Editor,
The letter to the editor by A Sarki, ‘Concerns regarding Govt’s decision to adapt NCERT textbooks’ (ST Dec 4, 2024), is disconcerting for all school principals, teachers and academicians who have given their approval after a studied approach. I don’t know whether A Sarki writes from a position of experience or expertise, but I will say this – that the government has taken the right decision. Now let the ball roll! I do believe that the state govt has not overlooked the recent changes made by NCERT. And it’s time to stop making erroneous statements about the financial burden when the books are cheap!
It seems only Social Science is crucial for competitive examinations! How naive can we be! May I suggest a sitting with A Sarki, (or for that matter all detractors), selected principals, government officers and teachers to get a clearer perspective on developments on the education front. It’s disheartening to read such letters that should have been written long ago when the government sounded the public on the matter!
Yours etc.,
Kevin Phillips
Shillong – 19
HNLC’s bold promise of monthly salary of Rs 25,000
Editor,
In recent days, the HNLC issued a death threat to the MLA of Sohra for the closure of Mawmluh Cherra Cement Limited (MCCL). This short-sighted decision by the leaders of HNLC, fails to recognize that the economy of Sohra is growing due to tourism. Having a cement factory in the region, which will adversely impact the beauty of nature, will also have a negative impact on tourism in the region.
If the cement factory becomes operational, it will significantly impact the environment and cause air pollution in Sohra. This pollution would affect the people of Sohra and the tourism industry, as tourists would be reluctant to visit an area where they will have to breathe polluted air. Currently, since the factory is not functional, it is beneficial for the environment. HNLC should consider preserving the natural beauty of Sohra by promoting a clean and green environment with no air pollution.
The promise made by HNLC to offer Rs. 25,000 to eligible Khasi tribe members to join the militant outfit sounds like a 2023 joke. Given HNLC’s financial crunch, the source of this money raises significant questions. Instead, HNLC should advocate for preserving Sohra’s environment and allocate funds to plant trees if they genuinely care about the Khasi people or the Jaitbynriew.
HNLC should observe that the environment in Jaintia Hills, especially in Lumshnong, is being polluted by cement factories.
Yours etc.,
David Lyngz,
Via email
