SHILLONG, Aug 13: Amid restlessness only intensifying in the state over the delay in implementation of inner line permit (ILP) and inclusion of the indigenous languages of the state in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, the statement Union Minister of State (MoS) for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs Bishweswar Tudu may come as a newfound hope for the people in Meghalaya.
The Union MoS on Saturday said that he will discuss the demand pertaining to ILP and recognition for Khasi and Garo languages with the Centre and deliberate over a probable action that can be taken to resolve the grievances.
“Many ministers are coming to the Northeast. They are giving report to central government from time to time. I will give my report and discuss the issues and what action can be taken to resolve them,” the Union MoS said. He asserted that on his next visit to the state, he will be equipped with a better response on the aforementioned issues. “I will communicate with party leader and suggest the government,” he added.
The Union MoS for Tribal Affairs said, “Demand for inclusion of many things comes from all across the country but there is a procedure. Until proper report is not received, the central government cannot do much.”
On the demand for declaring the Niam Tre and Niam Khasi as indigenous religious minority, he said, “I have not received any such representation. If I will be given (the representation), I will give the report or I will send a team to inquire and examine the matter practically.”
He however explained that it is a matter that needs to be surveyed. “There is a procedure and the proposal will go from state to Centre, which will examine it. And if the criteria will be fulfilled, they will be given the opportunity,” Tudu said.
CORRUPTION
On the other hand, the Union MoS has asked people of the state to raise their voice against corruption and take a stand instead of blaming leaders.
“Wherever there is illegality, if just the leader’s stand and the people do not, what will happen? There is a need for the people to be aware of the corrupt practices and take a stand,” said Tudu, while reacting to queries about his stand on the series of allegations levelled against the MDA Government in the state by the State BJP.
Emphasising the role of public, he said, “It is the public who should stand when an inquiry takes place. The public also need to speak and say what is wrong and they should support.”
Tudu maintained that allegations of corruption occur everywhere and that Meghalaya is no exception.
It may be mentioned that the State BJP has been raising many issues of corruption and demanding probe after probe. The issues range from illegal coal mining and transportation, misutilisation of central funds by the Autonomous District Council (ADCs) etc. However, not much has been achieved as the probe reports into few of the allegations are still awaited despite being submitted by the agency to the government long ago.
