Editor,
Much has been publicised about the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission and its ambitious plans at making the state self sufficient in fish production and that too within a short time frame. While the objectives and the efforts are appreciated , it is however a matter of concern of many as to whether the Mission is moving on the right track because of the huge projected target in the initial year itself. It was reported earlier that a total of 5618 individual ponds of 0.1 hectares each have already been sanctioned under the Mission . It is recently reported again that 11, 473 ponds are now under different stages of construction and it is expected that there are more to come (ST 31st March 2013). It is an amazing feat within a very short time which leaves one wondering as to whether the Mission already has massive dedicated manpower in place to ceaselessly carry out field verification prior to selection of sites of all the ponds and to assess the feasibility particularly when the assessment is to be cramped only within three or four months of the driest period of the year to ascertain the availability of perennial water at the site at that point of time. Moreover, with the ceiling of a uniform size of 0.1 hectare per pond, it would be more tedious and time consuming to identify and determine in the field the size of a pond as fixed. It can be either more than 0.1 hectare which is quite rare in the hilly areas or less than that which is more common and the authentic identification as such will eventually determine the actual cost and the future output. Consequently, if there is limited field verification, there is every likelihood that the assessments in most cases will be made from the details given in the applications of the individuals only and where the site may be not actually feasible in the field. Moreover, if field assessment is random or limited, there is every chance that fake applicants will take undue advantage because of the high subsidy benefit available in the first year itself without much concern for the small loan repayment. The possibility of political considerations rather than anything else in the choice of beneficiaries also cannot be ruled out. Because of all these factors, there is every possibility that the achievement reflect in paper in the end may not finally correspond to what is there in the field and may even come short of the anticipated outcomes. This would defeat the very purpose for which the Mission is set up for. It is learnt that the “1000 ponds scheme” of 2005-06 did not really create the anticipated impact. Therefore it would be practical perhaps to minimize the target in the initial years so as to concentrate on proper identification of sites and beneficiaries, ensure effective monitoring and appraisal during implementation for which the target can further be escalated in the succeeding years when things are expected to become more settled. No doubt, there will be genuine cases out of many and successful ponds of such individuals can serve as show piece for favourable impact and to generate interest in others. Because of such instances and with a much more contained approach within manageable limits in the initial years and also with reasonable time, I am sure that the goal can be genuinely achieved .
Yours etc.,
KL Tariang,
Via email
Questions that demand answers
Editor
Time and again teachers are compelled to come out on the streets to force the government to release their rightful dues. The college teachers have not yet received the 80 percent arrears due to them as per the Sixth Pay Revision. The fact that the government took the college teachers for a ride on December last, when they were suddenly summoned to sign the undertaking is demeaning. This action had raised the hopes of the teachers as they thought that they would finally get their arrears before Christmas. Unfortunately, their high hopes were dashed because till date the government remains silent and indifferent on the issue. Moreover, the DA had been enhanced from 51 to 58 pc with effect from July 2011 and 58 to 65pc from Jan 2012 and from 65 to 72pc on July 2012. The arrear DA due to the teachers from this hike is still awaited. Adding to the woes of the college teachers is the fact that Meghalaya is the only state in India that deprives its teachers of the allowances, pension and enhancement of retirement age. In spite of such apathy the college teachers have not presently resorted to agitational steps. Instead they are diligently doing their examination duties in their endeavour to serve their students to the best of their ability. Would the pending dues be released if and only when the teachers resort to drastic measures? What would be the fate of the students if stern action is taken up by the teachers? Don’t you think that such a step motherly attitude adopted by the government towards the college teachers would deter the young talented aspirants from taking up this profession? Does the government have the moral right to harass its teachers at all levels?
Today, we see the efflux of thousands of students from this region to other states in India to pursue higher studies as the job market now demands skills besides knowledge. Can we still brag that Meghalaya is the education hub of North East? Why are we still basking in lost glory instead of adopting appropriate measures to improve the education scenario of our state?
Yours etc.,
Aiom Shabong,
Via email
Aquaculture mission in Meghalaya
Editor,
Being a resident of Mawtap ( Sohiong), and earlier working in Odisha cadre(now retired) in Koraput and Ganjam districts which are adjacent to Andhra Pradesh, I am very familiar with the work culture, and system of fish production in Andhra Pradesh. I am therefore very sceptical of the success of the Meghalaya Aquaculture Mission, seeing the work culture of our people.
What are the main factors that contribute to Andhra’s success?
1. People of Coastal Andhra Pradesh are extremely hardworking, especially the women.
2. The abundance of human potential- Andhra Pradesh has managed to create a huge pool of experts like doctors to produce fish fingerlings, inspect the fish ponds daily and scientific laboratories to check and treat diseases of the fish whenever they occur. These experts are in a symbiotic relationship with the pond owners. THEY DO NOT GET ANY SALARY FROM THE GOVERNMENT. Each expert looks after adequate number of ponds to earn their livelihood and they liaison with the Government whenever the need arises. They are therefore responsible for the success of Andhra Pradesh in pisci-culture and poultry farming which is run in the same model. Do we have adequate number of such experts in Meghalaya? If the State Government has to depend on its officers to look after the ponds, it is almost guaranteed that the Mission will fail.
I suggest that the Government select sufficient numbers of unemployed biological science graduates to undergo training in Andhra Pradesh or any other state for pisci-culture. It should be made clear to them that the State Government will not be responsible for their employment when they return.
If this is done immediately, some human resource potential will be available and by the year 2017 there may be some positive results. This can be a reminder to the Hon, CM that 2018 will also be an election year. Since he has personally come to inaugurate the Aquaculture Mission in Mawtap (Sohiong constituency) ,the success or failure of the Mission in Sohiong will be keenly watched.
Yours etc.,
T.H.S Bonney IFS(retd)
Mawtap Sohiong village
