Shillong, Aug 25: The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Tuesday mounted a broad challenge to the government on land, jobs, recruitment, influx and resources, placing its 10-point charter in the Assembly.
Party chief and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, moving short-duration discussion, demanded scrapping of the proposed Lumpongdeng project and white paper on land involved, environmental impact, compensation, financial commitments and gains to State.
Development cannot be without consent of affected communities, he said.
On recruitment, VPP sought greater independence for the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and District Selection Committees, search committee for MPSC members, defined criteria, safeguards against political interference, disclosure of marks and action against alleged bribery.
Alleging candidates who failed the written test were called for an interview in a particular exam, Basaiawmoit demanded cancellation and inquiry. He opposed extension/re-employment of retired employees, saying it hits youth opportunities. He also flagged delayed payments to home guards, casual and muster-roll workers and sought regularisation.
On teachers, the VPP chief questioned retrospective qualification norms for those appointed under old rules, sought review of Meghalaya Private College Act 2025, continuation of deficit system, filling of UGC scale vacancies and timely retirement benefits.
On land, alleged public and community land vulnerable to backdoor sale, lease and illegal acquisition, he sought transparent records and adherence to customary institutions and laws.
On influx, Basaiawmoit called for stronger border surveillance, documentation, verification and coordination with police, border forces and centre, and time-bound mechanism to identify illegal migrants while distinguishing citizens and lawful residents.
In industry, he demanded cancellation of a public hearing at Lum Syrman for the Shree Cement project alleging lack of transparency.
On coal, he sought a legal regulated mechanism to resume mining — transparent allocation, scientific methods, environmental safeguards, restoration, worker safety, and share of revenue and benefits to state and affected communities.
For stone and sand, Basaiawmoit proposed a regulated system based on scientific assessment of zones and carrying capacity, curbs in ecologically sensitive areas, restoration and crackdown on illegal extraction.
Basaiawmoit said the charter was intended to push the government towards greater accountability while protecting land, natural resources and the interests of Meghalaya’s people.
