A delegation of the Voice of the People Party led by its President, Ardent M. Basaiawmoit, met the Chief Minister today in his office chamber and urged him to address various issues concerning the state and its people.
Speaking to reporters, Basaiawmoit said the party urged upon the state government to take serious attention towards speeding up the notification to constitute the members of the Expert Committee for the speedy review of the Job Reservation Policy- the demand of which has been felt for a long time.
He said the Chief Minister assured the delegation that the Search Committee has presented enough number of panel of names as members of the Expert Committee. However, the Committee is still trying to identify more names to head the Committee as the Chairman and that the process would not take more than two-three weeks.
On the law and order situation in the state, Basaiawmoit said the party made it clear to the Chief Minister that it was rather shocking that the district administration made a startling revelation that Shillong was an unsafe city based on a few stray incidents.
“The promulgation of Section 144 Criminal Procedure Code restricting the livelihood and liberties of the citizens is unacceptable to the people and the party. This uncalled for intervention in fact, revealed the weakness of the state government to maintain the law and order even at the slightest of disturbance,” he said.
Raising the issue relating to the exploitation of farmers, the VPP leader said that the Chief Minister was impressed upon by the Party to look into the problem of systemic exploitation of farmers in the state by the middle men. He said it is a common knowledge that the farmers experienced inhumane and unexplainable cut of their produce at the time of marketing which hugely impacts their right. Injustice of any kind meted out to any section of the society particularly the vulnerable section of the society is unacceptable.
Basaiawmoit also said that the party has also reiterated its stand that the promulgation of odd/even formula for public transport is discriminatory and anti-poor measure that needs withdrawal. Solution to the problem of traffic jam is not by taking such an immature and imbalanced consideration.
“We also urged upon the Chief Minister to look into the issue of inflation of essential commodities and electricity which has affected the life and business of the life of the citizens in the state,” he said.
Basaiawmoit said that party also urged the chief minister to stop the load shedding in the entire state.
“While the state has been witnessing the good rainfall since the month of June and the water level in the Umiam Reservoir has increased near its full capacity, yet the citizens continue to face the brunt of load shedding both at night and during day time. Load shedding stands contravention to the right of the citizens,” he said. He informed that the chief minister has assured the Party delegation that the matters brought before him would be looked into and decisions that best serve the people would be taken.