Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the growing struggles faced by the bakery business in Meghalaya, especially in recent times. Bakeries play a crucial role in our state’s local economy, offering employment and catering to the daily needs of the people, particularly to the low income societies, it is a means for a source of income.
However, due to the rising cost of the ingredients like flour, butter, eggs, oil and many more ingredients required for the said industry, entrepreneurs are struggling to keep their businesses at a sustainable level.
Over and above that, most of the bakeries in state lack access to modern equipment, reliable supply of electricity, and financial support, coupled with poor facilities for loans and finding their own ground while competing with well established bakeries in town, branded products etc. This makes it hard for small businesses to survive.
It is high time the Government takes note of the challenges, either through the Skill Development Departments by making it easier to acquire loan or support or by creating policies that support and enable small bakery owners— whether through subsidies, improved infrastructure, skill development training, or financial aid. This will definitely provide means of employment to many talented households and individuals alike.
I sincerely hope this letter helps create awareness and prompts the concerned stakeholders to take meaningful action by uplifting the local bakery industry in Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Delicia Vanora Lyngdoh.
Shillong
Equal Justice for All Regions Must Be India’s Priority
Editor,
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir was a horrific act of violence and must be unquestionably condemned by all. Targeting civilians is inexcusable, and I commend the Indian government for its swift action in countering the terrorists responsible for these killings.
But what saddens me most is the stark difference in the response of the government when tragedies like these take place in the Northeast. Repeatedly, justice is postponed or even denied. We must remind the Government of India about the 2021 Nagaland Oting massacre when 13 innocent civilians were shot dead by security personnel and the Government’s refusal to go ahead with any criminal proceedings against them. The 2022 Meghalaya Mukroh firing when six civilians were killed by Assam police and the continued Manipur conflict also bring to light this trend of apathy. There have been numerous atrocities perpetrated by the Indian armed forces in the NorthEast region in the past, but until now, in the majority of instances,the victims have not yet seen justice.
This trend of differential treatment is a basic challenge to our commitment to equality before law. Can we seriously say we are one nation when the devaluation of human life seems to depend on where you are? The Constitution provides equal protection to all citizens, yet these differences imply that some Indians are more equal than others.
I appeal to the Indian Government to drop this discriminatory policy and maintain equal rights for all citizens, regardless of race, religion, or region. Pain has no majority or minority; it is felt the same by everyone. The country needs to insist on consistent accountability and fairness in the quest for justice.
Yours etc.,
Carmel Fedrick Malngiang
Sohra
Rising Youth Unemployment in Meghalaya
Editor,
I am writing this letter not just as a student, but as a young person growing up in Meghalaya, who sees and hears the worries of our youth almost every day. Unemployment among young people in our state is no longer just a statistic. It’s something that’s silently affecting families, causing frustration, and making many of us question what the future holds.
Despite being educated, skilled, and motivated, many young people I know are still struggling to find jobs. I have witnessed classmates who have completed their degrees but are sitting at home, uncertain of what to do next. Some have even considered leaving the state, not because they want to, but because they feel like they have no choice looking at the present situation where neither Government nor private jobs are available. This situation is heartbreaking.
According to reports, over 1.67 lakh youths in Meghalaya are registered as unemployed between 2018 and 2024. That’s a huge number for a state like ours. And although the government has launched schemes like CM-Elevate, PRIME, and Skillerate 2025, I feel these programs haven’t reached many of the people who truly need them. In remote villages or even in parts of Shillong, there’s still a big gap between what is being offered and what young people are actually able to access.
Another major issue is the lack of job diversity. Most opportunities are limited to government jobs, which are few, or small-scale private work, which often don’t pay well. Not everyone wants to be an entrepreneur or start a business either. Some just want stable, fair-paying jobs that match their education and skills.
I sincerely urge the government and other concerned authorities to do the following:
1. Improve awareness about employment schemes through local outreach in schools, colleges, and rural areas.
2. Invest in industries like eco-tourism, IT, green energy, and creative arts that can create more local jobs for the youth.
3. Set up career counseling centers in all districts to guide students early on skills and job pathways.
4. Partner with companies outside the state to create internship or work exchange opportunities for our youth.
If we want to build a stronger Meghalaya, we must invest in the future of our youth not just with words or policies, but with real, visible action. It’s time to listen to the voices of young people and give them more than just hope. We need opportunities.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts.
Yours etc.,
Ribhameiaka Khyriem
Via email