SHILLONG: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) in its general council meeting on Tuesday discussed the issues and agendas that the party is banking on as it gears up for the Assembly election in 2018.
Speaking to reporters at Dinam Hall on Tuesday at the end of the general council meeting the party leader, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, pointed that the party would give priority to resolve the border disputes if it came to power.
“Another issue is the ownership of land in the state and to further strengthen the Meghalaya transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, and to bring about a land law that covers all aspect relating to land,” he said.
On the issue of influx, the HSPDP has reiterated its demand for the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state. The party continues to oppose the arrival of passenger trains in the state without the presence of comprehensive measures to check influx.
As for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule, the party will follow up the matter with the Central government in a sustained manner. “If we come to power we will follow up and expedite the inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution,” Basaiawmoit said.
Furthermore, the party has decided continue opposing uranium mining in the state. It also discussed on issues related to youth and other important policies.
“There are many policies that the party will prepare to bring about in five years if we come to power,” he added.
On the development front, the party will seek to uplift agricultural practices, and rearing of livestock to open up employment opportunities.
“The party will seek to bring in a transparent recruitment system in Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and District Selection Committee (DSC),” he said.
Basaiawmoit added that the party observed the importance to uplift the tourism industry, border markets. The general council also discussed on the need to maintain cleanliness in the state.
On the demand for a separate Khasi-Jaintia State, he said that the party will continue to demand the same.
Sound financial administration
Indicating that a government that has administered for five years should be financially sound, Basaiawmoit flayed the incumbent Congress-led state government branding it a “poor government.”
“It is a government that has allowed a certain section of the people to loot the state’s exchequer,” he said.
He went on to alleged that there were some people who were earning lakhs of Rupees a day in the state while there are a number of people who are finding it difficult to earn even their livelihood.
“It is an utter failure of the state government in preventing the wastage of public money,” he said.
In this connection, to curb wasteful government expenditure, he said, “The party will not encourage the appointment of political appointees.”