Editor,
The news item ” Environmental lapses: MSPCB imposes 15 lakh penalty on NHIDCL”( ST – Nov 7, 2025) seems to convey the message that NHIDCL is being punished enough for the pollution of the River Umngot. But without needing to dive deep into the issue, the amount of Rs. 15 lakh fixed appears to be hasty, arbitrary, random and lacking of any rational yardstick. Hence, these questions arise : What is the criteria adopted to determine the above amount of penalty, keeping in mind the scale of destruction caused to River Umngot and its surroundings? What is the monetary cost arrived at for environmental restoration of the Umngot and its surroundings? What is the quantum of present and projected future loss of income to the stakeholders during the time it will take the Umngot to recover before tourism returns, if at all it returns to its heydays? These are only a few questions from a lay person and I think experts from our universities, etc will be able to ask more incisive questions but will they stick their heads out?
Dishearteningly, representatives from the affected area have not exactly raised a storm or hellfire in light of the seriousness of the issue. Their responses have been tepid. What a shame! The stakeholders like Boatmen, Fishermen, Transport Operators, homestay owners and the general public who are bearing the full negative force of the destruction of their river and livelihoods seem to be in disarray lacking committed leaders who can fight for fair compensation for present survival and restoration of the Umngot for the their own future well- being and the well- being of the future generations.
In conclusion, I am of the opinion that the said token penalty of 15 lakhs is like a rap on the knuckles for the murder of the environment.
Yours etc.,
Samuel Swett
Shillong – 2
Bureaucrat’s Gambit and Students’ Convenience
Editor,
A majority of students from Meghalaya, both within and outside the state, depend on financial assistance from the Post Matric Scholarship of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA). This scheme, known locally as the Umbrella Post Matric Scholarship for ST students, is accessed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). While many students believe this is a state-sponsored scheme, the State Government contributes only 10% of the funds;the remaining 90% comes from MoTA.
The scheme’s complexity lies in its disbursement process. MoTA releases funds to the states in multiple instalments (sometimes as many as four or five). The release of the next instalment is contingent upon the state submitting an expenditure report—showing the full spending of the previous instalment—and the availability of the Ministry’s funds.
Previously, the State Government, upon receiving the first instalment, could disburse the full amount to students in certain courses, such as professional ones. Consequently, only a few thousand students received their full amount, while others (like those in general courses) had to wait for the next instalment. This cycle was quite time-consuming and took months to complete. The unpaid students would often complain about the delay, even resorting to agitation and protests with the help of pressure groups. Although DHTE officials tried to explain the entire procedure, the students were not satisfied with the clarification and would continue the same protests every year.
This year, DHTE bureaucrats came up with a gambit that silenced all students. Upon receiving the first instalment, they disbursed the funds to all students but in instalments. From the full amount of barely Rs 10,000 – Rs 30,000, students received Rs 2,000- Rs 6,000. This made them more inconvenienced, wondering how the amount could be utilized and what they could possibly afford with it, as it couldn’t even pay a semester’s fee.
The State Government was helpless, despite efforts to help students, such as the newly introduced Chief Minister Scholarship Scheme (CMSS) which is expected to somehow benefit them. But the gambit, implemented just to silence student complaints and agitation, has caused not only great inconvenience; it has deprived students of the ability to demand what they fundamentally deserve. Furthermore, it demonstrates the government’s refusal to take accountability and solve the complexity of the issue. It’s either that the gambit needs to stop—requiring students to remain patient and consistently track their application on the portal while following the full amount disbursement again—or they need to ask for a revamp of the entire disbursement process from the Ministry to the states.
Yours etc.,
Ribait Phawa,
Via email
Trump’s shadow shapes America’s polical shift
Editor,
Over and above what the editorial has mentioned in “Taming of Trump “(ST November 7, 2025) the key takeaways from the 2025 elections in the U.S. is that Democrats won governorships in Virginia and New Jersey by double digit margin. Exit polls showed that most Virginia and New Jersey voters disapproved of Trump, and at least 9 in 10 of those people supported Democratic candidates for governor. In New Jersey, GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli’s alignment with Trump hurt his chances despite a strong campaign.
Zohran Mamdani, a democrat socialist, made history as New York City’s first Muslim and Millennial mayor, defeating Andrew Cuoma who ran as an independent. Affordability was the top voter concern as the Exit polls showed that economic anxiety and cost of living were the dominant issues. Democratic candidates focused on affordability, housing and energy costs, while Republicans struggled to distance themselves from Trump. Trump’s influence backfired as many Republican candidates who embraced Trump lost favour with the public. Youth and diversity shaped outcomes as Mamdani’s win were powered by young voters and college-educated urbanites, reflecting a generational shift in political engagement. His campaign emphasized economic justice, social media outreach and symbolic representation.
California’s “Proposition 50” passed, allowing Democrats to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms countering Republican gerrymandering efforts. Why does this matter? These results reflect a growing discontentment with Trump’s second term, especially among urban, younger and economically burdened voters. Democrats are leveraging this momentum to reshape congressional maps and build coalitions ahead of 2026.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
“Shillong’s Faithful Beat: A Gospel Music Hope”
Editor,
Shillong, proudly known as the Rock Capital of India, has long been the heart of live music in the country. From legendary rock bands to international performers, the city has hosted an impressive lineup of artists who have ignited countless stages. Music here isn’t just entertainment; it’s part of the city’s identity, a cultural rhythm that runs through its hills and homes.
Yet, despite the Christian heritage of our beautiful state of Meghalaya, one thing seems to be missing. We have yet to welcome Christian artists to perform in our city. A paradox for a place where faith forms the foundation of community life. Many young people and elders alike have expressed their deep desire to experience gospel music in Shillong, music that uplifts the soul and brings people closer to God.
Our beloved city was founded on Christian values, guided by leaders of faith who built communities grounded in prayer and service. Over time, as the lights of concerts and festivals captured our attention, perhaps we lost sight of the deeper melody that once defined our purpose : the song of the Gospel.
It is time for us to remember who we are and what our faith means. Shillong needs the Gospel, not just as a belief, but as a living presence that restores unity, hope, and purpose among our people. Gospel music isn’t just another genre it is a call to worship, a way to bring people together under one voice of praise and gratitude.
Let us pray for our state, our people, and our future. Let us invite Christ back into the heart of Shillong, not only in our churches but in our streets, schools, and stages. May we once again become a city that not only rocks the nation but that also glorifies God- The Rock of Ages that cleft for us all.
Yours etc.,
Chanmiki Laloo
Shillong-02
