Editor,
Through your esteemed newspaper, I would like to highlight a few things that are so important in the lives of ordinary citizens but which are often overlooked by the authorities who could make such a big difference in our lives.
Would it be asking too much to appeal to the authorities concerned about repainting the faded Zebra Crossings that have come up at crucial points in the city roads. They are our only life-savers which allows us to cross the roads and feel a little bit safe while doing so. However, there are those motorists and drivers of two- wheelers who choose to dis-regard these Zebra Crossings and insist on driving on in spite of the fact that there are pedestrians who are already half-way crossing them. Please could we have some sort of publicity using the FM Radio, sign boards and flashes on the smart boards to educate them on the importance of respecting and allowing access to pedestrians.
The ‘ No Horn’ zone near hospitals are also overlooked by motorists who honk away to glory just so long as they are able to edge ahead of others. There is no respect for the sick. Could we be serious about such rules and let peace and quiet prevail?
Let us make Police Bazar a traffic free- zone once again so that shoppers can shop in peace. We already have GS Road for vehicles to commute to and fro, and why on earth do they need to even go through the market area? And if I can recall correctly the reason for allowing vehicles to go through the market area is to ease traffic. But, has it achieved the purpose? Let us have the courage to shelve the plan if it is not working.
As a parting shot, maybe I belong to a minority who thinks otherwise but are the Stem buses really easing the traffic in Shillong? Let us be honest with ourselves. Have you ever noticed how these buses hold up traffic? Especially when they are breaking the traffic rules and trying to take a Right Turn from General’s Point (Rhino Point). That is the time when I really start to wonder.
It’s high time for Shillong to have a few fly-overs which would be the only solution to tackle the perpetual traffic congestion that we face on a daily basis. Let us not back out because we face some daunting problems imagined or real. Let us have the spirit of the go-getters to push on until those much needed fly-overs materialise. This is a sincere appeal to the authorities who are in a position to make things happen.
Yours etc.,
Jayanti Shadap,
Via email
Urgent need for timely pension disbursement to retired teachers
Editor,
Pension is not merely a post-retirement benefit—it is a fundamental right that ensures financial security and dignity in the twilight years of those who have devoted their lives to public service. Teachers, in particular, play an indispensable role in shaping society, and it is only just that they receive the support they have rightfully earned.
The Government of Meghalaya has commendably committed to providing pensions to teachers from non-government schools and colleges, recognizing their invaluable contributions over decades. In line with this, the accumulated Contributory Provident Fund (CPRF) has already been transferred to the Centralized Pension Fund, reinforcing the government’s obligation to ensure timely pension payments.
However, it is deeply concerning that many retired teachers are facing undue delays in receiving their pensions. Recent representations in the press—by J. Chhetry (ST dated 24.04.2025) and H. Joshi (ST dated 07.05.2025)—highlight the prolonged financial hardship endured by these individuals despite the lapse of significant time since their retirement, reflects their despondency.
For any salaried individual, the sudden halt in income without timely pension support leads to serious financial distress. Without access to regular funds, how can these retired educators meet their daily needs, medical expenses, or maintain basic living standards? The hardship they silently endure is difficult to capture in words.
In light of this, it is strongly recommended that the government consider granting provisional pension to retired teachers whose pension cases are pending. This interim support could later be adjusted against their final pension arrears, ensuring both compassion and administrative accountability.
We must also remember that retired teachers, due to their age, are often unable to seek alternative income sources. It is therefore imperative that pensions be disbursed promptly—ideally by the end of the month in which they retire.
As a society striving for quality education, our foremost duty is to ensure the welfare of our educators. It is time we honour their service not just in words, but in timely and just action. Let us not allow those who once stood tall in classrooms to suffer in silence during their retirement.
Yours etc…
Krishna Chettri
Shillong -2