The Minister could not even set the timeframe for commissioning of the airport, which, as announced by the earlier Congress-led MDA government, was scheduled to become operational in December 2007.

Replying to a question raised by Congress legislator Martin M Danggo, the Transport Minister said, "it all depends on the Union Government to make the airport functional."

Mr Momin was caught unaware by the Opposition legislators as he was unable to reply to supplementary queries on the delay in completion of the airport and functioning of Meghalaya Transport Corporation.

"I require notice," was the reply of Mr Momin on most supplementary questions raised by Opposition members.

An irritated Congress legislator Lahkmen Rymbui asked the Minister to do his homework and be fully prepared with relevant answers before coming to the House.

The Minister, however, informed that major construction works in the airport, which was sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 12.21 crore in March 1995, have almost been completed.

Deputy Chief Minister Timothy D Shira informed the House that the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) was launched in West Khasi Hills on April 1.

"The ground work has already started," Mr Shira said while replying to question raised by Mr Danggo adding that as per the scheme each beneficiary will get Rs 70 per day for their work.

Mining and Geology Minister Donkupar Massar said the State has rich mineral reserves with the coal reserves alone amounting to 562 million tonnes. As per a survey conducted in the past, the reserve of limestone was 14.700 million tonnes while that of uranium was 9.22 million tones, he said.

On the question raised by Mr Danggo, the Minister said the other mineral reserves include granite - 50 million cubic metres, kaolin - 5.24 million tonnes, clay - 97 million tonnes and glass sand - 3.0 million tonnes.

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy has informed that there is a move to call for an unscheduled recess of the ongoing Assembly Budget Session, from April 28.

Talking to The Shillong Times on Wednesday, Dr Roy said "The government has forwarded this proposal to Assembly Speaker Bindo M Lanong".

He informed that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) would discuss this proposal before it is tabled in the house.

Sources said that the State government made this proposal following summons from the Planning Commission to finalise the State's annual Plan.

The meeting with the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia is scheduled to take place in Delhi on April 29.

Besides Dr Roy, State Planning Board Chairman PA Sangma, Finance Minister Conrad Sangma, Education Minister Manas Chaudhuri and other State government officials are likely to attend the meeting.

SHILLONG: Mr Ganold Stone Massar will be appointed as the new Advocate General of Meghalaya, official sources informed here Wednesday.

Mr Massar, a senior advocate of the Gauhati High Court and a lawyer of repute, is also the first tribal to be appointed to the post.

Earlier, the position was held by senior counsels from Assam like Mr NM Lahiri and Mr Anil Sharma. This is also the first time that someone from Meghalaya will be occupying the office of Advocate General.

The Advocate General is the prime legal advisor to the Government. It is a constitutional post whereby the incumbent is to render valuable guidance to the Government.

Mr Lyngdoh informed The Shillong Times that the intensive campaigning would begin on May 2 next. The meeting decided to carry out a sustained drive to keep Shillong clean. All the Dorbar Shnong, educational institutions and the commercial areas between GS Road and Motphran would be involved in this drive.

Mr Lyngdoh said that the Task Force also arrived at a decision to free the roads of hawkers. However, he said the Task Force would have to first identify sites or zones to accommodate the hawkers. Once they are shifted the area will be declared a hawker-free zone.

Newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) Ms R Kurbah has been instructed to issue public notices declaring littering, spitting, open defecation and other public nuisances as offences. "Those committing such offences will be imposed with a fine," Mr Lyngdoh informed, adding that those who do not pay the fines and continually flout the rules would be arrested.

A coordination committee comprising the muster roll workers of Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and SMB will be tasked to take up specific responsibilities in the cleaning drive.

Mr Lyngdoh brought the matter to the attention of the Speaker, Mr BM Lanong.

Since this matter comes within the purview of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Mr Lanong has further requested the Minister in charge I&PR, Mr Manas Chaudhuri to consider the proposal.

Mr Chaudhuri informed The Shillong Times that a meeting has been convened on Friday with the authorities of Shillong Doordarshan Kendra to explore the possibilities of live coverage of Assembly proceedings.

It may be mentioned here that the proposal for live coverage of the Assembly proceedings was mooted earlier too but the matter remained inconclusive.

"In the next 20 years, this demand is expected to be 200 million" Fr Kuttala said.

He informed that there are minimum of 34 billion of job seekers registered with employment exchanges in the country and in Meghalalya alone there are 31,249 job seekers who registered themselves with the State employment exchange in 2007.

DBTS director stated that there was a feeling among majority of the training institutes both Government and private that training is incomplete unless it ends with employment and entrepreneurship.

"The major factor that needs to be addressed is to find out a solution to bridge the gap between demand and supply," Fr Kuttala pointed out.

He also added, "In our small step to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled labour, the DTBS has taken on the task of organising this State Level Conference of Industries and Training Institutes".

He said that the delegations that would be attending the conference include representatives from the State Government departments, Industries and job providers in all the fields, including SKIP Bangalore which has a membership of 220 vocational training institutes in the country.

Informing this on the floor of the Assembly on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Timothy D Shira, who also holds the IT portfolio, said 80 acres of land had already been identified for the purpose by the Urban Affairs department.

"We are now looking at the possibility of converting half of the proposed IT Estate into an IT Special Economic Zone," Mr Shira said adding that the ultimate goal was to create employment for local youth besides bringing the IT revolution to the State.

While informing the House that an IT Park was already established in an area of over 1.15 acres at Lum Jingshai, Mawlai in 2007-2008, Mr Shira said the IT Park had been set up in collaboration with Software Technology Park of India (STPI).

"The State framed and adopted the IT Policy in 2004 and the Government initiatives in this regard have started bearing fruits," Mr Shira said.

While pointing to the various achievements made in the IT sector in the State, Mr Shira said the IT Department had entered into an agreement with Symantec International - the fourth largest IT company in the world -- for IT advisory services and human resource development programmes in order to increase employment opportunities for the local youth in the sector.

SHILLONG: Meghalaya government has opposed the recommendation of Administrative Reform Commission (ARC) for abolishing the district councils in the State.

Urban Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh, who is also holding the District Council Affairs portfolio, on Wednesday said, "We will not accept the ARC recommendation as district councils are the means to strengthen the grassroots democracy in the State," adding, "Rather than recommending abolishment of the district councils, the ARC should have suggested a better mechanism to improve the functioning of the councils."

The ARC, headed by Mr Veerappa Moily, recommended the abolition of all the district councils of Meghalaya on the ground that the state is a tribal majority and they themselves now head the government.

Mr Lyngdoh said "participatory democracy" is visible in the district councils and this should carry on.

While admitting that there are conflict areas in the district councils, he said, "The ailments should be treated rather than doing away with the system."

Reacting to the ARC recommendation, Chairman of State Planning Board Purno A Sangma said, "It proves the ignorance of Delhi about the sentiments of the people of North-East in general and the State in particular."

The Opposition Congress also expressed its strong opposition to the ARC recommendation.

MPCC president OL Nongtdu said, "The recommendation only shows ARC Chairman Veerappa Moily's ignorance about the functioning of district councils."

The Commission needs to realise that work of district councils is totally different from that of the state government, Mr Nongtdu said adding that the councils' primary job is to preserve and protect the traditional identity of local indigenous people.

The Congress will pass a resolution to oppose the recommendation in the party's executive committee meeting on Saturday next. The party will also write to the Central Government as well as to the AICC on the issue, Mr Nongtdu added.

Lone women representative and UDP leader Ampareen Lyngdoh also expressed her opposition to the idea of abolishment of the district councils.

She, however, said role of the district councils has to be more specific as "there were numerous occasions when the councils had tried to intervene in matters beyond their jurisdiction."

On the other hand, Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong general secretary HP Oflyn Dohling said, "We no longer require the district councils to safeguard the tribal customary laws and practices since the State is now ruled by our own people after being separated from Assam."

He, however, said it is his personal view and that the Synjuk is yet to discuss the matter.

Police sources said the group leader Harmin had already admitted to their involvement in many robbery cases including a recent one at Jail Road.

Police said while they were patrolling at Nongriang village near Riangdo, the group of five miscreants was spotted attempting to loot money from the truckers. On seeing the police, they fired at the patrol party and in the retaliatory fire one robber was killed, police said. However, the other four aides managed escape.

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy has informed that there is a move to call for an unscheduled recess of the ongoing Assembly Budget Session, from April 28.

Talking to The Shillong Times on Wednesday, Dr Roy said "The government has forwarded this proposal to Assembly Speaker Bindo M Lanong".

He informed that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) would discuss this proposal before it is tabled in the house.

Sources said that the State government made this proposal following summons from the Planning Commission to finalise the State's annual Plan.

The meeting with the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia is scheduled to take place in Delhi on April 29.

Besides Dr Roy, State Planning Board Chairman PA Sangma, Finance Minister Conrad Sangma, Education Minister Manas Chaudhuri and other State government officials are likely to attend the meeting.

UDP youth wing at Khliehriat also condemned the incident and demanded termination of the official.

The organisers have requested all women organisations and interested individuals to attend the meeting.

It may be mentioned that government recently notified appointment of Search and Selection Committee for the Commission acceding to the request of the women organisations which had earlier met Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy with the proposal for the formation of the Committee.

The SP on Tuesday reviewed the law and order situation at a high level meeting attended by all the SDPOs, OCs and ICs of the district.

Speaking to reporters the SP said most of the crimes in the district especially in Khliehriat subdivision are related to land disputes. However, police are keeping a check on the criminal activities and it is under control, according to the SP.

In 2007, Khliehriat subdivision recorded 171 crime cases of which 134 were disposed off. The district headquarters Jowai recorded 161 cases in the year. About 80 per cent of these cases have been disposed off. Amlarem subdivision in the district recorded the lowest number of crime cases, 16, of which 12 have been disposed off.

"Only the sub-inspectors are not responsible for any investigation. It is the duty of SP, SDPOs and CIs to supervise their work," Mr Singh said in the meeting.

He also asked the police officials to maintain good relation with the public.

On the occasion, district awards were given to SI M Marboh of Jowai PS, SI C Shylla of Ladrymbai PS, SI Iaineh Laloo of Khlieriat PS and SI B Wansweth, OC of Amlarem PS.

Earlier, there were reports that Ms Nonglait was suspended after a joint meeting between the principal, teachers and students of the college decided to take action against her for the alleged racial abuse.

Sources also said that Ms Lyngdoh would no longer assist senior lecturer of the college, Ms M Kharshiing, who is in-charge of the internal examinations of the Shillong Law College. It may also be noted that the College Managing Committee has instituted an inquiry into the demands of the students to terminate Ms Lyngdoh from the college.

Among 13 ad hoc employees at the Soil and Water Conservation Office, Jowai, the name of Late Lambai Challam, who worked as a tractor handyman, figured in the list of candidates approved for regularisation through a special recruitment drive conducted by the DSC in Jaintia Hills.

Sources informed that Late Challam joined the office as an ad hoc worker since 1-7-96 and expired on March 11, 2003.

As per the direction of the Member Secretary, DSC, the names of all the thirteen ad hoc employees were forwarded to the District Selection Committee for necessary arrangement to conduct a special recruitment drive and regularise them accordingly.

Shillong: John Schlitt, the former lead singer of gospel rock group - Petra - would be performing for the second time in Shillong on May 9 and 10. However, unlike in 2004 when he performed with the original members of Petra, this time round Mr Schlitt would be performing with his new band of musicians.

The two-day gospel concert would be held at Student's Field, Jaiaw here, event coordinators Godfrey Fernandez and Mark Williams said while speaking to newsmen here on Wednesday adding that the aim of the concert was "to spread the message of love, peace and hope among the people".

Besides Shillong, the former Petra's lead singer will also perform in three places in the North East - Dimapur, Kohima and Aizawl. He will also perform in Bangalore and Chennai.

This will be the first trip for Schlitt to Shillong after Petra bade farewell to singing in 2006. In the proposed concert, Schlitt will belt out classic Petra tunes in rock-pop praise and worship style such as Beyond Belief", "No Doubt" and "We Need Jesus" plus hits off solo albums including "Show Me the Way", "One by One" and "Inside of You".

Tickets are priced at Rs 200 per head in standing general areas and Rs 350 in standing stage front or seated gallery. Tickets are available from Christian Books stores and leading outlets.

According to sources, the girl was on her way to work when the truck (AP16Y-7947), which was proceeding towards Agartala hit her.

SHILLONG: The Umroi airport in Ri-Bhoi district and Baljek airport near Tura are set to be operational by 2001, informed Mr S Bhaduri, General Manager Engineering, Airports Authority of India (AAI). Mr Bhaduri said this while addressing a business meet during the visit of the Czech delegation last week.

The AAI official said both Baljek and Umroi are in the process of upgradation and will become state-of-the-art airports by 2009. The runway length of Umroi airport will be extended by 2,500 ft. It will be equipped with instruments landing systems (ISL) approach lights et al, by 2010. This would enable even the Airbus 320 to land without any hassles. However this is subject to availability of land at Umroi where a couple of hillocks have to be hacked.

Mr Bhaduri while expressing surprise at the Czech expertise at providing mobile airports across the world from Russia to Libya. The mobile airports could be set up in 100 sq meters of space by two people in twenty minutes, informed the Czech ambassador, Hynek Kmonicek. These 'pack and unpack' airports are quite popular especially in harsh conditions where landing at a designated airport is not always feasible, Kmonicek informed.

Mr Bhaduri also informed the gathering that an amount of Rs 116 crore was allocated for upgrading both the airports in Meghalaya. He said air connectivity is imperative in connecting the North Eastern states since road conditions were not good. He said that there were 11 operating airports in the region whereas 12 others were non-operational. All airports in the North East except for Guwahati were not economically viable at the moment, Bhaduri stated.

Nevertheless the Ministry for Civil Aviation was keen to construct 3 greenfield airports one each in Tawang (Aurnachal Pradesh), Kohima (Nagaland) and Pekeong ( Sikkim) to facilitate better connectivity between these places and also for the benefit of tourists, since all three were very much in the tourist map of the region.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Praful Patel while addressing a meeting in Delhi, had stated that it was his aim and that of the UPA Government to increase air connectivity even in remote areas of this country because everybody deserves to travel by air if they wished to. Moreover, since air travel had become cheaper, people preferred to cut down on travel time, Mr Patel added.

It may be reminded that Mr Praful Patel is a prominent leader of the NCP. Now that Meghalaya has an NCP-backed coalition Government there are hopes that Mr PA Sangma, would be able to leverage his position as Chairman State Planning Board to speed up the completion of the two airports which do not seem to have made any progress at all. If Meghalaya is to become the horticultural paradise of this region, airports would inevitable have to play a major role in transportation of products like flowers, fruits and vegetables. Williamnagar, Dewlieh and other horticultural hubs that are coming up in the State are largely dependent upon swift transportation of their products, particularly those with short shelf lives such as strawberries and bell peppers etc.

Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) is the largest development mission - post independence, launched in 2005 with a financial outlay of 1 lac crore with central contribution to the tune of Rs 50,000 crores; covering 63 cities including Shillong. Allocation in central budget for current fiscal year is over 6500 crores. The mission period will end in 2012 with provision for review, depending on progress and achievement. The funding pattern is on 90:10 ratio between the Centre & North Eastern States. The Mission Statement envisages planned development of Greater Shillong(GSPA) extending over an area of 174 sq.km and not only municipal jurisdiction covering a meager 10.73 sq.km. The focus is on urban infrastructure with emphasis on community participation and accountability of Urban Local Bodies (ULB) towards citizen. The mission comprises of two sub-missions, namely I). Urban Infrastructure and Governance comprising of major infrastructure projects like water supply, sanitation, sewerage, solid waste, road network, urban transport, redevelopment of SMB areas, preservation of water bodies etc & II). Basic Services to Urban Poor (BSUP); comprising of a holistic development of the above sectors with emphasis on housing. In addition to both sub-missions are IHSDP & UIDSSMT - meant for small & medium towns where 7 such centers have been identified in Meghalaya.

The initiation of the project was delayed by a year in our state. In the latter part of 2006, Paul Lyngdoh as Minister Urban Affairs, got things moving in the right direction with clarity and supported the efforts of the Directorate. The first step towards formulating a City Development Plan (CDP) for Shillong was completed proposing a total investment outlay of Rs 2543.92 crores, duly approved by Union Ministry of Urban Development in May 2007. The next step of formulating Detailed Project Report for different sectors based on CDP could not be finalized by MUDA - the designated nodal agency. Many extraneous factors stymied the repeated tender process for selecting empanelled consultants to undertake the work. A major snag is the lack of clarity in mission guidelines and non availability of funds to prepare the sector wise DPR, which works out to minimum of Rs 55 crores to cover all major projects. Centre reimburses expenditure under this head subject to approval of DPRs, linked to actual amount sanctioned - a risk no consultant can take nor can MUDA afford. In order to circumvent such hurdles and tender procedure the Urban Affairs department in a bid to hasten the process, decided to entrust sectors like drainage, to a central undertaking NBCC. The effort is yet to educe any positive result contrary to tall claims of the organization. It is creditable on the part of PHED Meghalaya to take initiative in preparing DPR for the water supply sector, which now awaits appraisal and forwarding to the Union Ministry for scrutiny and sanction. All proposed projects under the mission have to be executed in a phased manner and completed within 2012. This appears far fetched as far as our state is concerned.

The Reform Agenda which is compulsory in JNNURM include drawing up of time schedule for implementing the slew of reforms, both mandatory and optional, within the Mission Period. Among the numerous reforms, one which shall determine commencement of the mission in our state, lies in strengthening municipal governance and their functioning, including implementation of decentralized measures, in accordance with the provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. This will entail holding of Municipal elections to install an elected Urban Local Body (Municipal Corporation) and its meaningful engagement in planning, function and delivery of services to the citizens. Meghalaya has been given time till December 2008 to complete the process within existing SMB area to start with, for release of funds.

Civic services delivered by all special agencies in urban areas, have to be transferred to the elected body and accountability platforms are to be created for all urban civic service providers in transition. Municipal election, which is a thorny issue, has not been held in Shillong since 1977. Similar is the case with other towns including those proposed to be covered under UIDSSMT. The primary reason being the strong opposition of traditional institutions like the Dorbar Shnong who were apprehensive of erosion of their customary authority and power which among others, include delivery and monitoring of civic amenities within their respective jurisdiction. However, with changing times and situation the traditional institutions are realizing the need for a more realistic stand and the inevitability of co-existence with other constitutional bodies.

The Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong (SRS) - as it appears from interaction with members has adopted a pragmatic view on the issue. They are now open to holding of civic polls, before which, according to them, the powers and duties of ward commissioners need to be clearly defined. The Meghalaya Municipal Act 1973 is actually silent in this regard. The Synjuk is of the opinion that functioning of ward commissioners remain exclusively with municipal affairs in policy making and obtaining clearance/sanction of proposed schemes on civic amenities. The ward commissioners are to act as a vital link between the traditional institutions and the municipality without impinging on the conventional functions & duties of the Dorbar. The traditional institutions on their part need to appreciate the fact that a synergy between the municipality - represented by ward commissioner and the Dorbar Shnong is imperative, since JNNURM has no provision for funding to maintain all urban infrastructures created under this mission.

Execution of projects is another grey area, which as per reform agenda of the mission is the responsibility of the elected urban local body, including their sustenance, by levying reasonable user charges with the objective that full and recurring cost of operation and maintenance is recovered. Civic election has to be preceded by delimitation of wards by a select committee in which SRS want representation from their fold. The working group constituted by the government shall have to carefully study all these aspects. Moreover, majority of areas to be covered under the mission falls outside SMB. Almost all the Shnongs are averse to be included within municipal ambit at this stage. Credible performance of an elected ULB covering present SMB areas shall influence future stance of Dorbars located outside SMB, which are included within GSPA and are eligible to avail all civic amenities created under JNNURM.

There is optimism and consensus in principle among all concerned to solve this contentious issue at the earliest. It has to be a matter of give and take with flexibility on the part of traditional institutions to imbibe certain compulsory norms of the reform agenda, if benefits are to be harnessed from this mission for the common good.

Financing a 'revolution' is not child's play. It is all the more tough when the organisation is proscribed and hence operates underground. For the Indian Maoists, also known as Naxalites, the conditions are a little more unfavourable because they claim to be fighting for the deprived and neglected sections of society who are poor. And the Maoists do not enjoy the support of the affluent.

But still the Maoists are being able to collect and manage vast sums of money. According to a media report of April 9, 2008, the annual 'extortion' by the Maoists is a whopping Rs.1,000 crore. A former official of the Intelligence Bureau and now a senior police officer in Chhattisgarh told this author in 2007 that the annual extortion totals Rs.1,500 crore! This is truly impressive.

The question that naturally arises is: how is this possible? The answer is not far to seek. The Naxalites extort money from those who they can reach, and those who have ill-gotten wealth. The fear of violent retribution makes people pay money. Those who pay up include politicians -- big and small, corrupt government servants, businesses and rich landlords. Besides, the rebels also raise funds through contributions from sympathisers and activists.

According to the 'constitution' of the Maoists, which was prepared in September 2004 during the foundation of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) and reportedly amended at the Unity Congress of January 2007, each cadre (party member) has to pay an 'annual subscription' of Rs.10. Besides, the rebels will decide the sums to be paid annually by supporters who are gainfully employed.

Writing in December 2001, well-known environmental writer Richard Mahapatra claimed that in Orissa, bamboo fellers, who have been organised by the rebels, 'contribute' Rs.5 every day from their wages to the rebels.

Similarly, poor tribals who are engaged in the collection of kendu/tendu/beedi leaf (similar to tobacco) that is grown in forest areas also contribute to the Maoists. They have reason to do so. The rebels have organised them, fought for their cause against beedi leaf contractors and ensured that they get at least the minimum wages stipulated by the government, if not more. In the 1970s, when the minimum wage prescribed was 5 paise for a bundle of 100 leaves in Andhra Pradesh, the beedi leaf contractors were paying 4 paise.

And then the Naxalites came on to the scene. After that, every year they have been able to successfully negotiate with the beedi leaf contractors and secure better wages for the tribals. This has been the greatest success of the Naxalites. But they also 'extort' huge amounts from beedi leaf contractors in order to let them to do business. Indeed, extortion from these contractors is the single largest source of income for the Naxalites.

A variety of businesses generate money to the Naxalites. A senior intelligence official in Andhra Pradesh told this author that Class A, B, C and D public works contractors pay 8, 6, 4 and 2 percent respectively of the total bid. That apart, a large paper mill in Andhra Pradesh is believed to have paid Rs.5 million every month in 2001. Similarly, a rayon factory, also in Andhra Pradesh, pays Rs.10 million annually to the Maoists, a senior superintendent of police told this author.

The Naxalites demand and secure money from politicians of various hues and from different levels. The home minister of one of India's highly affected states is said to have paid a huge sum to the rebels to get elected from his constituency. Another political leader who went on to become a cabinet minister in the central government paid Rs.1.7 million to the Maoists to facilitate his election, a senior intelligence official from Jharkhand told this author in February 2007. Reportedly, a former union minister paid money to the Maoists to win elections.

A junior central intelligence official in Visakhapatnam said that government servants, including teachers in the GK Veedhi mandal were asked to pay a 'fine' of approximately one month's salary for continuously being absent from work.

The chief editor of the Ranchi-based Prabhat Khabar Hindi daily said in January 2005 that in Bihar and Jharkhand the Naxalites had circulated a limited number of booklets listing the sources of their funds. Reportedly, some government employees too have paid levy to the Naxalites. All this persuades one to wonder if Naxalism is indeed not a thriving business proposition!

Madam,

Crude oil prices have hit an all time high. Saving on fuel is a national necessity.

But our traffic regulations seem to be a major hurdle in this. Much has been written these days on traffic jams and possible ways of tackling it. I too have some suggestions to offer. I do not understand why some of the broadest roads in Shillong are declared one way traffic routes whereas some of the narrow lanes are two way routes with no jams. Probably it gives an imaginary relief when all vehicles rush together to be stuck together again. It makes one spend more fuel for no reason. An otherwise 1 Km distance has now to be covered in 2km or more. Examples are galore in my mind.

For example look at the broadest of roads in front of the State Secretariat. If it is to help during office hours then why apply one-way rule on Sundays and holidays too? Look at the beautified broad road of Khyndailad that is lying under utilized. Taxis which are the main means of transport for many are denied entry on this broad road instead are forced to climb the steep way up. The traffic experts of the State have to make meticulous study before they declare one way and no entry on broad roads of Shillong. The morning and noon school-hour one-way regulations at Laitumkhrah adds more woes to the students who have to pay more to the taxis for the longer ride they are forced to take.

I have seen diligent and attentive traffic policemen who walk around from one point to another doing their best to clear the traffic jams caused by extra hasty drivers. These do more work than three or four police who stay together at traffic points. Putting more dividers along the roads and the presence of strict traffic police (strict to all, the low and the mighty equally) can help ease the traffic jam. We need to be prepared for the arrival of tata nano cars that too need space on the roads. I am sure that our traffic police can evolve a more rational and fuel efficient traffic control system. I have faith in our dedicated police force.

These days newly elected MLAs are meeting people of different localities of their constituency to study their problems. A welcome gesture indeed. Shillong has been growing in an unplanned way. Why not study the problem of making more arterial roads for the city. The public and the government will have to study together the possibility. Once there are more arterial roads then the congestion on the main road will ease. This will be a wiser step than just making flyovers that cost much but can be devastating in case of a major earthquake and also help precious little to ease traffic jam.

Lastly, can the new government initiate some steps to revamp the city bus system? As of now they are not the best of help for those who want to use them as a fast means of transportation.

Yours sincerely
Fr.Devasia V.
Nongthymmai

Madam,

Through your esteemed newspaper, I would like to highlight some of the issues which plague our education system for consideration of the honorable, Minister of Higher and technical education, Govt. of Meghalaya.

The efforts taken by him within a very short span of time to improve the prestige and status of teachers is indeed praiseworthy. As a member of the teaching community, I sincerely hope that his vision and dream to make Shillong a " knowledge City" comes true.

For making Shillong a knowledge city, quality of education is an issue which should be given top priority. Quality should not be compromised under any circumstances. The need of the hour is to provide quality education. But to attracting good faculty for imparting quality education in any institute, the pay structure should be attractive and equitable. There should be uniform pay scale for all the college teachers. At least the colleges accredited by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) should be given equal pay structure.

In my opinion the State Government has to play a bigger role in providing justice to the ad-hoc/ private colleges who are trying their best to maintain excellence. Colleges which are surviving with ad-hoc grant- in- aid also need more support from the Government to improve their infrastructure. Ad-hoc colleges should be brought under the deficit grant-in-aid system in a phased manner, of course depending on their performances.

Though Ad-hoc colleges desire to provide modern facilities which are necessary for keeping pace with latest developments in the field of education, the same is not possible without adequate support from the Government.

Yours etc.,
Sumana Paul,
Shillong

Ambassadors of Denmark, Sweden and Finland, Ole Lonsmann Poulsen, Carl-G Svensson and Asko Numminen respectively were on a tour to north eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur meeting people from different sections of the society as well as officials and politicos.

They are here to take stock of the internal security scenario in view of the prevailing insurgency in the region, to have first hand information about incidence of HIV and AIDS cases in the region especially in the state of Manipur.

They are also in the job of identifying untapped sectors that hold key to rapid economic growth of the backward north eastern states. The foreign diplomats have visited locations Arunachal Pradesh including picturesque and snow-capped Tawang located near the border with China. They also paid visit to Kaziranga National Park, the abode of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros in Assam.

During an interaction with a small group of media persons here, the diplomats tried to gather information about the conflict situation in the region and the cooperation, if any, extended by neighbouring Bangladesh and Myanmar to Indian authorities in rooting bases of insurgents from North East India in those countries.

The Ambassadors on visit are trying to figure out the key areas that could trigger rapid economic growth in the backward NE region and the impact of Chinese made consumer goods which have flooded the markets in hill areas of the North East through illegal trade channels, on the local economy of the region.

During an interaction with Assam Chief Minister here on Tuesday, the Nordic countries Ambassadors expressed that they were awed by the natural beauty and tourism potential of the country and laid stress on sustainable development of the region sans affecting the environment.

Assam Chief Mnister apprised the foreign diplomats about the improving law and order situation in the state because of the firm steps taken by the Government and informed them about increased flow of tourists to the State during the last few years. Mr Gogoi also said State was open to welcome investment from Indian and foreign companies in potential sectors like tourism, horticulture, floriculture, information technology, power and cane and bamboo sector.