Letters to the EDITOR: Withdrawal of Assamese language option by mobile service providers

Withdrawal of Assamese language option by mobile service providers

We are dismayed to find that leading mobile services providers in Assam, like Jio and Airtel, have withdrawn the Assamese language option in their respective call centre menus. So, when a customer wants to talk to an agent/executive of the mobile service provider, the customer is directed to someone who understands Hindi/Odia/Bangla, etc. If one insists on speaking in Assamese, the agent/executive directs the customer to dial again or give some other excuse. When the call is repeated, the same response is also repeated. This is very unhealthy and unwelcome. We request and demand restoration of Assamese language options, in full, in the call centres of mobile service providers in Assam.

D Bhutia,

RGB Road, Guwahati

Migration Crisis

in Assam

Assam, a state in northeastern India, is witnessing a surge in migration from neighbouring regions, particularly from Bangladesh. This migration, often driven by factors such as economic opportunities, climate change, and political instability, has become a significant issue in the state's social and political landscape. The influx of migrants, both legal and illegal, has sparked intense debates over the impact on local resources, employment, and identity.

At the heart of the issue lies the fear among native Assamese communities that their cultural and demographic identity could be diluted by the rising number of migrants. This concern has fuelled a long-standing demand for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify and remove illegal immigrants. While the NRC updating exercise aimed to segregate citizens from non-citizens, it led to widespread controversy, with many alleging that it disproportionately impacted the poor and marginalized groups, including indigenous Assamese people, who were left off the final list.

The migration issue is also linked to Assam’s complex ethnic and religious makeup. Tensions between Assamese-speaking Hindus and Muslims, as well as among different indigenous communities, have intensified over the years, especially during election cycles. These tensions are often politicised, with parties leveraging the issue to gain support, leading to further divisions in an already fragile social fabric.

Economically, the migration has contributed to increased competition for jobs, especially in rural areas where agriculture and small-scale industries are the primary sources of livelihood. The state’s unemployment rate, which was already high, has worsened, with local youth often blaming migrants for taking up limited job opportunities. Additionally, the strain on basic services such as healthcare, education, and housing is palpable, especially in urban areas like Guwahati.

On the other hand, migrants have also contributed significantly to the local economy. They often work in construction, as domestic help, and in the informal sector, which helps fuel the state's growing urbanization. In many ways, they form the backbone of the state's labour force, and without their contribution, Assam's economic growth would likely be slow. The migrant issue in Assam is not just a political or economic challenge but a human one. While it is essential to address the concerns of the indigenous population, it is equally important to ensure that migrants are not deprived of their rights and dignity. A balanced, humane approach that prioritizes both the preservation of Assam’s cultural identity and the rights of its diverse population is critical for the state’s future stability and prosperity.

Darshana Nath

Gauhati University

Rising dust pollution

in Guwahati

I wish to draw attention to the increasing dust pollution in Guwahati caused by the unregulated and continuous construction activities, including flyovers and road repair works.

While infrastructure development is essential for the city's progress, the lack of adequate measures to manage the resulting dust has made the lives of citizens increasingly difficult, especially during this dry winter season. The city administration and other responsible authorities appear indifferent to the problem, as they fail to undertake basic measures like sprinkling water on construction sites or covering dusty areas.

The consequences of this negligence are alarming. Many residents are experiencing respiratory issues, persistent sneezing, and other health complications. Moreover, the dusty air has significantly reduced visibility, contributing to road safety hazards. It is very essential that Guwahati Municipal Corporation enforce strict guidelines for contractors to mitigate dust pollution.

This includes regular water spraying and proper covering of construction materials. I urge the concerned authorities to address this pressing issue without delay, ensuring that the city's development does not come at the cost of its citizens’ well-being.

Partha Jit

(jitpartha56@gmail.com)

Symbol of hope

A lighted candle has always been a sign of expectation and hope. In the days before Christianity started in Scandinavia, people placed lighted candles on a wheel, and prayers were offered to their gods in the hope that the earth’s wheel would be turned back toward the sun, bringing light and warmth to the people. Like many Advent traditions, the modern-day tradition of the Advent wreath originates in Germany. The story goes that in the year 1839, Johann Hinrich Wichern, a pastor in Germany, built a wreath out of an old cartwheel to help the children in his mission school count the days until Christmas. He put small candles on it to be lit every weekday and on Saturdays during the season of Advent. On Sundays, a large white candle was put on it and lit. Although it wasn’t widely popular until the 19th century, German immigrants then brought the tradition with them to America in the 20th century.

The evergreens used in today’s Christmas wreaths represent everlasting life. Holly leaves and berries represent the crown of thorns and the blood of Jesus, and pine cones symbolise His resurrection.

Nowadays, the colours of the candles vary. Whatever the colours may be, the first candle represents hope and the prophets of the Old Testament; the second candle represents faith and Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem; the third candle signifies joy and the shepherds; and the fourth candle represents peace and the angels with their message of peace on earth and goodwill to all men.

Jubel D'Cruz,

(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)

 Women’s

empowerment in NE

The article, 'Empowering women in Assam and NE: Path to independence and entrepreneurship' published in your esteemed daily on December 5 has drawn our attention. The writer Joya Saikia has rightly said that although the journey of women's empowerment in the entire Northeast region has been both a challenging and inspiring saga, yet the matrimonial societies of some states in the region have made it possible for a future where the Northeast women's contributions are nationally recognized and celebrated while gender equality remains a norm rather than the exception. It is a matter of regret that the patriarchal mindset of society and intolerance towards women has become barriers in creating an environment where women are able to dream, create and lead. Despite the challenges, one can see more  women rise to leadership due to the growth of women entrepreneurs in Assam and the Northeast. The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIT) in Guwahati plays a pivotal role towards providing skill training and business development resources for women aspiring to become entrepreneurs. It is absolutely true that if Northeast is to stand as a driver of India's economic growth for a shining 'Purvodaya', the Self-help group (SHG) movement must gain momentum in Assam and the Northeast. The NE women must play a valuable role in shaping their destiny. Their rights need to be properly honoured and protected and they must not be treated as inferior or subordinate human beings or as 'second sex'. To provide momentum to the SHG model, the region needs rigorous policy support, continued focus and a full spectrum of women entrepreneurship to accelerate sustainable development and economic potential of the Northeast. Empowering the Northeast women to its fullest potential remains a critical priority to realize the dream of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

Responsible governance and public awareness indispensable

India, a resource-rich agrarian country, has recently entered the era of globalization. In this democratic nation grappling with numerous challenges, the alarming population growth has posed a significant obstacle to development. Despite achieving one of the highest rates of per capita income growth in the world, India's progress has been hindered primarily due to the population explosion. Rapid population growth has led to issues like inadequate education, rising unemployment, food shortages, and poverty. Basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter have become scarce as the population continues to rise. Social peace, harmony, and unity have eroded, and natural resources are depleting steadily, causing widespread distress among the people.

The rapid population growth has disrupted efforts to improve the standard of living. It has widened the gap between the rich and the poor, forcing people to work harder merely to survive. Children in underdeveloped areas are often deprived of education due to the economic strain on their families. Consequently, a lack of proper education has left many people uninformed and illiterate. In rural areas, a significant portion of the population remains illiterate, prioritizing survival over education. The economic stagnation caused by illiteracy continues to undermine India’s progress. In rural areas, poverty prevents many from accessing profitable employment opportunities. The immense pressure on land and agriculture due to the growing population has exacerbated unemployment. Since independence, successive governments formed through elections have consistently failed to implement practical solutions for improving livelihoods and addressing unemployment. Instead, they have served the interests of large capitalists, landlords, and imperialist classes, leaving electoral promises as mere slogans. Despite the constitutional framework, no effective policies for employment, education, industrialization, or land reform have been realized.

In Assam, the unemployment problem has taken a particularly severe form, with over 1.5 million registered unemployed individuals and countless others unregistered. The urban-centric unemployment crisis has deeply impacted the socio-economic fabric of the state. Despite abundant natural resources, Assam has been exploited as a colony, rather than being developed for the welfare of its people. Furthermore, uncontrolled immigration has intensified the economic challenges faced by the indigenous population, pushing them further into poverty. The lack of industrialization and inadequate infrastructure, capital, and technical knowledge in Assam have exacerbated the problem, and no meaningful efforts have been made to address these issues.

The decline of traditional industries, such as handloom, brass and bell-metal crafts, pottery, ivory carving, and weaving, which once provided livelihoods for thousands, highlights the lack of a clear industrial policy. Even modern industries like paper mills have shut down, and the government’s push to privatize these industries has been met with widespread criticism. The absence of effective industrial policies and training programs continues to leave many unemployed youth without opportunities, forcing them to migrate for work. Population explosion is one of the primary reasons behind India’s failure to accelerate industrial growth. This rapid growth has also led to severe environmental pollution and a rise in food shortages. As agricultural land shrinks to accommodate urban expansion, many people rely on imported food, increasing living costs and pushing the poor into starvation. The root cause of these crises is unchecked population growth.

The persistence of illiteracy, child marriage, gender discrimination, and superstitions continues to fuel population growth. Many rural families still adhere to outdated beliefs, marrying off their daughters at a young age and encouraging multiple births. A lack of education about family planning exacerbates this situation. Despite government schemes aimed at population control, these have not reached the most backward areas, where awareness is critically needed.

In the era of globalisation, society is advancing rapidly, but a significant portion of the population remains uneducated and unaware of developmental schemes. While the government has introduced several initiatives to promote education, many backward areas remain untouched by these programs. This negligence highlights the lack of accountability and sensitivity on the part of the government.

A collective effort from both the government and society is essential to address these issues. Responsible governance must prioritize education, family planning, and socio-economic development. The government should ensure effective implementation of population control measures, especially in underprivileged regions, and work to eliminate superstitions and ignorance through better education and leadership.

Without a responsible government and an aware citizenry, a healthy and progressive India will remain an unfulfilled dream.

Priyashree Neog,

Deborshi Gautam

Belsor, Nalbari

Rising taxes on essential commodities

I am writing to you to draw attention to a pressing concern faced by citizens across India, particularly in Assam—the escalating taxes on essential commodities. This issue has created a significant financial burden on middle- and lower-income families, pushing many toward economic insecurity.

Over the past months, the rise in food inflation has been relentless. Reports indicate that inflation in food prices has breached the 10% mark multiple times, with the cost of vegetables and pulses rising by 30% or more. In Assam, where a large segment of the population depends on agriculture, this situation is worsened by supply chain inefficiencies, inadequate cold storage facilities, and crop losses due to erratic weather conditions.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on pre-packaged and labelled items like rice, wheat, and flour has further aggravated the crisis. These basic necessities, which were once exempt from taxes, now carry a 5% GST burden, making them unaffordable for many. Additionally, the cascading effect of fuel price hikes, which increase transportation costs, has led to inflated retail prices for all commodities.

For the people of Assam, the economic stress is compounded by the state’s relatively lower per capita income and limited employment opportunities. Families are forced to cut down on nutrition and essential healthcare to manage their expenses, which is a tragic reality in a nation striving for inclusive growth.

The government must take immediate steps to address this crisis. First, taxes on essential commodities should be reduced or waived entirely to ease the burden on consumers. Second, a robust mechanism to monitor and control artificial shortages and hoarding must be implemented under the Essential Commodities Act. Third, Assam’s agricultural infrastructure requires urgent attention. Investments in modern storage facilities, better irrigation systems, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices can help stabilize the supply of key food items and reduce dependency on imports from other states.

Furthermore, targeted subsidies and direct benefit transfers (DBT) for the economically weaker sections can ensure immediate relief. At the same time, long-term measures such as improving agricultural productivity and building efficient distribution systems should be prioritized. The situation demands urgent intervention, as the unchecked rise in prices of essential commodities not only deepens inequality but also erodes public trust in governance. Ensuring that basic necessities are affordable is not just an economic obligation but a moral one. I urge the authorities to address this issue promptly and decisively.

Prabal Jyoti Sarma,

Gauhati University