By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 30: The Meghalaya BJP on Monday said there should be no difficulty for the state government in making the Expert Committee’s report on the state reservation policy public, if it is ready, as doing so would promote transparency and allow informed public debate.
Speaking to reporters, BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said that releasing the report would enable people to discuss its findings and, if required, allow the government to take corrective measures.
He maintained that there was “no harm” in placing the document in the public domain, pointing out that the report was prepared by an independent expert committee and that the government is not bound to accept it in its entirety.
“The report does not have to be implemented as a whole. It is for the government to decide whether to accept or reject its recommendations. But making it public will allow discussion and debate, and any corrective action, if needed, can be taken,” the BJP leader said, adding that disclosure of the report would enhance transparency.
It may be recalled that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had recently reiterated that the findings of the Expert Committee on the reservation policy would be released shortly, stressing that the delay was due to the volume and sensitivity of the document. The Chief Minister pointed out that the report weighs nearly 200 kilogram and comprises around 4,000 to 5,000 pages, necessitating detailed scrutiny by senior officials, including the Chief Secretary.
He said even minor wording could have significant implications, making it essential to review every page thoroughly before placing the report before the cabinet.
The Voice of the People Party (VPP), however, sharply criticised the government’s “excuse” for delaying the release report, calling the citation of the document’s “length and weight” untenable. VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit acknowledged Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s assurance that the report would be released soon but said the party’s concerns over the delay remain.
“This is the first time we have encountered such an excuse—citing the physical size and weight of a report as a barrier to its disclosure,” Basaiawmoit said.
He expressed hope that the assurance would be fulfilled promptly, warning that further delays would fuel public scepticism and suggestions of reluctance to share the findings.
