By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 20: Voice of the People Party (VPP) president, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, on Monday formally announced an eight-point charter of demands targeting the National People’s Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Government, raising concerns over governance, employment, land rights, and environmental protection.
At the forefront of the demands is the immediate scrapping of the proposed Lumpongdeng Island project, despite the state government’s announcement earlier in the day that the island would be excluded from the broader luxury resort and spa development plan.
The VPP chief maintained that no project should be implemented without the consent of local communities, asserting that land and natural resources must not be subjected to exploitation or “backdoor privatisation.”
Basaiawmoit also voiced strong opposition to policies affecting the education sector. It demanded that long-serving teachers be exempted from clearing the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET) late in their careers, calling the requirement unjust and demoralising.
Additionally, he called for the immediate withdrawal of the Meghalaya Private College Act, 2025, arguing that it threatens the autonomy and stability of grant-in-aid institutions.
On recruitment issues, the VPP chief stressed the need to ensure transparency and independence in hiring processes. It called for the complete depoliticisation of bodies such as the District Selection Committee (DSC) and the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC), urging the removal of politically affiliated members and an end to alleged nepotism, corruption, and bribery.
Highlighting unemployment concerns, Basaiawmoit demanded a halt to service extensions granted to retired employees, stating that such practices deprive the youth of job opportunities.
The VPP chief further called for stringent measures to protect public land, including an immediate stop to the leasing or sale of land to private entities and strict adherence to existing land laws. It also insisted that Autonomous District Councils must not be bypassed in matters concerning land governance.
Raising concerns over security and demographic changes, he demanded urgent action to curb illegal influx, strengthen border security, and safeguard indigenous communities and vulnerable villages.
Environmental issues also featured prominently in the charter, with the party chief demanding a halt to the establishment of new coke and cement plants.
He further called for the closure or strict regulation of existing units accused of causing environmental degradation and public health concerns.
He also urged the government to initiate a transparent, time-bound process to detect and deport illegal immigrants residing in the state.
