Editor,
There is a grave concern regarding the quality of public water supplied by our government in Upper Shillong, particularly in Mawnianglah village. Each morning, residents receive cloudy, brown and yellowish water laden with visible dirt and suspended particles resembling raw sewage. While the thought alone is repulsive, this is the very water the villagers must rely on for washing clothes, cleaning utensils, and even drinking.
One can only imagine the plight of mothers forced to feed this poison to their infants and children. The health consequences may not be immediate, but over time, they could be severe and irreversible.
Just the other day, a resident rinsing his mouth reported gagging from a foul, urine-like stench emanating from the very water meant for daily use. This is the state of our most basic necessity—this is what the government deems fit for its people.
While the nation strides toward progress, our leaders seem determined to drag us backwards. Despite constitutional mandates and proclamations about the right to clean water, we remain neglected. This is not just an inconvenience; this is a crisis. A matter of survival. We have long heard that the government turns a blind eye to our struggles—but will it remain deaf to a state emergency?
Must we wait for a tragedy before action is taken?
Yours etc.,
Barilang Pyngrope
Allahabad
Why is Finance Dept flouting it’s own rules on officiating employees?
Editor,
It has come to our notice that, despite being fully aware of the irregularities, no action has been initiated against government employees holding officiating posts in violation of clear rules outlined by the Finance Department. The Department is aware of such violations but has not intervened to address them. Specifically, the Finance Department’s Office Memorandum dated December 1, 1998, set forth a standard procedure for government employees holding higher posts in an officiating capacity.
The memorandum states that government employees would only be allowed to hold dual charge when the employee’s scale of pay was identical within the same cadre, and only for a period not exceeding six months. Additionally, the arrangement should be based on the seniority of officers in the next lower rank, as per the gradation list, stationed at the headquarters of the vacant post.
Moreover, the Finance Department’s subsequent Office Memorandum on July 31, 2018 (No. FEG.2/2001/Pt-I/22) clearly stated that individuals holding dual charge should receive a Charge Allowance of 10 percent of their basic pay.
While these orders are straightforward, it appears that they are being blatantly ignored. We reiterate the instance where we have learned that a grade four employee has been allowed to officiate in a higher post and is receiving the salary of the higher position, which is well above the pay of their original post, instead of just the prescribed Charge Allowance. The appointment of this employee has raised questions, as the seniority principle outlined in the gradation list was not followed.
This case seems to be just one of many, as there are likely other such violations occurring in different departments. There have even been instances where government employees, sidelined by favouritism, have had to approach the courts to seek justice, since the government and its departments refuse to adhere to the very rules and orders they themselves have set in place. Such incidents expose the government’s blatant disregard for fairness and transparency.
The perpetuation of favouritism through such actions casts a dark shadow over the government and creates a toxic environment. This practice promotes inequality, sending a message that merit takes a backseat to personal connections and influence. It is essential that the authorities address this issue with urgency. We urge the concerned departments to investigate these matters and take action to eliminate undeserving individuals from officiating posts, while promoting the appointment of qualified individuals in accordance with the established rules.
The “blue-eyed boy” phenomenon, where personal connections outweigh merit, is now widespread, even influencing high-level decisions. It is an open truth that favouritism, driven by political and bureaucratic preferences, is damaging the integrity of the system. If we are to build a truly fair and merit-based bureaucracy, it is vital to root out such practices and uphold the principles established by the government itself.
We reiterate that departments must identify and review individuals who have been allowed to flout the rules and regulations. The Finance Department, as the guardian of these procedures, must act decisively to rectify these irregularities and maintain public trust. Only by doing so can they fulfil their duty to the people and to the government employees, as the government claims to be “pro-people.”
The growing influence of favouritism could damage the credibility of the Chief Minister’s good intentions. The recent success of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) in the District Council polls reflects public frustration with such practices. If the system continues to overlook these issues, the VPP’s rise in 2028 could become a reality, serving as a stark warning that cannot be ignored.
Yours etc.,
Sanbor Wahlang,
Shillong – 3
Catch them young!
Editor,
The level of competing civil service aspirants in the state is commendable especially with the support of the state authorities under the Chief Minister’s initiative to train and tutor aspirants for the UPSC. There are no dearth of talent and skill sets. However, the next levels is for the Government to focus on scouting for young minds at the High School level, from Class 8 onwards and giving them an insight into the civil services examinations so that as they go up the academic ladder their thought processes are sharpened and they develop that competitive spirit. Other than civil service aspirants, the Government can ally with reputed institutions to train the youth for other exams such as SSC, RRB, IES, IFS, even NDA, CDS and IMA and tap the unexplored talents, skills and potential. Hope that such initiatives are undertaken effectively.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar,
Via email
Intellectuals with inflated egos
Editor,
The letters by OR Shallam and Dr Omarlin Kyndiah which appeared in the Shillong Times on March 31, 2025 under the caption “Misrepresentation of Behdienkhlam and Chad Sukra: A call for respect and constitutional adherence” and “Let bygones be bygones” respectively made interesting reading. The words that both these gentlemen expressed were genuine, reasonable and factual. The Khasis are an ancient race and ardent believer in their social and cultural practices and they have their own genuine and strong belief system which are ancient. They know that the tongue is boneless. The tongue which is boneless is considered deadly because it can wield immense power through words. Words spoken can inspire, comfort, or heal, but they can also hurt, deceive, and destroy relationships or reputations. Cultures and philosophies across the world emphasize the impact of speech—some likening harsh or manipulative words to weapons capable of doing irreversible damage. Ancient writings often stress the importance of controlling the tongue, as spoken words can lead to conflict, spread falsehoods, or provoke anger. The saying “The pen is mightier than the sword” reflects a similar sentiment, highlighting how communication, whether written or spoken, can shape or disrupt societies.
It was correct on the part of OR Shallam to raise his genuine concerns and rightly concluded “It is only through mutual respect and understanding that we can truly work toward a sustainable and harmonious future.” It was indeed nice of Dr Omarlin Kyndiah to have made his reasonable and sensible points and ended with, “Let bygones be bygones! Marks of a genuine intellectual.
Intellectuals with inflated egos should be careful of their tongue. Remember it is boneless.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email