Editor,
The explanation offered by the VPP regarding the modest turnout at its recent outreach programmes merits a balanced examination. It is true that factors such as the monsoon season, ongoing examinations, and the party’s preference for smaller, localised meetings may have influenced attendance. However, it would be equally important to acknowledge that the political context today is not the same as it was during the 2024 election campaign.
The remarkable public response witnessed during the last election was widely seen as an expression of the unprecedented expectations that many citizens had placed on the VPP and its promise of a different style of politics. The enthusiasm generated at that time reflected not only effective campaigning but also the aspirations of voters seeking change.
As with any political party that receives a strong public mandate, sustaining that level of enthusiasm requires continuous engagement and the ability to meet public expectations. Therefore, comparisons between the current outreach programmes and the extraordinary momentum of the 2024 campaign are inevitable.
Rather than attributing lower attendance solely to weather conditions or campaign strategy, it may be worthwhile for all stakeholders to reflect on whether public expectations have evolved since the last election. Such introspection is a normal and healthy part of the democratic process.
Ultimately, the electorate will judge every party not only by its promises but also by its performance and its ability to maintain the confidence and trust of the people.
Yours etc.,
Mantre H Dkhar
Via email
Proposed KHADC Bill Unconstitutional
Editor,
The proposed Non-Tribal Employees Service Licence Bill of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), that seeks to make licensing mandatory for every non-tribal employee engaged in trade and business within its jurisdiction, raises significant constitutional and legal concerns. Autonomous District Councils may be constitutional institutions but are not sovereign entities. Paragraph 10 of the Sixth Schedule specifically empowers District Councils to: “Make regulations for the control of money-lending and trading by non-tribals ” which does not confer any authority whatsoever to regulate employment relationships between private employers. By trying to extend regulatory control from traders to employees, the Bill clearly exceeds the legislative competence conferred under the said paragraph of the Sixth Schedule. Therefore, the proposed bill appears nothing but legislative overreach and is unconstitutional. There are umpteen judicial pronouncements where the Apex Court has held that delegated or limited constitutional authorities cannot enlarge the scope of their powers beyond what the Constitution expressly permits which appears to have been attempted in this case.
Additionally, the Bill raises substantial concerns under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution. Any legislation enacted should and must satisfy the tests of equality, reasonableness and proportionality and must operate within the strict framework of fundamental rights and the limited legislative authority granted under the Sixth Schedule both of which appears to have been blatantly disregarded in the proposed bill.
The proposed legislation therefore, warrants the closest constitutional scrutiny by the Hon’ble Governor to ensure that the exercise of legislative power remains within the bounds of the Constitution and that no encroachment is made upon the fundamental rights of any citizen.
Yours etc.,
NK Kehar
Shillong-3
Pedestrians’ right to footpaths
Editor,
The Supreme Court in a landmark order has stressed upon the importance of providing sufficient footpath facility for pedestrians. Pedestrians are always ignored and they are left to their lot. Although millions of pedestrians walk to work every day in the country, they are not taken as important. They are deprived of their right to walk on safe and well-demarcated foot paths. The Supreme Court has also criticized policies that prioritize vehicles over people. Roads are widened and repaired only for vehicles. While sufficient space is provided for the parking of vehicles, minuscule space is provided to pedestrians and sometimes hardly any space. A large number of pedestrians lose their lives in road accidents. Those who are responsible for road infrastructure development must take into account the safety of pedestrians and provide them the facilities they have a right to. Often footpath vendors are allowed to use space but pedestrians are denied what they require. In many cases vending is given as an excuse for not providing footpath to pedestrians. Policy makers must not think that only car-borne people have the right to use road infrastructure. Pedestrians deserve a dignified way of walking and well laid and demarcated footpaths similar to world standards. Policy makers, civic bodies and the traffic policing system must be held accountable for failure to do so.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS
Kollam
Birth of a Mini Marten at Bishop Cotton Road
Editor,
A couple of years ago, opposite the SMB Office, now located at Bishop Cotton Road (next to the residence of the Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya), the SMB installed two mobile dumpers for collection of “garbage” for residents living along the locality. In time, it became a collection point for “garbage” for people driving along the route and at times both dumpers would overflow. However, it became a habit.
A few months ago, the dumpers were removed and almost overnight, those people for whom this had become a habit, especially for those who would drive past the location and throw their “garbage” into the dumpers, a problem was created.
The easiest way out – the jungle from the Garo Union School to the housing of SMB has become a mini – Marten. This started from December 2025 and vehicles and pedestrians without shame or fear are dumping garbage into the jungle. At times, plastic bags adorn the trees along the road. With the start of the monsoon season the undergrowth hides this waste. Despite the various initiatives of SMB, local activists, literally mounds of waste, especially plastic waste, is being dumped into the jungle.
I would earnestly urge the SMB to take the strictest action, as per law, on this totally reprehensible practice and the population who blatantly break the law.
Yours etc.,
Carmo Noronha,
Via email
