Editor,
The Bihar elections seem to have violated all the rules of social distancing and masking. People crowd together and on Tuesday when the votes were being counted supporters of the respective parties were seen celebrating without masks. Only a few people wore masks; others couldn’t be bothered. Even here in Shillong people seem to have become tired of following Covid protocols and are moving around nonchalantly without masks or wearing their masks below their mouths. One wonders whether they even care about hand washing and sanitizing. Testing in Meghalaya has come down after the Government announced that testing is payable. I wonder how that is going to affect the state and its people now that winter is approaching and we are told that Covid19 spike during winter. We have seen what’s happening in the European countries which have gone in for a second lockdown. Do we in Meghalaya want to arrive at a similar situation? But how much can government do if people don’t have show basic responsibility in keeping the pandemic at bay?
This newspaper had written some months ago that following the Covid protocols requires behavioral change. As a psychologist I can say that behavioral change is the toughest change to bring about. Humans are hard wired to go by habit. The mask is a new thing and uncomfortable too. Many complain of suffocation when wearing masks. It is especially uncomfortable for those wearing spectacles. But Covid demands that we make sacrifices to protect ourselves and others from the virus. Conveying this to the person on the street is the biggest challenge. There is ample evidence that masking and social distancing as well as hand hygiene can keep Covid away but some people feel they are invincible. Earlier on the Dorbar Shnong had taken responsibility to enforce these Covid protocols but they too have now become weary. Besides, not all Dorbar Shnong are responsive. There are localities like Nongmynsong and Pynthor where people are seen crowding and without masks. To expect police to be present to impose a fine on all violators is asking for the impossible. Can the religious institutions of all shades come forward to create a sustained awareness campaign on the importance of observing Covid protocols?
Yours etc.,
MS Sawkmie,
Via email
Coal distracts from other issues
Editor,
Never has a government been so exposed at wheeling-dealing insofar as the issue of illegal mining and transportation of coal is concerned. From TUR a civil society organization to politicians and political parties, all are focused on the issue of coal to the exclusion of all other issues. I am not saying that this issue is not important. The coal scam has exposed shows the venality of the present government but there are other very serious issues too that need to be addressed. Why has not a single MLA raised any questions in the Assembly on the extremely poor quality of the roads within Shillong city and its suburbs, not to speak of the rural areas? Meghalaya is now beginning to become like Nagaland or competing to get there. I am also amused that there are no pressure groups to take up the issue of bad roads or other matters that affect the general public. Since the BJP is the only Party that is raking up issues of corruption can it also take up the matter issue of bad roads with their Minister for Road Transport and Highways Mr Nitin Gadkari who we are told is a very responsive minister. However, there must be a way by which the funds for road construction and repair must be channelized in such a way that the state government will not be able to have a hand in the execution and the project must be monitored by an independent agency. Otherwise we will continue to have roads that last only six months and are washed away with the first rains, especially now that rainfall has become very heavy.
I recall when PA Sangma was the CM of Meghalaya he brought the Oriental Company to construct a few roads. These roads were excellent to drive on and lasted several years with any need for repairs. Of course he lost his job for doing what was right. The contractor lobby – a very powerful vested interest group in Meghalaya, paid money to topple the PA Sangma government. Today, Sangma’s son is sitting in the chair he once occupied but he is yet to bring in any development that will stand out because of excellent execution. On the contrary he has to battle allegation after allegation almost on a daily basis. When will we get a government we deserve? Or do we deserve a good government?
Yours etc.,
Marsella Phawa,
Via email
A model PHC
Editor,
Every time our rural health sector comes into focus in the local or national news it often leaves a bad taste in the mouth and embarrasses the Health Department authorities and reflects on the poor performance of the State Government. But, while all this makes news there are a few that stand out from amongst the rest. The Primary Health Centre at Pongtung near Pynursla is a prime example of dedication, determination and commitment of the individuals working there. The medical health officer in-charge along with his team deserve recognition and appreciation for whatever making use of whatever resources they have to handle a several patients on a daily basis. Some patients I met at Pongtung spoke highly of the PHC and its staff and preferred it to the CHC at Pynursla Block. Such examples of dedication to the cause of medicine should be replicated and recognised as best innovative practices which can become part of the learning process.
Yours etc.,
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar
Shillong
