SHILLONG : NPP’s Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll candidate Dr DRL Nonglait on Friday said he had never planned to enter electoral politics after spending two decades at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), but decided to contest because he believes the state and his community need his contribution.
Addressing a campaign meeting at Mawryngkneng, Nonglait spoke about his journey from a poor rural farming background to becoming a professor and officer at NEHU.
He recalled starting his career as a bill clerk at the MeSEB office located in front of the Secretariat in Shillong.
“I lived a poor life as a farmer from a rural area,” he said.
Nonglait said his roots remain firmly connected to his village Lawbyrtun under Hima Mawiaweng, where traditional customs continue to be preserved under Raid Nonglait.
He said around 80% of the population in the constituency are farmers, making their struggles and aspirations familiar to him.
Nonglait highlights education initiatives
Nonglait also highlighted his involvement in education-related initiatives, saying that on his advice, Riwar College approached Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong after receiving affiliation from NEHU. The institution subsequently developed into what he described as a “people’s college”.
He also credited Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who is in charge of the constituency, for helping several colleges become people’s colleges.
According to Nonglait, Nongtalang, Thomas Jones, Shangpung and Khliehriat colleges received support despite the NPP not having MLAs in those areas.
“That made me want to work with the government,” he said.
Nonglait recalls work on teachers’ issues
Nonglait said grievances raised by teachers and street protests were addressed through the Education Policy in which he was involved.
He said the New Pay Structure helped provide better salaries to agitating teachers, while acknowledging that concerns relating to the salaries of senior teachers and assistance for newly recognised schools still require attention.
Says Shillong Medical College fulfils long-pending demand
Recalling his tenure as head of NEHU’s College Development Council, Nonglait said he witnessed the fulfilment of a long-standing demand for a medical college in Meghalaya.
“Since achieving statehood, we did not have a medical college. Students got relief with NEIGRIHMS under NEHU, but last year permission was granted to start Shillong Medical College,” he said.
Nonglait said his decision to enter the electoral contest was driven by his belief that his experience in education, administration and grassroots life could be used to contribute to Meghalaya’s development.
