SHILLONG: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party has said that issues such as resolution of border disputes, land ownership, influx and recognition of Khasi language would figure in its priority list.
The regional party held its general council meeting at Dinam Hall here on Tuesday and discussed several key issues that it pledged to take up “if voted to power” next year.
Speaking to reporters after the general council meeting, HSPDP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said the party would prioritise to resolve the border disputes if it came to power.
“Another issue is the ownership of land in the state. We have to further strengthen the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act and bring in a land law covering all aspects related to land,” Basaiawmoit said.
On influx, the party 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,” he said.
On the recognition of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule, the party said it would follow up and remind the government on the issue. “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 said it would continue to oppose uranium mining.
The meeting also discussed youth and other important policies.
“There are many policies the party will prepare to bring out in the next five years if voted to power,” he added.
On the development front, the party will seek to uplift agriculture practices and rearing of livestock which will open up employment opportunities.
“The party will seek to bring in transparent appointment in the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and District Selection Committee (DSC),” he said.
Basaiawmoit said the party also discussed the importance to develop the tourism industry and border markets and the need to maintain cleanliness in the state.
On the demand for a separate Khasi-Jaintia State, he said the party would continue to pursue the issue.
Sound financial administration
Asserting that a government which administers a state for five years should be financially sound, Basaiawmoit flayed the Congress-led state government for allowing a certain section “to loot the state’s finances before it gets to the state’s exchequer”.
He went on to allege that some people were earning lakhs of rupees a day while a number of people were finding it difficult to earn their livelihood.
“The state government has failed to prevent wastage of public money,” he said.
To curb wasteful government expenditure, he said the party would not encourage the appointment of political appointees.
