Editor,
The news emanating from Washington “Trump at it again, says ‘ceasefire’ a ‘big success’ “(ST May 17 2025) is amusing. Donald Trump the baron of business is good at taking credit for the ceasefire and claims that it is a big success but Indian officials maintained that the agreement was reached through direct military negotiations between the Director General of Military Operations of both countries. India emphasized that it was a bilateral decision, independent of external influence. Pakistan leadership acknowledged the ceasefire but did not explicitly confirm Trump’s role in mediation. Instead, they highlighted diplomatic efforts and international pressure as contributing factors. It is strange how the American President says that the ceasefire was a big success when despite the agreement, Pakistan reportedly violated the ceasefire within hours by launching drone attacks across various parts of India, including Srinagar and Rajouri. Surely this is not Trump’s big success but it raises concerns about the sustainability of the peace deal.
Brahma Chellaney, Professor Emeritus of Strategic Studies at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi has been highly critical of India’s decision to agree to a ceasefire with Pakistan. He argued that India “snatched defeat from the jaws of victory” by halting military operations just three days into Operation Sindoor. He warned that the ceasefire may not be sustainable, given Pakistan’s history of violating agreements.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
The frustrated unpaid doctors
Editor,
The contractual doctors who are the backbone of medical care at various health centres across the state are facing hardships because the state government does not pay them their salaries on time. The contractual doctors in the state are mostly the young and freshly graduated bonded MBBS doctors who have worked so hard to earn the degree after years of gruelling study and training but just to be exploited by the government.
The government has not paid the salaries of doctors for months; some have not been paid since their joining of the bonded service, hence the phrase “financial independence” does not exist in their dictionaries. I ask you to imagine a doctor asking for a monthly pocket money from the parents who have high hopes and expections from their in-service doctor child.
When enquired, the DHS officials said that the State does not have the funds allocated for the contractual doctors. That’s it! so simple and clear!
The Government boasts around about the investments they have made in the health sector, donating crores of money for the already rich and wealthy hospitals but just cannot pay the salaries of the doctors who work day and night. Contractual doctors work equally or even more than the regular doctors (who enjoy their credited salaries by the 1st of every month perhaps) sometimes because they cannot even avail leaves other than the 15 days casual leave in a year.
The work is just more than the usual in patient and out patient service. Monthly trainings at their own expenses (TA/DA paid after decades),online meetings, organizing various health melas/ programes at the facility and in the villages; and to sum up they are just over worked,overburdened but unpaid.
The Government keeps stating that the state is lacking doctors but there are hundreds of doctors waiting to be recruited permanently. We don’t want luxury—only fairness.
Timely payment for honest work. Job security for those risking their own physical and mental health and the dignity every worker deserves. Its not just about the money anymore but basic respect for the service the doctors provide. The will and the spirit that we had to care and heal the sick is somehow slowly diminishing.
To the health administrators and the ones just sitting at the office: if we want a resilient health care system, start by valuing those who run it. Begin by paying the doctors on time.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Via email
Enhancing employment opportunities in Meghalaya
Editor,
I would like to share some thoughts on how Meghalaya can increase employment opportunities for its growing workforce.
Employment generation is vital for the economic and social well-being of Meghalaya. The state, blessed with abundant natural beauty and cultural heritage, has immense potential to create jobs if the right strategies are implemented.
First, modernizing agriculture and promoting agro-based industries can boost rural employment. Training farmers in new techniques and supporting food processing units can increase productivity and create jobs.
Second, Meghalaya’s tourism sector remains largely untapped. By improving infrastructure and promoting eco-tourism and local handicrafts, the state can attract more visitors and generate employment in hospitality, transport, and artisanal work.
Third, encouraging small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through better access to credit and skill development can stimulate entrepreneurship and job creation, especially among youth.
Fourth, improving vocational training aligned with industry needs will equip young people with skills in IT, healthcare, and manufacturing, making them more employable.
Finally, infrastructure development and attracting investments through special economic zones can bring in industries that provide long-term employment.
A focused and collaborative approach involving the government, private sector, and communities is essential. By harnessing its resources and talent, Meghalaya can create sustainable jobs and improve the quality of life for its people.
Yours etc .,
Jerry Jeffrey K Marak
Via email
Lets hope Iewduh receives its facelift in a definite time-frame
Editor,
It was not only interesting to read but even more soulful to see our honourable Chief Minister and his entourage paying a visit to Iewduh which is one of the oldest traditional markets of the state. Without a doubt, those who use this market to earn their livelihoods and those who still buy their wares from this place, have been experiencing numerous difficulties daily but more especially when it rains. As the CM said, it was indeed fortunate that it rained on his visit for him to see the filth and dirt that the people go through on a daily basis. It is also very encouraging that the CM was willing and eager to listen to the vendors as they shared the difficulties they wish to be addressed.
Rs 31 crore is a lot of money that the state government has demarcated for the beautification and infrastructure overhaul especially drainage, public conveniences, electricity and proper lighting. It is common knowledge that these days vendors set up shops anywhere they feel it convenient for them to do so and people too prefer to buy their needs where they have close access to. Yet Iewduh still plays an integral part in the lives of many. Therefore, one feels the need to highlight here that the CM’s visit should yield positive results and not be wasted. Let the Rs 31 crore be used entirely and only for the purpose it has been demarcated for. Let the desires of those who had voiced their hardships before our CM be heard and addressed.
As a substantial sum has been earmarked for this project, one hopes that corruption does not play a part at any level otherwise work culture, quality of materials supplied etc would be compromised. One is sure the Government and the Hima Mylliem will supervise the work on a regular basis so that the project is completed within the time frame and would not prolong for decades as it usually happens with other government projects.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email