The United Democratic Party (UDP) has promised to raise a dedicated state border force to handle security at both the inter-state and international borders if elected to power in the upcoming assembly elections.
The UDP, which is the second largest constituent of the MDA coalition, also assured to review the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Assam, implementation of ILP and existing state laws like Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act and inclusion of the Khasi and Garo languages, in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India.
The promises are part of the party’s manifesto released on Friday. The party manifesto, which made at least 16 promises, was released by UDP vice president, Allantry F. Dkhar in presence of party candidate from Nongkrem, Lambor Malngiang and women’s wing state president, Pretty Kharpyngrope.
“The UDP believes in working towards sustainable development as opposed to the offering of freebies,” Dkhar said, adding, that it is guided by three cornerstones to serve the state by providing a government that is clean and corruption-free, effective and result-oriented, fair and impartial towards all citizens.
On the health sector, the party assured to provide equitable and affordable healthcare by upgrading infrastructural development and improve efficiency of medical personnel across the state. It promises to reduce maternal and infant mortality, increase healthcare cover under MHIS, eradication of drug abuse and promotion of Meghalaya’s medicinal herbs and traditional healing methods.
Under education, the party said that it will provide free textbooks to school-going children from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, set up another state university, special schools for children with special needs, and others.
The party said it will be its endeavour to introduce minimum support price for farmers, welfare measures for farmers including female farmers, small and marginal farmers, farm labourers and others.
With promises to revamp the MTDC to develop and promote the tourism sector in the state the party also said it will promote sustainable eco/cultural tourism.
For a “holistic economic growth” the party said it will improve Meghalaya’s rankings, not only in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but also Human Development Index (HDI) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The party said it will also address unemployment whereby skill development and coaching centres will be set up, age bar to be revisited, filling up of all government vacancies, time bound recruitment by MPSC and DSCs, doing away with interview for Grade III and IV positions, and others. It also stress on reviewing the reservation policy.
It also seeks to look into the welfare of all by reducing landlessness and the economic gap between the citizens and under mining, it promises to ensure that the provisions of the MMDR Act and other laws cover the marginal miner and that mining for the people’s economy does not outweigh the need for environmental protection.
The UDP said it also prioritises road connectivity for rural development and give access to healthcare, schools, electricity and other government provided benefits.
Under urban governance the party said development of New Shillong Township to decongest the capital city will be taken under mission mode, to connect eastern and western bypass roads at the earliest to ease the traffic congestion, take pre-emptive exercises to arrest urban centres from being plagued with urban strains and address waste management.
Further, the party said it will encourage micro hydel projects, tap non-convention energy to augment energy requirement and examine thermal power plants where it is feasible.
