While this initiative is necessary and widely supported, an emerging issue of selective enforcement has begun to raise questions about fairness and consistency in policing.
Across many cities, owners of scooters and standard motorcycles are being fined heavily for installing aftermarket exhausts that produce excessive noise. These actions are justified under existing motor vehicle laws, which prohibit modifications that alter a vehicle's original specifications and contribute to environmental pollution. However, a noticeable pattern has surfaced: certain categories of motorcycles-particularly popular models like Royal Enfield, often referred to as "Bullet" bikes-appear to be receiving leniency despite having equally, if not more, disruptive modified exhaust systems.
It is important to note that not all Royal Enfield motorcycles are inherently noisy. In fact, stock Royal Enfield bikes that comply with BS6 emission norms are manufactured to meet strict noise regulations and do not produce excessive sound. The issue arises only when these motorcycles are fitted with illegal modified exhausts that amplify noise beyond permissible limits.
This perceived neglect has sparked frustration among the general public. Riders of scooters and smaller bikes often report being stopped, inspected, and fined without hesitation, while louder, heavily modified Royal Enfield motorcycles pass through checkpoints without scrutiny. The inconsistency not only undermines the purpose of the law but also erodes public trust in enforcement agencies.
Noise pollution is not selective-it affects everyone equally. Whether the source is a scooter, a sports bike, or a cruiser motorcycle, the impact on communities remains the same. Therefore, enforcement must be uniform, without bias toward brand, engine size, or perceived status.
Authorities must ensure that all vehicles, regardless of type or popularity, are subject to the same standards. Transparent guidelines, regular checks, and accountability in enforcement practices are essential to restore public confidence. Moreover, awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate all riders about the legal and environmental implications of vehicle modifications.
In conclusion, while the crackdown on modified exhausts is a step in the right direction, its effectiveness depends on impartial implementation. Equal enforcement of the law is not just a legal necessity-it is a cornerstone of justice.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Via email

Letter of Appreciation

Editor,
I truly appreciate The Shillong Times for publishing Architect Aiban S Mawkhroh's letter concerning the neglect and utter disregard of the present dispensation in the state to well- meaning and professional detailed project reports on renovation of the iconic Wards Lake and the huge space at Barik by local architectural firm "Atelier A+." Perhaps this letter will induce the powers that be to pay due attention to the fairness and justification of awarding projects to merit-based to homegrown professionals
Yours etc.,
F Warjri,
Shillong -3

When Digital India stops at the Hospital Gate

Editor,
We live at a time where a flight can be booked in seconds, a fee can be paid with a tap, and money travels faster than thought. Yet, step into certain government offices, and it feels like time quietly slows down.
Notice the difference?
The private sector moves with the world, adapting, upgrading, refining. Meanwhile, some government-operated institutions remain anchored to cash and queues, to the small ritual of counting notes and making the public dig for coins in their pockets and purses.
I felt this sharply during a recent visit to Shillong Civil Hospital. In a place where urgency should define every process, something as simple as a payment becomes a delay. Waiting for the unknown amount, arranging cash for the exact amount while the long queues stare with wide eyes, it all adds up to friction where there should be flow.
And beyond inconvenience lies a quieter concern. Currency notes have travelled more than the patient collecting germs and what not, and finally find their way into a healthcare environment.
What makes this more striking is that the solution is not distant or complex. It already exists. Digital payment systems are not futuristic ideas. Even a vendor selling betel nut uses one. The Government itself advocates innovation, asking individuals and groups to brush up their minds to search for innovative solutions to prevailing problems and submit them to such initiatives launched by the Government.
Well, I think the Government itself should participate too, with the idea titled "Digital and Seamless Payment in Government Hospitals" and it might even win a trophy for the new proposal and idea to such an introduction.
Pun aside, the question remains, gently but persistently: why are these existing solutions not fully embraced when they are needed the most? Modernizing payment systems in public hospitals is not just about convenience. It is about dignity, efficiency, and aligning essential services with the rhythm of the present.
A small change, perhaps. But one that could ripple through the everyday lives of many.
Yours etc.,
Leonel Lyngdoh,
Via email

Marks Do Not Equal Learning Outcomes

Editor,
With the SSLC results of the Meghalaya Board of School Education having been declared on April 7, there is the usual mix of excitement and nervousness in thousands of homes. For students, it's a big moment; for the education system, it's a time to take a hard look at itself.
If we look at the results over the past few years, a clear pattern begins to show. The pass percentage was 52.90% in 2021, went up slightly to 56.96% in 2022, dropped again to 51.93% in 2023, and then rose a little to 55.80% in 2024. Then suddenly, in 2025, it jumped sharply to 87.10%. This years the pass percentage stands at 86.84%. For four years, the results were stuck roughly between 50 and 57 percent, which suggests not real progress but a kind of stagnation.
This is why the 2025 result stands out so strongly. A jump of over 30 percentage points in just one year is not something we can take at face value. It naturally raises questions-what exactly changed? Was it better teaching, changes in exam patterns, evaluation methods, or something else within the system?
Looking at this more closely, two things become clear. First, for several years, the system was clearly struggling, with nearly half the students not making it through. Second, while the 2025 improvement is encouraging, it needs to be seen in terms of actual learning on the ground. A higher pass percentage does not automatically mean students are learning better.
There is also the issue of inequality. Even now, some districts perform much better than others, showing that where a student studies still makes a big difference. Students in rural and remote areas continue to face challenges-lack of teachers, limited academic support, poor infrastructure, and fewer learning opportunities. Unless these gaps are addressed, improvement will remain uneven.
Now that the 2026 results are also out, one can only hope that those results reflect real learning and fair opportunities for all students. The 2026 results show a slight fall in percentage from 2025 but hopefully there are clearer signs of genuine progress across the system.
In the end, results should not just be about numbers and percentages. They should tell us how well students are actually being prepared for the future. The real question is not just how many have passed, but how well they are ready for what comes next.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj
Via email