Work permits to B’deshis: CM sees long-term gains

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted that the idea of issuing work permits to Bangladeshi nationals is to develop, in the long run, a strong mechanism to have economic benefits and protect the people of the state and the land.
Speaking to media persons after arriving from New Delhi here on Wednesday, Sangma said the discussion with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was on Act South Policy that may propel Meghalaya’s economy “but the biggest challenge is illegal immigration”.
Talks on how to evolve a system like in the US, Dubai, the UK and other countries, where Indians can stay and work but not vote or gain citizenship, led to the idea of issuing work permits, Sangma told reporters.
“It serves the dual purpose as people who are working in those countries earn a living and people of that country gets the required service and they are happy because nationals from other countries won’t become citizens,” he added.
The chief minister felt the idea, which is still inchoate as the state government has not submitted a proposal in this regard, is worth considering.
However, he stressed the need for detailed discussions with the chief ministers of other northeastern state before a final decision is taken.
On the road link with the neighbouring country, Sangma said the state government has proposed a road diagonally from Kolkata to Guwahati by avoiding the chicken neck and reducing the duration from 1,500 km to 700 km. Besides, requests were made to open more border haats in the state.
When asked about the issue of implementing the Inner Line Permit, Sangma said the government will involve stakeholders, civil societies, political parties and others in any policy making decision.