SHILLONG: People from all walks of life are looking forward to a change that is expected in 2017.
The Shillong Times spoke to a cross section of people to extract their opinion for the year that will be.
Politician and former KSU leader Paul Lyngdoh expressed confidence that 2017 and 2018 will be historic for Meghalaya as the Assembly will have a new set of legislators after the downfall of the UPA Government and post demonetisation.
He further said there will be a steady shift of electorate looking for change and better accountability in the State even as he added that the electorates have learnt the importance of choosing legislators with skills.
Cabinet Minister Prestone Tynsong said his resolution for the upcoming year would be the same as it was all these years. “I will try to and continue to give best services not only to my constituency but to the entire State,” he said.
Former Cabinet Minister and MLCU VC RG Lyngdoh said 2017 will be the year when there will be hectic efforts by all to get close to the people. He also hoped that the situation will turn around in 2017 as people are suffering in the present situation.He also said that as leaders of pressure groups and people from business families are gearing up to contest the 2018 Assembly elections, there should be some space for rational leaders who really want to do something for the State and its people.
KSU president Daniel Khyriem expects the State to make progress in terms of healthcare, education and other sectors in 2017. “However, strong political will is needed to bring about strong policies and to implement policies that will be beneficial for the State as a whole. We expect that in 2017, the elected representatives, be it in the District Council or the Assembly, should be more active to address issues of the people,” he added.
