By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has promised good, inclusive and result oriented governance, besides implementing a strong and effective Lokayukta to curb corruption in the State.
Releasing the party’s election manifesto here on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister BM Lanong, who is also the working president of the UDP, said the party envisages bringing in a transparent and clean system.
“Corruption shall be firmly dealt with and amendments to the existing rules leading to a strong and effective Lokayukta will be foremost on the UDP’s list of priorities,” Lanong said.
The UDP manifesto also stresses on systematizing and strengthening the police administration and law and order in the State and giving a major uplift to this department to restore public confidence and assuring discipline, efficiency and accountability.
Lanong also said that women will be given due attention in respect of their rights and protection consideration the rise of crimes committed against them.
“Introduction of a separate women police battalion will be seriously considered and wherever necessary new police outposts will be set up,” the UDP working president said.
The manifesto also featured the party’s target to bring in reforms in various sectors to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor and the urban and the rural masses.
“Special emphasis will also be laid on safeguarding and promoting the rights, privileges, traditions and interests of the indigenous tribes,” Lanong said, while adding that importance would be accorded to maintain the demographic balance of the State.
“The synergy of the government and all its citizens is required to transform Meghalaya to a state of the art status,” Lanong said, while stressing on the need for political commitment and people’s support.
The vision documents and programmes of the UDP included revision of the State Education Policy, de-congesting the State capital and other towns by encouraging the emergence of satellite townships, employment and economic programmes, water supply, health care, communication and rural connectivity, agriculture, power supply, judiciary, sports and youth affairs, environment, garbage and solid waste management, markets, resolution of boundary issues with Assam, influx and media, besides others.
The manifesto was released by Lanong in the presence of Jaiaw legislator and the other working president of the party, Paul Lyngdoh, party candidates Ibarilin Kharsati (Shillong North) and Predecessor Rumnong (Pynthorumkhrah) besides others.