By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 29: Lakhon Kma, a faculty member of NEHU’s Biochemistry department, has decided to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from the Shillong constituency.
“I have decided to join active politics and contest the MP election with a one-point agenda of seeing the state develop and be self-sufficient, ensuring a regular source of income for people in the villages and towns,” he said on Monday.
Kma said it is vital to provide a level playing field for everyone to compete so that the most neglected and downtrodden groups get an opportunity to prosper.
His agenda includes better schools, roads, electricity, potable water, healthcare, and sanitation.
“More importantly, the problems and aspirations of the Meghalayans have to be raised in Parliament with full force so that a new chapter on development can be chartered by all of us. We cannot afford to shy away from developmental agenda such as better connectivity on land or through the air,” he said.
He said he has adopted a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ on corruption. “The issue of setting up of CUET centres across the state will be of immediate priority so that our students do not suffer and are not denied higher education,” Kma said.
He also sought to fight for the recognition of the Khasi language under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
“However, MPs face bigger challenges such as safeguarding the local population, protecting the fragile ecosystem, water bodies, and the rights of the people while embracing developmental projects,” he said.
Kma further said railways, inner-line permit, State Reservation Policy, and interstate dispute with Assam are among the other issues that would be on his radar.