Shillong, July 1: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, placing before the state government a comprehensive 20-point charter of demands aimed at addressing issues relating to governance, indigenous rights, employment, education, healthcare and economic development.
In its memorandum, the KSU said the demands were prepared after a careful assessment of the present situation in Meghalaya and the pressing needs of the people. The union stated that the proposals are intended to safeguard the interests of the indigenous community while promoting the overall welfare and progress of the state.
Among its key demands, the KSU called for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya and, until then, the full operationalisation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA). It also reiterated its opposition to uranium-related activities in the state and the introduction of railways until an effective mechanism to regulate influx is put in place.
The union further urged the government to expedite the resolution of the inter-state boundary dispute, amend the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Act, 2020, and pursue the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
The memorandum also raised concerns over recruitment at North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, alleging that assurances given by the state government had not been fulfilled.
Other major demands include the introduction of a Land Ceiling Act, establishment of rehabilitation centres for substance abuse, improvements in the health, agriculture, education and tourism sectors, and reforms in the state’s sports policy.
The KSU also sought reforms in recruitment processes, including changes in the functioning of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission and District Selection Committees (DSCs), the formulation of standard operating procedures for recruitment boards, and the abolition of personal interviews for Grade B, C and D posts.
In addition, the union called for greater transparency in contract works and tendering processes, a policy mandating private companies and business establishments to recruit local indigenous people, annual declaration of assets and liabilities by government employees, and the creation of a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Cell or Directorate.
The final demand sought the removal of other Scheduled Tribes from the Constitutional Order of 1950.
