MEGHALAYA 12TH BOARD EXAM RESULTS

The 12th standard Board examination results for Science and Commerce stream were declared today in which students from Garo and Jaintia Hills district in India's northeastern state, Meghalaya, lagged far behind.

Conducted by the Meghalaya Board of School, Prityush Haldar from St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School in the state capital topped the Science exam with a total of 455 marks. Similarly, Arunava Kar Purkayastha again from St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School topped the Commerce stream with 453 marks.

But what was worrisome is the continued poor result of students from Garo and also Jaintia Hills districts. Nobody cleared the science exam from South Garo Hills. In fact, just six students sat for the examination from this backward district. Moreover, in South West Garo Hills there wasn’t a single student who appeared from the science stream.

The pass percentage of students from West Garo Hills was 60.39, while that of East Garo Hills was 68.18. In East Jaintia Hills, out of the 16 students, just one cleared the examination. The average pass percentages of these districts in Garo and Jaintia Hills were

below the State average pass percent of 73.29.

In the Commerce stream, there were no students who sat for the board exams from South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills. The pass percentage of students from West Garo Hills was 55.60. The only solace was in East Garo Hills where all the ten students who appeared for the examination passed. The overall pass percentage in the commerce examination was 69.24.

Predictably, Schools and colleges in East Khasi Hills from the State capital did well. Eight students were in the top ten list from St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School in the science stream.

Three students were in top ten list in the commerce examination from the same school, which was only surpassed by St. Edmund’s College who had five students in the list.

BSNL TO CLOSE DOWN OPERATION ALONG INDO-BANGLA BORDER AREAS IN MEGHALAYA

Stating that it “makes no business sense to operate along the Indo-Bangla border areas,” the BSNL today informed that it would operate as a professional corporate unit and close down its services from commercially non-viable areas.

The public sector telephone company said, it has incurred huge losses over the years “running to lakhs” by operating along the Indo-Bangla border areas simple to comply with Central Government norms.

Chief General Manager, Northeast Circle I, DP Singh said that all telephone companies are directed by the Central Government to set up their services in such remote areas or pay penalty. However, most private telephone companies have stayed away from these non lucrative business areas and paid penalty instead.

“It makes no business sense to operate in these areas we would rather pay penalty than continue our services in these (Indo-Bangla border areas) areas,” Singh, whose telephone Circle oversees the operations in Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, said. Singh added that it makes financial pridence to pay penalty than to run business in these areas.

Singh is somewhat justified in his approach   considering the Union Telecommunication Minster Kabil Sibal assertion that BSNL must be run as a private company to increase it revenue collection. 

The BSNL NE-I chief  that he would be writing to its headquarters immediately to withdraw from these non lucrative areas. “We are making huge losses from these areas. If you are asking me to operate as a corporate unit, we should also get an opportunity to decide where to operate and where not to, so that our business sustains,” he justified.

Meghalaya shares a 443 km long border with Bangladesh and much of these areas are remote. BSNL is the most important telephone service providers in these areas. 

People in these areas in the absence of Indian network are forced to use Bangladesh phones like Grameen Phones and others, which does have security implications. 



There are several instances that villagers cross over to Bangladesh and make International calls to different places of the State. BSNL officials here state that the Union Home ministry must use jammers in these areas to discourage Bangladesh telephones.

Singh however left it upon the central Government to decide on the tricky issue. “We (NE-I circle) would still operate in these remote areas provide that we are given subsidy and the centre make good of our losses,” he asserted.

The chief of the circle further informed that NE-I circle has been the second highest revenue earners in the country last year. During 2012-13 it has increased its revenue collection to Rs. 213.96 crore, which is an increase of Rs. 4.9 crore over the year 2011-12.

Despite the gains, Singh said BSNL NE circle I, like all BSNL circles in the country, is a loss making unit and the losses incurred last year was about 58 crore. “We have not assessed the losses of this fiscal, but we definitely would have reduced the margin with improved earnings,” he added. 

VIVEK RATH RECALLS SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S IDEALS

Thousands of people here today walked through the exact route, Swami Vivekananda undertook 112 years ago in Shillong, while recalling the saint’s ideals.

The procession called “Vivek-Rath” began from Bilasipara in Assam on 23 April and covered Chapara, Dhubri, Dudhnai, Gauripur, Goalpara, Guwahati before culminating here.

The Rath began in the morning at 8 am where thousands of people from different parts of the state and country converged at Laban where Swami Vivekananda had stayed during his visit to Shillong 112 years back.

The procession with women, men, children and monks of the Ramakrishna Mission traversed from Laban through IGP point, Police Bazaar and converged at Quinton hall for a public meeting where Swami Vivekananda had delivered a lecture on this day in 1901.

On the dais where several dignitaries who recalled the ideals of the saint and urged the huge gathering to imbibe his teachings.

“Gender disparity that is being talked about these days and also the growing crime against women was touched upon by Swami Vivekananda 100 years ago.

Swamiji said that any country which doesn’t respect its women cannot achieve greatness now or in the near future,” Keya Sengupta, Director of the Indian Institute of Management said.

She said that “self-discipline is the medicine of all the scourges afflicting the society today.”  The IIM Director said that the importance of practicing self-discipline as taught by Swami Vivekananda has become all the more relevant in the present context.

PP Srivastava member from the North Eastern Council termed the congregation at the venue here a “historic occasion.” “This is the very same place where Swami Vivekananda had addressed a gathering 112 years back,” he said.

He urged the congregation to “feel the thrill and vibration that our forefathers experienced years ago listening to the teachings of the patriotic saint.” 

ZUBEEN THREAT BY ULFA PLACED AS EVIDENCE BEFORE TRIBUNAL

The Assam Government placed before a tribunal, the ULFA’s threat to Zubeen Garg, as one of the many evidences of the outfit’s unlawful activities and sought its ban for another two years.

For the second day today, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal held it’s sitting at a City Hotel, away from intense media glare in Assam, to probe the unlawful activities of the ULFA and the NDFB. The Tribunal would decide whether to continue the ban on the outfits, as outlawed organisations.

Officials said that the Zubeen Garg’s case was placed as one of the evidences before the Tribunal, headed by Justice JR Midha, about the outfit’s illegal activities, while seeking its ban. Zubeen was threatened by the ULFA (Paresh Baruah faction) for singing Hindi songs during the ongoing Bihu festivals.

“The case relating to the threat issued to popular singer Zubeen Garg was placed as one of the evidences before the Tribunal. The case is registered in Guwahati city. Based on all the evidences we sought to extend the banned on the ULFA for another two years,” a Government official said, requesting anonymity.

Yesterday witnesses, that included Superintendents of Police and Investigation Officers, presented their cases relating to the unlawful activities of the NDFB before the Tribunal headed by Justice Manmohan Singh.

20 odd official witnesses presented the case diaries and records before the Tribunal to support their cases highlighting the illegal activities of the NDFB, mainly in the Bodoland areas. Today, about 28 officials deposed before the tribunal relating to cases involving the ULFA.

Assam Government Counsel, Avijit Roy said the Tribunal would pass its order sometimes in May. The Tribunal, may also hold additional sittings if the need arises, he said.

The Assam Government, however, is seeking for an extension of the ban for another two years on the two outfits, but a final decision would rest on the Tribunal, Roy stated.

MEGHALAYA'S UNIQUE CAVE SYSTEM

Meghalaya’s cave system has extended to 387 kms - one of the longest cave system in the Indian subcontinent – after conclusion of an International expedition of speleologists from around the globe.

So far 1,350 caves have been identified in Meghalaya in northeast India mostly in the limestone-rich Jaintia Hills district. 850 of these caves have been explored totally or partially, said Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association (MAA), secretary Brian D Kharpran Daly. During this expedition 19 new caves were discovered.

 The International caving expedition was 21^st of its kind and was dubbed “Caving in the abode of the clouds” and spanned over a period of 18 days from February 4.

An eighteen member team from UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Romania, Germany and India took part in the expedition, which also included three biologists and researcher from Lady Keene College.

 

Brian said in the Larket Area in Jaintia Hills district Krem Khung cave system was extended from 5065 meter to 7349 meter, making it India’s 8th longest cave. One of the characteristic of this cave is large-sized fallen boulders found everywhere inside.

Krem Labit Kseh in the Kopili Valley, on the other hand, was extended from 5910 meter to 6802 meter. The cave has fine river passages. This is one of the very few caves in India that has several rare gypsum formations, resembling flowers. It is India’s 10th longest cave.

 

The third longest cave in the sub continent, Krem Diengjem, has been extended from 21,250 meter long system to 21,359 meter and is almost close to India’s second longest cave, Krem Kotsati- Umlawan also found in the area.

Meanwhile, Brian said: “there are a lot of caves which remains to be discovered and explored. These caves provide us tremendous input on the ecology of the place, past history, besides providing opportunity for the locals and the Government to promote tourism.”

ASSAM RIFLE REPRIMANDED BY MEGHALAYA GOVERNOR

Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary today reprimanded a gathering of Assam Rifles officials, including its Director General, Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh for “targeting innocents” in fake encounters and stated such aberrations “cannot be accepted.”

In fact, the Governor expressed his displeasure during an investiture ceremony of the Assam Riles at the Raj Bhavan here today.

Mooshahary said he well appreciated the work done by the Assam Rifles, be it civic duties, counter-insurgency operations or undertaking other vital social responsibilities.

“I deeply appreciate your work in difficult situations, but in the name of encounters (with militants) if innocents are targeted then it cannot be accepted,” he told the stunned gathering of Assam Rifles officials.

The Meghalaya Governor was referring to  Supreme Court-appointed committee which has reported that there were at least six human rights violation committed during operations conducted by the Assam Rifles together with Manipur Commando.

The committee probed the alleged extra judicial killings in Manipur, which included the death of a 12-year-old boy. The committee compromised of former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde, Chief Election Commissioner of India, JM Lyngdoh and a senior police official.  

Mooshahary said that the Assam Rifles must work on its relationship with the people of the northeast as its area of responsibility is confined to the region.

The Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force in India.It was raised by the British in 1835 as the Cachar Levy and came to be known as Assam Rifles in 1917. 

The paramilitary force conducted counter-insurgency operations in insurgency-infested state of Manipur and others in northeast India. It also has the dual responsibility of guarding the Indo-Myanmar border.A unique feature of the force is that the officers are drawn from the Indian army whereas the soldiers are direct recruits.

“I was unhappy to read in the newspapers this morning about the Supreme Court-committee report on human rights violation. This inquiry has been conducted by distinguished people,” he said.

He added that the Assam Rifles and all other security agencies need to “introspect” on these extra judicial killings. “The Assam Rifles and the other security forces must introspect and correct these aberrations,” he advised the top officials of the Assam Rifles.

He reiterated that the Assam Rifles being the oldest paramilitary force in the country is respected by the people of the northeast for its service, but “such aberrations (fake encounters)” would “undo all its good work and alienated the people from the force.” 

ALL RELIGIONS ARE TRUE

As Christians visited Churches on the occasion of Good Friday, a Hindu temple resonated with the prayers from the Bible here at the state capital of Meghalaya, Shillong.

“Love thy neighbor is one of the most important commandments of the Christians, Jesus Christ himself said,” Father Joseph Cilia, from the Roman Catholic Church, sermonized to a congregation at a Temple. He said, “some religious leaders, unfortunately, are separating people instead of uniting them.”

Fr. Cilia was not alone in this discourse; he was joined by leaders from the Sikh, Seng Khasi, Muslim, Jain, Hindu and Buddhist religious orders at an “inter-faith dialogue” at the Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) here. They event was held to mark the 150^th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda.

“When I got this invitation I said to myself I won’t miss it, so I have come,” Fr. Cilia said, who was fasting on occasion of Good Friday. Before he spoke, a verse from the Bible was read out as a prayer.

“Some of the earliest records of inter-faith dialogues can be traced to the time of Akbar when the emperor held such discourses between the different religious groups.

Such discourses or Parliament of religion are held globally now and promote brotherhood and understanding of different religions,” Swami Guatamanadaji Maharaj, RKM, Chennai said, giving a brief history on such important inter-faith dialogues.

Additional Director General of Police, SK Jain who spoke on Jainism said, Anekantavada or pluralism or multiplicity of viewpoints is the cornerstone of Jainism.

“Every point of view is important and must be respected and that would lead us towards peace and brotherhood,” he said.

Similarly, Ka Tip Briew Tip Blei (know man know God) is one of the fundamental doctrines of Seng Khasi religion of the indigenous Khasi community of Meghalaya, Seng Khasi general secretary,Bentielang Singh Rumnong emphasized. 

The representative Sardarni Milan Kaur from one of the youngest religion of the world, Sikhism gave a power point presentation. The Vice president of Meghalaya Sikh Youth socio welfare organisation emphasized the importance of Langars or community kitchen in Sikhism to promote unity, equality and brotherhood amongst people of all religion, race or community.

“In the Langars food is cooked and everyone partakes the offering irrespective of religion, caste, creed or community. Sikhism promotes such qualities amongst mankind,” she said.

Uggen Tshewang from Bhutan and a practitioner of the Buddhist faith said, Lord Buddha said if we want others to be kind and loving to us we must exhibit similar qualities to others.

Prof. MSN Hahman from North Eastern Hill University’s history department and Abdi Rahman Ali Issak from Kenya spoke on behalf of Islam religion.  “The sufis saints brought Hindus and Muslims closer with their doctrine of equality and brotherhood. Jalaladdin Rumi, Amir Khusro, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti and others constantly preached about love and brotherhood between mankind,” Hahman said.

Swami Jnanalokanandaji Maharaj said that in Hinduism tolerance, love and forgiveness are very important aspects. “We must respect and tolerate  the other persons view for peace and unity,” the monk said. 

Earlier, prayers service were of all the religions and verses from Bhagwat Gita (Hinduism), Tripitika (Bhuddhism), Guru Grant Sahib (Sikhism) Koran (Islam), Seng Khasi and Kalpa Sutra (Jainism) were read out. 

"UNSCRUPLOUS POLITICIANS" IN MEGHALAYA TO PROVE POINT WITH LOKAYUKTA

The Meghalaya Government today affirmed that it would dispel the perception that “politicians are the most unscrupulous people” by soon passing a “strong and effective” Lokayukta Bill.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said in the Assembly that people have this perception nowadays that “politicians are the most unscrupulous people” around, but in fact corruption is endemic to all sections of the society.

The Meghalaya Government has been under tremendous pressure to pass a strong Lokayukta Bill from the civil society. This demand has found support with some legislators who have openly rejected the earlier Bill passed last year as “weak and ineffective” to fight corruption.

The then opposition Nationalist Congress party walked out of the Assembly, when the Bill was passed without discussion, saying, it did not want to be part of a legacy known for passing ineffective Bills.

Some legislators from the treasury too have voiced similar concern at that time, but the Government went ahead and passed it only to be snubbed by Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary who withheld his assent, maintaining the Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill, 2012 needs changes.

Paul Lyngdoh from the opposition United Democratic Party moving a resolution said the Lokayukta Bills does not upheld the ethos of transparency and justice that legislators espouses.

He pointed several anomalies to buttress his claim and suggested that “it should be redrafted instead of amending most of the clauses.” “Take members from the opposition in redrafting the Bill or send it to a select committee,” Lyngdoh demanded.

Other members of the House, like John Leslee Sangma, said, the Bill was weak, defensive and “exposed fear in the Government.” “Although the Government passed the Bill it cleverly inserted clauses to get away (from corruption charges). It was passed with an intention to obstruct justice and as a defense for the corrupt,” Leslee, one of the new members of the House, insisted.

The Chief Minister said later that the Government would not shy away from its responsibility in bringing a Bill that is acceptable to all sections of the society and it would do it soon.

“The Government would do all it can to fight corruption and would also supplement the Lokayukta Bill with other legislations like social auditing of schemes and a law for effective delivery mechanisms,” he assured the House. 

MEGHALAYA SOUGHT SPECIAL PACKAGE BEFORE PRESENTING BUDGET

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today presented a tax-free deficit budget of Rs 526 crore for the current fiscal, while informing a “special package” has been sought from the Union Finance Minister to improve roads.

It is estimated that the state’s total receipt during 2013-14 would be Rs 8609 crore. The centre’s grant-in-aid remains the bulk of this total at Rs 4761 crore. The state’s own tax revenue is pegged at Rs. 1371 crore.

The estimated total expenditure during this period would be Rs.9, 135 crore or a deficit of Rs. 526 crore, which is around 2.62 per cent of the gross state domestic product (GSDP).

“The key feature of Meghalaya’s public finance regime have been an over dependence on central resources (about 80 per cent) …A sizeable gap exists between the resources needed to finance development and infrastructure, and the resources available. The nascent and small private sector will not, in the future, be able to contribute significantly,” Sangma, who also hold the finance portfolio, said while presenting the budget.

He nonetheless informed that the state have sought a special package from the Union finance minister to improve roads in the state. “We propose to widen and upgrade all major district roads, state highways and other strategic roads. I have sought the intervention of the Union finance minster for a special package…,” he said adding, a plan outlay of Rs. 455.44 crore has been proposed for this sector.

Sangma added that state would try to explore other ways to mobilize fund from different agencies. He said that the state would send its recommendation to the 13^th Finance Commission highlighting the state’s requirement, besides it is negotiating on a 100 million dollar loan component from the Asian Development Bank to support “human capital development.”

The state Government has moreover estimated an amount of Rs. 210 crore for schemes and programmes to be implemented with the North Eastern Council’s assistance.

The Chief Minister said that the Meghalaya government has decided to propose a tentative plan of Rs 4, 141 crore for the current fiscal. Out of this allocation, 26.43 per cent is earmarked for the social sector, 19.90 per cent for power, 10.34 per cent transport, 9.36 per cent for agriculture and allied sector, 6.47  per cent irrigation and 4.88 per cent for rural development.

The non-plan expenditure for 2013-14 has been estimated at Rs. 3482 crore. The government has proposed an outlay of Rs 607 crore for the education department, Rs 433 crore for police, Rs 309 crore for PWD, Rs 250 crore for agriculture and allied sectors and Rs 179 crore for health.

Along with the budget, the Chief Minister also presented Rs 2332.36 crore vote-on-accounts for proposed expenditure during the first quarter of the current fiscal.

MEGHALAYA SEEKS SPECIAL PACKAGE LIKE BIHAR

Janata Dal’s (U) political blackmail for special status for Bihar in exchange of its support in 2014 might have opened a Pandora’s Box with a Meghalaya legislator saying that it is “an opportune moment” for Meghalaya also to demand special package from New Delhi.

MLA Paul Lyngdoh, working president of the United Democratic Party and former student leader of the Khasi Students’ Union, described in the Assembly on Monday as “the opportune moment” for Congress legislators to make a similar demand for Meghalaya as Bihar, to wriggle out of its current financial woes.

“If Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar can take train load of people to New Delhi and demand special status (then) it is the opportune moment for the Congress members to go to New Delhi and demand for special package for Meghalaya,” Lyngdoh said.

He said with the additional funds the state can work in earnest to develop its fledgling infrastructure, especially its connectivity, which is the major hurdle towards development, be it poor roads or airports. He said development of the Umroi airport must be taken up as a priority with the additional fund.

Lyngdoh was referring to Kumar’s rally at the Ramlilla grounds in New Delhi recently where thousands of his state supporters demanded special status for Bihar in exchange of support during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

There are other states that are awaiting such largesse from the centre ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections in 2014. The northeast region, however, enjoys some sort of special status by way of fund allotment and other political freedom.

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region looks after the interest of the region specifically. Moreover, the Non Lapsable Pool of Central Resources, in which ten per cent of fund from different departments are allotted for development of the region, are some of the centre’s other special initiatives. States like Arunachal Pradesh, on the other hand, are getting special attention owing to its strategic nature and constant claim over this territory by China.

Moreover, some of the district councils look after the social, economic and political freedom of the tribals of the region, but nonetheless regional parties from the region and elsewhere in the country might take a leaf out from Kumar’s book before the elections and milk the situation. 

WOMAN HOME MINISTER IN MATRILINEAL MEGHALAYA

It is only apt that Meghalaya following a matrilineal system in India’s northeast corner now has a women looking after the safety and security of its people in Roshan Warjri as the first women Home minister of the state.

Warjri becomes one of the few women ministers to hold the important Home portfolio traditionally reserved for men. Apart from the Home department Warjri has the additional charge of home (jails) and the public works department (buildings), equally important portfolios.

Warjri, 63, was elected from North Shillong assembly constituency in the state capital and is the first woman in Northeast and eastern India to hold the Home department. In fact, she is the second women to hold the portfolio in India after P. Sabita Indra Reddy in Andhra Pradesh.

She first joined politics in 1993 and won on a Hill People’s Union ticket. She returned to the Assembly in 1998 contesting on a United Democratic Party and held the urban affairs portfolio, but thereafter she did not contest, until this assembly polls.

Warjri has her task cut out ahead of her. Meghalaya though having a matrilineal society, wherein women retain their surname after marriage (Warjri’s late husband was Korbar Sing Phanbuh ) and children take their mother’s surname, crime against women is high, especially rape.

In 2012 Meghalaya, having a population of about 30 lakh or 3 million, there were 236 cases registered relating to crime against women. Out these cases, 158 were rape of women. The figure is an increase from the previous year which registered 130 rape cases of women, out of 269 reported cases of crimes against women.

“We are concerned with the growing crime graph against women in our state. We will establish fast track courts in all the district headquarters to ensure speedy delivery of justice to victims,” she said after taking charge of her departments.

Warjri, moreover said, there is need to inculcate “moral values” to school children. “There is a need to strengthen the teaching of moral science as a subject as a measure to curb crime against women in the state.” she suggested.

Moreover, militancy in another problem that needs to be tackled. Various banned insurgent outfits are continuing with their extortions, kidnapping and killings in different parts of the state and therefore maintaining the law and order is a challenge.

Warjri has replaced senior Congress leader HDR Lyngdoh, who earlier held the portfolio in the previous Meghalaya United alliance Government.  “I am totally committed to the task that I have been assignment,” she said about the job at hand.

Abu Taher Mondal first non-tribal Speaker of Meghalaya

After electing Abu Taher Mondal, as the first Speaker from the minority non-tribal population, Meghalaya legislators wished that the cause of tribal people would be suitably “trumpeted” at different platforms of the country and abroad.

It is for the first time that a legislator from the non-tribal minority population was elected as the Speaker after the creation of the state in 1972. Meghalaya has a predominately Christian tribal population.

Incidentally, Mondal, who is a structural engineer by profession, is the lone non-tribal representative from the Congress in this 9th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly having 60 members. He now has become the 15th Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly.

Mondal first created history in 1998 when he was inducted in BB Lyngdoh’s ministry as the first non-tribal minister.

 “You represent the tribals of the state. People should know the tribals of the state through you,” former Chief Minister and United Democratic Party (UDP) president, Donkupar Roy said while felicitating the Speaker. Others expressed similar views:

“We need a non-tribal trumpeter for the tribals,” women legislator and former Urban affairs minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh said.

Incidentally, four Hill State People’s Democratic Party legislators abstained from the election opposing Mondal’s nomination from the non-tribal community for the Speaker’s post. They wanted a tribal from the state instead.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that the election has proved that “Meghalaya provides space for everyone, irrespective of caste creed or religion.” Sangma, believed to be close to Mondal, said other regional parties like the UDP were consulted on the election and they have agreed not to put up their candidate and so the Speaker was elected unopposed.

Other senior legislators like former Chief Ministers, DD Lapang and SC Marak congratulating Mondal and urged that the he would remain impartial and would uphold the dignity of the Assembly. “Meghalaya Assembly is known for its high level of dignity, decorum and discipline, please maintain the same,” Marak said.

Meanwhile, in his maiden address to the House as the Speaker, Mondal said, he would represent the state keeping the interest of all section of the people, especially the tribals, into consideration.  Stating that he was “deeply overwhelmed” by the support of the legislators, Mondal said that he would endeavour to protect and maintain the traditional interest, privileges and independence of the House.

Later, he told reporters that he would like to see that the Meghalaya Assembly gets its permanent complex during his term and said he would begin on the work immediately. The old Meghalaya Assembly was gutted in 2001 and since then the Assembly has been functioning from temporary locations. 

KALAM: " INDIANS NEED ANTI-CORRUPTION BILL AT HOME NOT PARLIAMENT

Former President, APJ Abdul Kalam today said,  Indians first need an anti-corruption bill legislated in their respective homes, rather than a bill from the parliament.

 “First, we need an anti-corruption Bill for a clean house, home and then the Nation,” Kalam said, who was here to inaugurate the annual seminar on sustainability at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong.

The “missile man” was at his eccentric best and while spelling out the ways to make India corruption free, he inquired to the questionnaire with a hint of cynicism: “If I say something would you follow?”

then the former President went on to explain that  it is the duty of the parents to inculcate within their children a spirit of doing the right things in their houses for a clean and vibrant India.

The youngsters on their part needs to step their foot in when they find the elders going awry, Kalam told the gathering of students, faculty and other guests.

“Strong anti-corruption laws, like what Anna Hazare is demanding may come, but would only fill jails…we need something else right in our homes,” Kalam emphasised.

Although many would agree with what Kalam meant about “regulating ourselves first” and this process of self-regulation may be on within many, but many Indians wouldn’t mind to see the jails filled up at this moment with conmen increasing by the day and looting the public exchequer.

The Congress-led UPA Government has been dilly-dallying from framing a “strong” Lokayukta, despite the country having witnessed some of the strongest protest on its streets last year against scams and demand for swift punitive action against the guilty.

Meanwhile, Kalam has accepted a request from IIM, Shillong to be its visiting faculty and would teach on “societal transformation bio-technology and its application.” He had earlier taken up a similar assignment at IIM-Ahmedabad.

“I am a teacher. As a Professor wherever the knowledge takes me I go and share it. I like meeting young people and I would like to contribute to their knowledge," he said.

Director IIM, Shillong, Keya Sengupta said that the institute would be greatly enriched through Kalam’s intervention. “We are extremely grateful and lucky that the former President has accepted our request to be our faculty this summer,” she said.