Letters to the Editor: SBI Appointments: A call for Equity, Vigilance

SBI appointments: A call for equity, vigilance

It is a matter of deep concern that the established norms for appointing local candidates to non-official cadre positions are increasingly being ignored by the State Bank of India (SBI). In recent times, there has been a noticeable trend of individuals from states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal occupying non-official posts in Assam. This issue is not confined to SBI alone; similar patterns are emerging across several central and public sector undertakings.

Meanwhile, the number of educated but unemployed youths in Assam continues to rise at an alarming rate. If these limited employment opportunities are systematically denied to local candidates, what hope remains for the youth of Assam? Such developments represent not just a missed opportunity but a growing form of systemic discrimination against Assamese people within their own state.

Even in the case of managerial and senior-level appointments, SBI appears to demonstrate a clear bias. Posts are often left vacant under the pretext of not finding “suitable” local candidates. Subsequently, these vacancies are filled by outsiders, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of the recruitment process. This pattern suggests nepotism and favouritism, rather than meritocracy.

To safeguard the interests of the local population and ensure fair representation, it is imperative that a screening committee—comprising members from the state government—be involved in the recruitment process. Without such oversight, the employment landscape will continue to drift further away from equity, transparency, and justice. We urge the state government to take a proactive stance and monitor these developments closely. The future of Assam’s youth should not be compromised by silent discrimination or administrative apathy.

Prafulla Dowarah

Guwahati

Say ‘NO’ to plastic

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Debaprasad Mishra, in the article 'Plastic pollution: A great environmental health hazard', published in your esteemed daily on June 5, has rightly said that if we want a greener, healthier and more sustainable future for the coming generations, we have to embrace the principles of sustainability, stewardship and harmony with nature, and, therefore, we should be serious about ending plastic pollution and protection of the environment. The accumulation of plastic in the environment is causing immense harm to wildlife habitats and human populations. Wherever our eyes go, we see only plastic bags, bottles, cutlery packaging and straws, etc., lying unattended on the roads. The plastic carry bag has become a common item all over the world. We do not even feel the need to realise the harsh reality that these items not only take hundreds of years to decompose, but they also permeate every corner of our beautiful planet. When they escape waste management systems, they accumulate in the natural environment, disrupt marine life, choke animals, pollute water and finally contribute to climate change. Now, what is the solution to the burning issue? The answer is widespread awareness among people of the use of eco-friendly plastic materials such as glass, paper, bamboo, etc., for which beautifully designed products should be created to attract buyers for their sustainability. Science and technology universities should carry on comprehensive research efforts to develop biodegradable plastics and better recycling technologies. Today, plastic pollution is the biggest challenge to the world, but it must be faced with individual and coordinated global efforts. A conducive environment is required by all living beings. So, it is important for all. Its conservation is therefore a must. It must be a lifelong commitment for every individual. Let us start the movement for the safeguard of the environment against single-use plastic carry bags from our homes and pledge to use cloth bags and paper bags when we go out for shopping, etc. There is a need to encourage awareness for concerted and collective action among all sections of communities to put an end to the rapid use of plastics in our daily lives to check growing hazardous plastic pollution in the environment.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

Age is no limit to learning

Beena Kalathiya from Surat has shown that true light comes not just from lamps, but from kind hearts. When her children grew up and got busy with their own lives, Beena chose a beautiful mission — to teach elderly women how to read and write. These women, who had spent their lives caring for others, never got the chance to learn. For the first time, they held pencils and slowly started learning letters, sitting under a streetlight. What began as a small step turned into daily classes held at a local senior citizens’ centre. Without any help from NGOs or the government, Beena runs this project using the money she earns from selling traditional sweets. She buys notebooks, pencils, and chalk herself and gives these women not just literacy, but confidence, respect, and a new purpose in life. Her work is more than just teaching; it’s a silent revolution, proving that age doesn’t limit learning and that one person’s efforts can light up many lives.

Asad Damrubar

(masad92135@gmail.com)

Food safety

Globally, one in ten persons falls ill from contaminated food every year. Consuming contaminated food can cause over 200 diseases, from trivial to severe, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). As is known, the presence of bacteria, viruses and parasites in the food can harm an otherwise healthy person. Being prepared for the unexpected is always a sensible option with regard to food safety. In other words, everyone should foresee "food incidents". Every person has the right to safe, sustainable and nutritious food. Accidents and inadequate control lead to the causes of contaminated food that may affect the health of an individual via food-borne diseases. Of course, natural events too can defile food.

Safe food handling and storage are key, and precaution while preparing food is paramount. Myths about what constitutes hygienic food and what not need to be broken. Apart from public health, sustainable development, food security and international trade receive a fillip through healthy food practice. This only means food safety is a shared responsibility: producers, retailers and regulators have the onerous task of keeping food free from contamination. "World Food Safety Day" was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on June 7, 2018. Its main aim is to promote the prevention, detection and management of food-borne diseases.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)