Editor,
Referring to the news item which appeared on July 16h, 2025 in the Shillong Times regarding the ‘Law Adong’ located in Mawpat, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Bah Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit and his party (VPP) for highlighting the gradual erosion of the forest over the years.
Being a regular trekker in these parts for more than thirty years now, I have been a beneficiary of the clean air and serene environment that the forest has to offer. Moreover, I can also bear witness to the fact that the forest provides a safe sanctuary for the crows and variety of bird species that have all but disappeared from other parts of Shillong.
Going back to 2018, I was elated when the KHADC under the leadership of Bah Ardent and the erstwhile Syiem of Mylliem declared the forest as ‘Law Adong’ for the purpose of preserving it for the future generations. Hopefully, the collective spirit of the tribal way of life, which regards the community forest as sacred, will triumph over the individualistic greed of modern day capitalism.
Finally, I request all those concerned with the well-being of this patch of greenery, in an ever-growing concrete jungle, to make your voices heard so that the powers that be will take notice.
I wish the noble gesture of preserving the forest by Bah Ardent and his party a resounding success.
Yours etc,
P S Nongsiej,
Via email
Expedite disbursal of the Centralised Provident Fund Scheme
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I once again would like to make an appeal to the Government’s conscience regarding the long-standing plight of Deficit School Employees in Meghalaya—an issue your publication has highlighted time and again, yet one that remains tragically unresolved.
The recent death of a retired Deficit School Employee in Tura has brought the issue into painfully sharp focus. This gentleman retired on May 30, 2025 after decades of selfless service. In accordance with the directive issued by the Director of Elementary and School Education, he deposited his entire savings into the bank under the Centralised Provident Fund (CPF) scheme on 30 November 2024, with hopes of a secure post-retirement life. Instead, he was left empty-handed. Within weeks, he fell critically ill and was rushed to GNRC Hospital, Guwahati. Unable to access his Centralised Provident Fund (CPF) scheme or secure an emergency loan—due to the absence of pension documents—his family had no choice but to borrow from others. Tragically, it was too late. He passed away, leaving behind a grieving widow now struggling to manage daily household expenses, still waiting for the pension that was rightfully his.
This is not an isolated case. Teachers and fourth-grade staff who have served our society with dedication and dignity continue to face systemic delays in receiving their retirement benefits. Their stories frequently appear in newspapers, but rarely seem to stir meaningful action.
I therefore urgently request the Government and the concerned department to:
1) Expedite the implementation of the CPF scheme and ensure that the pension benefits of the deceased employee are extended to his widow on humanitarian grounds.
2) Establish a fast-track mechanism to ensure that all retiring Deficit School Employees receive at least interim pension orders and Gratuity within months of retirement, allowing them to meet medical and familial emergencies.
The Hon’ble High Court has already directed the State to implement the Centralised Provident Fund scheme. Every delay is not merely administrative—it is a matter of life, dignity, and justice. We must act now to prevent further suffering. Let no teacher or staff member die waiting for what is rightfully theirs.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj Chhetry,
Tura
Negligence and Inefficiency of Shillong GPO
Editor,
I am writing to express my frustration and disappointment with the abysmal service provided by the General Post Office (GPO) in Shillong, specifically with regards to the delivery of my updated Aadhaar card.
As a resident of Lummawrie, Laitumkhrah, I applied for an update of my Aadhaar card over a month ago (12th of June 2025). However, despite numerous visits to the GPO office in IGP, I have yet to receive my updated card. The unhelpful and uncertain responses from the office staff have only added to my frustration.
In contrast, a friend who applied on the same day received his card within two weeks, despite living in a more remote area (Sohra, Shella). This raises concerns about the GPO’s efficiency and the systematic functioning of our city’s postal service. Is it too much to expect a timely and reliable delivery of essential documents like Aadhaar cards?
As a citizen, I am forced to ask: Am I expected to use and carry an A4-sized e-Aadhaar everywhere I go?
I urge the authorities to investigate and improve the GPO’s services. Citizens deserve timely and reliable delivery of essential documents.
Yours etc.,
E. Sumer,
Via email