SHILLONG: Boundary dispute, education and youth policy are among the issues that the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) has highlighted in its election manifesto.
Addressing a gathering after releasing the manifesto at the party office here on Friday, PDF chairman PN Syiem said the party would seek to resolve the boundary dispute with Assam, improve education, healthcare, youth policy, public health and social welfare.
He added that the party would also improve tourism, frame a mining policy, boost agriculture and farming, construct roads and bridges, improve and find out ways and means to expand the power sector and create employment avenues.
The party also released the official election song jingshai mombati (light from the candle).
People’s Democratic Front (PDF) chairman PN Syiem has said that the state’s mining policy should be framed as per the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution instead of following the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR) and taking recourse to the MMDC method as advocated by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.
According to Syiem, the chief minister should not have brought the MMDC policy that entailed mine owners to sign MoUs with the state government agency, after which the MMDC would lease their properties to mining companies. This method, he said, was “very wrong”.
“Why follow the MMDR Act?” he asked. “We should make use of the provisions enshrined in the Sixth Schedule and devise a policy accordingly. If we need the exemption of the President, he should give the exemption.” In this connection, Syiem observed that Meghalaya could have its own mining policy like Nagaland and other states.
He added that while the MMDR Act would disturb the land holding system of the people of the state, the Sixth Schedule’s provisions are in sync with the traditions and practices of the people.
He said that the provisions of the Sixth Schedule ought to be followed for mining or land issues in the scheduled areas as such areas are empowered by the provisions of the Schedule.
“We need the exemption of the President so that we can make a mining policy or mining act according to the provisions of the Sixth Schedule. Otherwise, if we follow land issues and other issues in the light of the central act, there is no meaning of having the Sixth Schedule,” he said.
Tapping hydro power
Harping on the need to create a coherent policy for the power sector, Syiem said Meghalaya is known for its potential capacity to generate hydro power for which the state’s rivers have to be efficiently tapped.
“Our policy is very simple. We will encourage the power sector to come and invest in the state so that we reap the benefits,” he maintained. Explaining why the state should have its own power policy, Syiem said that following investments by power sector companies a lot of revenue would be generated for the state and projects could be completed within a span of 5-10 years. “It is shameful that as a state which is rich in hydro electricity, 2-3 projects are still hanging fire,” he added.
Employment and
e-governance
Dwelling on the pressing need for employment generation, Syiem said the PDF would focus on private sector employment and encourage different companies to invest in the state to maximise employment generation.
Asked about the number of jobs the party targets to create, he refused to provide any fixed number saying it was a technical issue, but stressed on the need to upgrade infrastructure.
Stating that the party is eager to address the issue of lack of transparency, Syiem said that the PDF wants to encourage e-governance to make administration free and fair.
Boundary dispute
According to the PDF chairman, boundary issues cannot be solved if the historical background is lost sight of. In what appeared to be an acerbic comment, he said that boundary issues were not supposed to be discussed at the Brahmaputra Guest House.
“We have to work hand in hand with the traditional heads, Raid and Hima based on historical evidence. Maps and documents should be collected. Only if we base our arguments on these facts that we can be in a position to discuss boundary issues,” he said.
He added that the provisions of the Sixth Schedule should be the guiding light while discussing the land boundary issue with Assam.
“The North Eastern Re-Organization Act, 1971 and Assam Re-Organization Act, 1969 should be considered in detail before we take a stand. Even the Assam government will see our point if we produce all the facts and figures,” he added.
Checking influx
According to Syiem, strengthening the provisions of the Sixth Schedule and consolidating traditional institutions are vital in addressing the issue of influx.
Asked about the Inner Line Permit, he replied: “As regards the mechanism and method to be adopted by the PDF government if it comes to power, I think we need a series of meetings and discussions among party workers and experts in order to come to a conclusion.”
“Right now, we cannot say whether ILP or any other mechanism is suitable,” he said, expressing confidence that the PDF would adopt a proper mechanism to address the issue if it forms the next government in the state.
“The Mukul government has tried the entry/exit point mechanism. MUA-II policy will be different with the PDF if we come to power,” he said. Dwelling on the roles and functions of local heads, Syiem observed that the traditional heads should be neutral and avoid being involved in active politics.
