Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma today urged the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) to give more suggestions to the State government instead of just criticising.
It may be recalled that the VPP has recently written a letter to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of Rakkam Sangma as education minister. The party has also demanded his removal.
Replying to questions by media persons on the matter, Rakkam said that VPP mostly comprises intellectuals “and so it’s best if they give more suggestions than just criticism.”
“They (VPP) are educated people, so we expect them not just to give criticism but expect them to suggest. Everyone, be it in the opposition or in the government, we have our own responsibility in serving and contributing to the people,” he said.
Rakkam also requested the VPP to send its suggestions on how to improve the functioning of the Education Department as also on his performance as the education minister.
Stating that suggestions and inputs from the VPP would be valued, Rakkam also said that both the State government and opposition have shared responsibility in improving governance.
Moreover, Rakkam said that VPP is not a threat to the NPP in the upcoming elections to the District Councils and Lok Sabha as the party is new.
“The party has a tough way ahead. Being a political party does not mean they can win elections through fake promises, they should not just talk and have to serve the people,” he said, adding that the people of the State look at the credibility of the party.
Stating that Meghalaya is a small state that depends on the Central government for financial assistance, Rakkam maintained that the State needs a political party which can connect with the Centre.
