Editor,
I commend the Sein Niamtre Ki Khynnah Purae Shillong for their proactive engagement with the evolving dynamics of secularism in Meghalaya. The statement made by the Minister of Education, Rakkam A. Sangma, asserting that Meghalaya is a “Christian State,” raises significant constitutional concerns regarding the secular nature of India. The Indian Constitution explicitly designates the country as a secular state under Articles 25 to 28, which guarantee freedom of religion and prohibit the state from favouring or endorsing any particular faith. Secularism is a fundamental feature of the Constitution, and state governments are prohibited from favoring one religion over another. It serves as the foundation of our national identity. Therefore, declaring a state as aligned with a single religion could infringe upon the religious freedoms of minority groups such as the Niamtre and Niam Khasi. When such extreme statements come from a lawmaker, it raises serious concerns about the expectations we can have from individuals with such strong beliefs.
The population of Meghalaya exemplifies a highly open and pluralistic society. However, the growing trend of religious polarization for political gain poses a risk of division among the populace, exacerbating communal tensions and undermining the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution.
We respectfully request an apology from the State Cabinet Minister in charge of Education, Rakkam A. Sangma, and urge him to consider resigning on moral grounds due to his controversial remarks.
Yours etc.,
K.Lato (Member of Niamtre Sein Raij)
Via email
In appreciation of STEMS school bus service
Editor,
The service of the STEMS School Bus has been a blessing indeed to my daughter and the family. The main reason is that my daughter is happy, comfortable and satisfied with the Bus in many ways.
Earlier before we availed the Bus Service, I would have to take her to and from school on my two-wheeler. It’s good because we never suffer traffic problems too much. But with the School Bus she always reached school on time. The STEMS bus service has reduced the number of vehicles on the road thereby reducing the traffic chaos.
There’s a saying, ‘Time is money.’ Many times I had to stop my work midway to pick up my daughter from school. I was really at my wits end since there was no alternative. The STEMS school bus service has come as a boon since I don’t need to leave my workplace and I am also confident that my daughter is well looked after by the STEMS personnel.
Travelling on a two-wheeler is extremely difficult during rainy days. We used to dream of a better public transport system that would cater specially to school going children and with STEMS that dream is a reality today. My daughter is so comfortable with the Bus that even if I volunteer to pick her up sometimes she refuses as she prefers to use the school bus service.
Whenever we asked about those manning the Bus our daughter has only positive words about them. The Bus is always punctual but that punctuality also depends on the parents dropping their kids at the pick- up point. Often, parents fail in that duty and the Bus is kept waiting for that one student. I was also late in dropping my daughter sometimes and the caretaker had to call me because the Bus had reached the boarding point.
We cannot but appreciate the effort put in by the staff to do their best in all aspects. The driver and the caretaker are very polite and they take their responsibility seriously. A special salute to them! The Bus is clean and comfortable. Although it’s just the beginning of the service, yet the team has done their best despite the negligible shortcomings. Parents have to work in close collaboration and cooperation with the STEMS family to improve services.
As a parent, I am so grateful to the STEMS team and encourage them to do better in the days to come. STEMS is an attempt to contribute towards easing the city’s traffic problems and for the welfare of students and parents as well.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Jowai
Too many projects hanging fire in Meghalaya
Editor
The Govt has stated that many key projects are set for completion in 2025. The most important and key project is the Assembly building which in spite of celebrating the 25th year of its destruction due to fire is yet to see the beacon of light through the dome which was once destroyed while the new one is yet to be installed. The two medical colleges in Meghalaya are also in the backburner as years have gone by but the medical colleges are yet to function whereas the medical college started by the USTM is already functioning. In this meantime our neighbouring state of Assam has started a medical college in each district headquarter.
Vehicles are increasing and the roads remain the same but the traffic congestion has not yet been resolved. The two wheelers which have become a menace by their pranks go scot-free and no fine is imposed on them, whereas in Guwahati when the traffic police see vehicles violating the traffic rules on the CCTV cameras they immediately send the fine slip to the car/two wheeler owner’s address. Crores of rupees have been collected through this system.
There are more projects which are yet to start or are incomplete due to various hurdles, which the Government is fully aware of. There cannot be any development if the Government continues to succumb to objections by various pressure groups.
The Government has to be more strict and take up development projects without being hamstrung by objections on flimsy grounds. Government is elected to carry out development programmes and not to hedge on its responsibility to please certain constituents. The Government has promised to make Shillong a smart city but the snail’s pace at which development is carried out makes it impossible to deliver on its promises. Who knows when Shillong will really become a smart city!
Yours etc.,
S.L Singhania,
Via email