Shillong, Apr 5: The VPP on Friday released the manifesto for the April 19 Lok Sabha polls.
The manifesto highlights the party’s stand on article 371, uniform civil code, CAA, ILP and railway among others.
The party promises good governance, transparency and accountability.
The full text of the VPP manifesto
1. Good Governance: We are committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance to ensure that the needs and aspirations of the people are met effectively.
2. Democracy: We pledge to uphold the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution, including the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens.
3. Secularism and Pluralism: We will uphold the principle of secularism in letter and spirit, fostering an environment of multiculturalism, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of minorities across the country.
4. Education:
a. Engage with the government to ensure that Central Educational Institutes cater to the needs of local people in terms of seats for learning, employment, and course of study.
b.Promote the learning of foreign languages and soft skills by providing assistance to existing institutions.
c. To advocate for amendment of the National Education Policy 2020 to make it relevant to the state of Meghalaya and North Eastern region.
5. Article 371 and Sixth Schedule:
a. Advocate for putting Meghalaya under Article 371 to protect the state from the application of Central Laws affecting the customs and traditions of the people.
b. Streamlining the working of the grassroots governance including the Sixth Schedule in the state.
c. To advocate for the preservation of people’s ownership rights over land and natural resources.
6. Border Policy: Develop a comprehensive border policy aimed at fostering the socio-economic development of regions along international borders.
7. Power: Develop micro hydel projects, solar energy, and wind energy to promote sustainable and clean energy sources.
8. Agriculture: Initiate development for agro-based industries and schemes to support farmers.
9. Environment:
a. Amend the Mines and Mineral Development Regulation Act 1957 to suit the local context of Meghalaya.
b. To resist the implementation of The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 in Meghalaya.
c. To advocate for robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that large-scale factories operating in the state adhere to national environmental standards while also fostering economic benefits for local communities.
10. Border Dispute with Assam:
a. Review and reconsider the border dispute resolution between Meghalaya and Assam.
b. Seek Central Government intervention to resolve the border dispute over Block 1 and Block 2.
11. Reservation of Jobs: Advocate for job reservation of lower grade posts for local people in Central Government Offices located in Meghalaya.
12. Menace of Drug Abuse: Seek Central Government intervention and support to tackle drug abuse and smuggling by strengthening border guarding and supporting rehabilitation efforts.
13. Uniform Civil Code: Oppose the Uniform Civil Code Bill introduced by the BJP government.
14. Language:
a. Press for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution and promote its learning in the state.
b. Oppose the imposition of Hindi language and uphold English as the medium of instruction in schools and colleges and as the official language of the state.
15. Sports: Provide infrastructure facilities for sports, scholarships for meritorious sports persons, and establish sports academies for football and other games.
16. Inner Line Permit (ILP):
a. To reinstate the names of Khasi and Jaintia Hills in the preamble of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act 1873, as it was removed in the Adaptation of Laws (Amendment) Order, 2019.
b. Implement the Inner Line Permit in the state of Meghalaya to regulate the entry of outsiders and protect the interests of indigenous communities.
17. Citizenship Amendment Act 2019: We stand against the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state and are committed to devising strategies to mitigate its effects in our state, considering its enforcement in other states.
18. Health:
a. Improve the human development index in the state and promote herbal medicines practiced by the people to ensure holistic healthcare and well-being.
b. To advocate for increased salaries and government support for Accredited Social Health Workers (ASHA).
c. To improve the working conditions of the Angandwadi centres in the state and uplift the living standards of the Angandwadi workers.
19. Road Infrastructure and Communication Technology:
a. Seek central support to build more road infrastructure to improve connectivity within Meghalaya and with neighboring states.
b. Advocate for the development of digital technology to enhance communication networks and access to information technology services across the state.
c. Focus on building ropeways in feasible locations, especially in areas where road infrastructure is impractical, to improve connectivity and transportation options. Additionally, explore opportunities for constructing flyover roads where feasible to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance transportation efficiency in the state. Additionally, the Party will advocate towards the relocation of select central government offices from the congested areas of the state capital to mitigate traffic congestion and ensure smoother mobility.
20. Enhance Airway Infrastructure: Implement measures to modernize and expand airway infrastructure across the state, ensuring better connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike. This includes upgrading existing airports, developing new airstrips in underserved areas, and promoting regional air travel to boost economic growth and tourism.”
21. Uranium Mining: We oppose the mining of uranium in Meghalaya.
22. Railway Lines: We oppose the establishment of railway lines especially in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills unless adequate safeguard measures are implemented to address concerns related to influx and other associated issues.
23. Differently Abled Persons: To champion the rights of individuals with disabilities and endorse the manifesto proposed by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People.
24. Ensure Effective Implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Commit to enhancing the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes in Meghalaya by fostering better coordination between state and central authorities, allocating resources efficiently, and ensuring timely execution to maximize the benefits for the people of the state.
