SHILLONG: The State needs concrete policies such as the sports and health policies and not any last-minute inauguration of schemes or distribution of utilities.
This was observed by a section of prominent citizens whom The Shillong Times spoke to to solicit their opinion on the last-minute inauguration of schemes by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, MLAs and ministers as well as the distribution of utilities instead of improving the constituency.
Former Home Minister Robert G. Lyngdoh said it was a normal procedure and not unique ahead of the 2018 Assembly elections.
Stating that “old habits die hard,” he said the last-minute inauguration of schemes is also a way to make people remember them.
When asked on the distribution of buckets and other utilities by MLAs, he said, “It is not acceptable. Our constituents prefer someone who distributes football boots/medicines to someone who works to bring on a sports policy/health policy.”
Meanwhile, member of Thma U Rangli Juki Angela Rangad said, “Schemes and infrastructure projects are not the only things which will take us forward and not the only mandate of legislators.” “The representatives should come up with concrete policies that are solid and meaningful,” she added.
According to her, the representatives think that the electorate will be happy with the inauguration of schemes. “At that level, it is an insult to the electorate,” she remarked.
Echoing Lyngdoh, she said the giving away of utilities such as buckets by MLAs, was not acceptable. She called for doing away with MLA/MDC schemes as it was a waste of public money.
“It is time to bring back power to the people. There should be a mass movement of people that subscribes to a certain ideology and to push for a representative who will carry out their mandate,” said, adding, “The people will keep the power of the representative in checks.”
On the other hand, FKJGP member Marbud Dkhar asserted that the last-minute inauguration was part of the representative’s “save the best for last” belief.
“They take advantage of the ensuing elections to project their parties/government. It all depends on the wisdom of the electorate,” he added.
Stating that representatives should focus on major development projects as well as to frame laws, Dkhar said representatives should turn their attention to the poor and other development work rather than distribution of utilities.
