SHILLONG, May 2: The discussions on the controversial issue of the roster system and the Meghalaya State Reservation Policy, 1972, would start after May 15.
Informing this here on Tuesday, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the Cabinet is going through multiple presentations on the issue from the departments.
“Most likely, we will have these discussions post-May 15 where everybody will be invited. We intend to call all our MDA members, all political parties, all the different civil society groups from all areas and other important stakeholders, and religious leaders,” he said, emphasising on the need to involve everyone in the matter so that they understand the facts.
There has been a huge uproar on the implementation of the roster system after the High Court accidentally came to know that it was not being followed while filling government job vacancies.
The high court immediately ordered the government to stop all recruitment processes until the roster system is in place. Civil society groups in Garo and Khasi Hills have been at loggerheads since.
Garo Hills-based groups want the roster system to be implemented retrospectively (from 1972 when Meghalaya attained statehood) while those in the Khasi Hills want it to be implemented prospectively or from the date the new system is implemented.
While the government is taking steps to address the roster crisis, it has been helpless in addressing the issue of load-shedding.
It now appears that the government’s only hope of a respite from power cuts hinges on the arrival of the rain.
Sangma admitted that the load-shedding situation has been complicated this year, although the election phase made it less acute. He also said the MeECL has huge financial concerns.
Assuring reforms in the MeECL, he said only a decent volume of rainfall or the state’s ability to purchase power at a reasonable rate could bring some respite for the consumers. “The rates are now quite high due to the shortage of power at the national level,” he added.
Appealing to the people to bear with the government as they are working towards minimising their discomfort, Sangma hoped the situation would improve soon.
