Shillong, Jun 6: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has released its 20-point charter of demands, which it says are critical issues that impact the daily lives and economic progress of the Khasi community.
The charter of demands was submitted to the Chief Minister on Saturday, which also coincides with the formal induction and confirmation ceremony for the new Central Executive Council at U Soso Tham Auditorium here.
At the forefront of the KSU’s demands is the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873. The union argues that recent eviction drives in adjacent states have resulted in an influx of illegal migrants into Meghalaya, exacerbating existing challenges. The KSU said that the ILP serves as a vital legal safeguard, similar to protections in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur.
The demands outlined by the KSU cover various aspects including land rights, labour registration, and environmental protection. They call for a stop to uranium mining in South West Khasi Hills and request recognition of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule.
Furthermore, the union seeks reforms in recruitment processes for government jobs, including abolition of personal interviews for Grade B, C and D posts, as per DoPT norms. It also sought SOPs for other recruitment boards, transparency in contract tendering via online filing, and adherence to the CPWD work manual.
The union demanded a policy mandating private firms to reserve jobs for locals and enforce provisions of the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act, 2024, which requires 90 per cent non-managerial and 50 per cent managerial posts for locals if firms avail state subsidies.
It further called for annual asset declarations by government employees, creation of a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Directorate, and amendment of the Constitution Order 1950 to remove “other Schedule Tribes” from Meghalaya’s ST list, alleging misuse of land and reservation benefits.
Better sports support, and the establishment of drug rehabilitation centers across districts are also listed in the demands.
The newly elected body—led by President Raymond P. Kharjana and General Secretary Reuben A. Najiar—took the confirmation oath, administered by former KSU leader and NESO Chairman, Samuel Jyrwa.
