departments. There are instances where the number of compassionate appointed employees outweigh the number of direct appointed employees recommended by recruitment agencies viz the MPSC, DSC etc. It has been a convention in government departments to conceal vacancies occurring in different departments and not to advertise the vacancies in the public domain. These vacancies are mostly filled up by superficial justification under the guise of compassionate appointments whereby these individuals appointed on humanitarian grounds are given cardinal preferences in terms of advancement in higher ministerial grades which are to be filled from those appointed from direct recruitment. This practice affects the career progression of employees who are recommended by mandated recruitment authorities such as the MPSC, DSC etc.
Appointment on compassionate grounds is done to absorb the sudden financial shock of the family of those employees who died in harness and are not deemed for any further promotions in the respective departments. As such those appointed on compassionate grounds cannot be given promotion. Preferences for promotion should be given to those who qualified in competitive exams conducted by mandated authorities in order to promote the spirit of meritocracy which is also constitutionally valid as per law. This will leave no room for any contradictions when challenged in the court of law and would also serve the principles of justice. I therefore urge the competent authorities to contemplate upon these anomalies in the various departments and rectify such invalid promotions henceforth. Let promotion be given on merit alone because it is only then that employees who are direct recruits can progress in their career paths.
Yours etc.,
Lionel Pyngrope,
Via email
Why waste parliament’s time on frivolous issues?
Editor,
I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent conduct of our Parliamentarians during the winter session. It is shameful that instead of addressing critical issues like inflation, economic instability, rising pollution, security challenges, and external relations, our elected representatives wasted valuable time on trivial matters.
Our cities are in disrepair, infrastructure is crumbling, and our roads remain among the deadliest globally. Pollution is overwhelming, citizens are struggling to breathe, and inflation continues to rise. Meanwhile, neighbouring countries are advancing, leaving us behind. Yet, neither the ruling party nor the opposition seems genuinely concerned with these urgent issues. Instead, they are preoccupied with frivolous pursuits like making memes and engaging in debates over historical figures. This is not only a waste of time but a betrayal of the trust the public has placed on them.
As a taxpayer and a voter, I demand accountability from our Parliamentarians. They are elected to serve the people, not to indulge in non-productive discussions. There are countless pressing issues that demand their attention, and we can no longer afford to squander time on distractions.
While the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ may or may not be feasible, there should be a clear rule: if Parliamentarians waste time on irrelevant matters, they should not be entitled to their salaries. Only then will they understand the need to prioritize the issues that affect the common citizens of India.
I hope this issue is brought to light and that our elected leaders refocus their efforts on the real challenges facing the nation.
Yours etc.,
R Sarki,
Shillong
Passing of a legend
Editor,
Apropos of the news, “Former PM Manmohan Singh breathes his last” (ST December 27, 2024) Dr Manmohan Singh was an economist with no political experience. In June 1991, the economy he inherited was in a free fall. Forex reserves had plunged to cover barely two weeks of imports. Inflation was in double digits, and global banks had shut their doors to India. The challenge was immense, but within days, Singh, with Prime Minister Rao’s unwavering support, rolled out bold reforms that dismantled decades of economic stagnation. The reforms moved forward despite the resistance, proving the Bombay Club’s fears unfounded. Liberalization unleashed India’s entrepreneurial energy, turning a controlled, low-growth economy into one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Dr Singh and PM Narasimha Rao laid the foundation for the India we see today—a global economic powerhouse.
There is no better tribute to a man who laid the economic foundation of India than the words of Asim Arun, IPS who was Dr Singh’s bodyguard for 3 years. “Dr Sahab had only one car of his own — a Maruti 800. The car would be parked behind the sparkling BMW at the Prime Minister’s Residence. Manmohan Ji used to often tell me, ‘Asim, I don’t like to drive around in this car [BMW]. This [Maruti 800] is my car.’ I used to tell him that the BMW is not for his personal glory but has been picked by the SPG for its security features. However, every time the cavalcade would drive by the Maruti, he used to look at his car longingly as he was repeating his pledge in his head: ‘I am a middle-class person and it is my job to think about the concerns of commoners. This car worth crores is of the PM. My car is Maruti.'”
May the soul of an illustrious son of India rest in peace.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email