SHILLONG, July 22: The blame for the embarrassment due to the second-poorest tag given to Meghalaya in a NITI Aayog report is on everyone, Leader of Opposition Ronnie V Lyngdoh said on Saturday.
The opposition leader pointed out that that there are many factors which contribute to the situation. Politicians, bureaucracy, people and even many religious leaders are to be blamed, he said.
Talking about the role of money in the context of elections, Lyngdoh stated that political parties approach people without any concrete policy and the electorates nowadays pick their candidate or party solely based on who gives them money.
On the bureaucracy in the state, he said that it is lethargic.
Even many religious leaders are unable to convince voters to vote for parties that have certain policies and plans for the state. “Be it education, social or health sector, if this continues, I don’t see any hope,” he said, while adding that even the media does not play a constructive role in enlightening people about the issues.
He said that without the religious institutions, there would be a dearth of proper educational centres in the state.
It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya government has taken a defensive stand after ratings for Meghalaya came to light. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has promised a change in the overall ranking in the next five years.
