SHILLONG, Feb 18: The candidates of North Shillong constituency have stressed the need to ensure transparency in the implementation of government schemes, addressing the issue of unemployment, besides clarifying on the allegations which have been levelled against them.
All the candidates of North Shillong constituency, barring NPP candidate Ransom Sutnga and TMC candidate Elgiva Gwyneth Rynjah, on Saturday participated in the common platform organised by the Dorbar Shnong of Wahingdoh.
Former North Shillong MLA and VPP candidate Adelbert Nongrum said that he had always voiced his opposition to policies and decisions of the government despite being part of the MDA coalition. Recalling how he had opposed the setting up of casinos in the state, Nongrum said he had even asked for review of the state reservation policy when other political parties were terming the matter sensitive. “There is a need to review the reservation policy,” Nongrum said.
Meanwhile, he said there is a need to have well-designed policies when it comes to health, education and employment opportunities in the constituency.
The VPP candidate also mentioned that he had planned to join HNLC to serve the people of the state from the jungles. “But I am continuing to serve the people as a student leader first and now as a mainstream political leader,” he added.
Meanwhile, UDP candidate Dr. Aman War said it has become impossible to solve the problem of traffic congestion in Shillong since land is not available for construction of flyovers.
“We can address the traffic congestion if we divide Shillong city into different zones and also people should allow the government to acquire land for widening roads,” Dr War said.
He also contended that the attempt to resolve the long-pending inter-state boundary dispute with Assam cannot be rushed since the matter has been pending since 1972.
Dr War also stressed that there is a need to set up vocational training centres as part of generating employment opportunities for the youths.
“Our party is planning to come up with a legislation to make it mandatory that any company who wants to set up its business in the state should ensure 100 per cent job reservation for the locals,” the UDP candidate said.
He also stressed on the need to eliminate the drug addiction problem among the youths.
BJP candidate M Kharkrang, on the other hand, clarified that the Home (Police) department was the first to implement the Roster System in the appointment of the vacant posts.
“I can confidently say that if you deserve it, you will get a job in the Police department. The implementation of the roster system is the single effort of the former DGP and not because of the initiative taken by the government or MLAs,” Kharkrang said.
He further assured that he will bring about transparency in the recruitment process in various departments to ensure the deserving candidates secure the job.
The KAM Meghalaya candidate Kyrsoi Pyrthuh, on the other hand, said he would not draw a salary like other MLAs if he is elected. “I will take a pay cut of a daily wage earner until the government incorporates the wages of all daily wage earners in the Wage Board. As per survey, the per capita income of the state is very low; the people of Meghalaya earn only Rs. 80,000 to Rs, 90,000 per year. There is a need to review the pay structure for daily wage labourers in the state, including job card holders under MGNREGA,” Pyrtuh said.
He further said that if he is elected, he will convert the MLA office as a public office, which will fall under the RTI Act and provide access to the people with regard to the implementation of MLA schemes.
