Editor,
The moment one enters Jowai, one is greeted by a big and large crowd welcoming the people into the town. Come see the beauty of this town, they seem to say. In case one wonders what this colorful crowd is, why, it’s the pile of garbage lining the highway from Khliehtyrchi to the innermost localities of the town! This is Jowai town– a huge pile of garbage!
Is this the new normal for Jowai town? Piles of garbage are increasing by the day. Have we decided that this is the solution to waste management? Why are there no proactive discussions from our leaders regarding waste management? Why should waste management not share the same urgency as for Covid 19? Due to the absence of a proper landfill should our leaders not take this issue as top priority? Also, where are the concerned authorities dumping waste? No one in Jowai seems to know. And those who do, keep their mouths shut, as though it’s a top secret experiment being conducted.
Recently, the Swachhata Hi Seva programme was conducted throughout many localities in Jowai, but yesterday, I saw piles of garbage within and in the vicinity of the Iawmusiang market area. Also, every passerby has to cover their mouth and nose when they pass by the lane next to Biar Mythong. This is because most of the time, this area is infested with a pile of Huggies, and faecal matter. This area also happens to be a urinating area. Is the Swachchhata Hi Seva working or is it just a publicity stunt? That is for people to decide and be critical in the upcoming elections.
The waste management issue has been a problem in Jowai since 2020 and it remains an issue till date. The National Games will be held in Meghalaya in 2027. Let us see what magic this present government will conjure up with regards to waste management. Can they come up with a solution fast enough like the building of a resort near Thadlaskein? Only time will tell. For now, let us breathe the foul stench coming out of our waste.
Yours etc.,
E.O. Laloo,
Jowai
Baby Come & Light My Fire
Editor,
When Jim Morrison sang, “Baby, come and light my fire,” I think he might have composed it in Meghalaya because the electricity is always out. It sounds funny until you realize it’s our daily reality.
While the rest of the world races toward renewable energy and smart grids, many parts of Meghalaya still plunge into darkness the moment clouds gather. It’s ironic, considering we have one of the highest rainfalls and abundant natural resources. Frequent power cuts have become so normalized that candles, lanterns, and power banks now feel like part of our identity.
But this isn’t just an inconvenience. It affects businesses, hospitals, schools, and livelihoods. Guesthouse owners are forced to rely on generators, spending heavily on diesel just to keep the lights on. Tourism, one of Meghalaya’s main sources of income, suffers when visitors face frequent blackouts. Imagine students studying for exams by candlelight, small entrepreneurs watching their earnings vanish because their equipment won’t run, or influencers unable to edit videos because their laptops have died. Forget all that, how are essential services and printing presses even functioning?
The government must prioritize upgrading power infrastructure, ensuring reliable energy distribution, and exploring sustainable sources like solar (well, maybe not our best bet in the land of clouds) and hydro, which fits our geography perfectly. Citizens too must raise their voices, not just when the lights go out but when promises fade.
So yes, “baby, come and light my fire” might sound like a joke. But beneath it lies the truth, we mango citizens are tired of living in the dark, literally and metaphorically.
Currently typing this from my phone at 5 percent battery because hope still lingers under the candlelight’s flickers.
Your’s etc,
Shivani Pde,
Via email
Grievance of a job aspirant
Editor,
This is to bring to your kind attention the growing concern among candidates regarding the prolonged delay and lack of transparency in the recruitment process for the post of Forest Guard under the District Selection Committee (DSC), East Khasi Hills.
The recruitment for the post of Forest Guard was advertised in August 2024, and the written examination was conducted only in July 2025, nearly 11 months after the advertisement. The result of the written examination was declared on 14th August 2025, followed by the Local Language Test on 30th August 2025, the results of which were announced on September 17, 2025.
However, since then, there has been no update regarding the next stage, i.e., the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). It has now been over one and a half months since the last result was declared yet the PET schedule has not been announced. This extended delay has caused growing frustration and uncertainty among candidates who have been waiting patiently for the process to move forward.
Moreover, it has come to our notice that other DSCs from different districts have been publishing their results with both candidate names and roll numbers, ensuring transparency and fairness. In contrast, the DSC East Khasi Hills has been releasing results only with roll numbers, making it difficult for candidates and the general public to verify or confirm the authenticity of the selection lists.
Such a lack of openness raises doubts about the fairness of the process and could potentially lead to nepotism or favouritism, thereby affecting the credibility of the recruitment.
It is also worth mentioning that the recruitment for the post of Lower Division Assistant (LDA), which was advertised only on September 2, 2025, has already progressed rapidly with candidates being called for the written examination on October 8, 2025. This shows that newer recruitments are moving ahead faster than earlier ones, adding to the disappointment of those waiting for the Forest Guard recruitment to conclude.
In view of the above, it is sincerely requested that the District Selection Committee, East Khasi Hills should kindly:
Expedite the remaining stages of the Forest Guard recruitment, especially the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), without further delay.
Ensure greater transparency by publishing results with both candidate’s name and roll number, as practiced by other districts.
Maintain a clear, fair, and accountable recruitment process to prevent any scope for nepotism or bias.
Your kind attention and prompt action in this matter will be highly appreciated by all concerned candidates and will help restore faith in the integrity of the recruitment process.
Yours etc.,
A Concerned Candidate
Name withheld on request,
Via email
