Meghalaya: Congress releases manifesto ahead of GHADC elections

TURA: 

Leader of the opposition, Dr Mukul Sangma, on Wednesday released the party manifesto with its road map of what it wanted to do if given power in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council.

The manifesto was released in an election campaign in Songsak; the constituency represented by Sangma.

The manifesto of the Congress highlighted its pledges, which included the development of a local area development fund to all MDCs equally and equivocally. 

The manifesto promised to abolish monopoly and other double, multiple taxation systems on the assertion that the same has a cascading effect on the prices of goods and commodities from outside the state, and those going out of the state.

Further, Congress stated it would like to share revenue with the A’king Nokmas as has been provided in the 6th Schedule. 

The provisions would be put in place for such an act and will go a long way in recognising the stature and ownership of the Akingland by the Nokmas.

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It further stated its intention of strengthening both the Village Council System and the administration system within the GHADC—with the thought of making administration corruption-free.

Through the manifesto the Congress party added that it would work on multiple strategies on revenue generation within GHADC while also looking at improving public services, making them time-bound.

The Congress also promised to make payment of taxes easier by opening at least one tax collection centre in all districts while also introducing the system of online payments.

The manifesto also promised to protect the biodiversity of the region because of the impact climate change has on systems.

“The landowners, including the clan members and traditional institutions, will be promoted for sustainable development through intervention,” it added.

On illegal immigrants, Congress promised to support the enforcement of Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Act to prevent illegal immigration into the state.