SHILLONG, Feb 17: The UDP released its manifesto for the Assembly polls, promising to review the border MoU signed with Assam and the contentious state reservation policy.
The party also promised to push for implementation of ILP, existing state laws like MSSRA, and recognition for Khasi and Garo languages.
The party manifesto was released by UDP vice president Allantry F Dkhar in the presence of party candidate from Nongkrem, Lambor Malngiang and party women’s wing state president, Pretty Kharpyngrope.
UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh did not attend the programme due to prior commitments.
Dkhar said the party will emphasise on the health sector by upgrading infrastructural development and improve efficiency of medical personnel across the state.
The party will also focus on the development of agriculture sector, empowerment of the youth and tourism sector.
On urban governance, the UDP vice president said the party will initiate mission mode development of New Shillong Township to decongest Shillong city.
“The eastern and western bypass roads will be connected at the earliest to ease the traffic congestion in the capital city. Pre-emptive exercises will be undertaken to arrest urban centres from being plagued with urban strains, as experienced in the capital city,” Dkhar said, while adding that waste management at all levels will be addressed.
On fiscal health, he said the party will try to maintain the financial health of the state, and there would meticulous management both in terms of revenue generation and budgetary allocations.
UDP also promised to review the new pension proposal to ensure benefits for pensioners, widows, single mothers and the differently-able.
The party will ameliorate the plight of ASHA, Anganwadi workers and daily wage earners.
Among others, the party will also give priority to healthcare, schools, electricity and employment opportunities.
Dkhar said the UDP will take steps to fill up vacancies in all departments by ensuring time-bound recruitment by MPSC and DSCs.
On mining, the UDP vice president said the party will ensure that the provisions of the MMDR Act and other laws cover the marginal miner. The party will ensure that mining does not outweigh the need for environmental protection.
“The manifesto is guided by the three cornerstones in its endeavour to serve the state by providing a government that is clean and corruption free, effective and result oriented, fair and an impartial towards all of its citizens,” he said.
On promoting peace, he said that the party will ensure safety and security for all sections of society.
“Reduction of maternal & infant mortality rate by setting up prenatal and postnatal care centres, provision of mandatory immunization & vaccination via routine health camps, increase in healthcare cover under MHIS and diagnostic centres at sub-divisional and district headquarters will be our top agenda,” he said.
