SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has urged the Centre to expedite action on several long-pending issues concerning Meghalaya, including the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020, implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
A UDP delegation led by Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui raised the issues during a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday.
MRSS Amendment Bill remains pending
Rymbui said the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (MRSS) Amendment Bill, 2020, remains pending despite being passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
The Bill was subsequently sent to the Governor, who referred it to the Union Home Ministry for consideration.
Rymbui said the UDP requested Shah to look into the matter and facilitate approval of the legislation.
According to the UDP leader, Shah indicated that there were “two or three points” that Meghalaya would need to address before the Centre could consider approving the Bill.
Rymbui said the state government would examine those points once they are formally communicated by the Centre.
UDP presses for Inner Line Permit
The delegation also discussed Meghalaya’s long-standing demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Rymbui said the ILP resolution was discussed in detail, although the Centre would need to study the matter in the context of other states.
He said existing protections under the Sixth Schedule and the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act, among other laws, were important but argued that additional safeguards were required to protect the indigenous population.
“As you know we are not isolated. We will raise the issue from time to time,” Rymbui said.
Khasi and Garo languages sought in Eighth Schedule
The UDP also urged the Centre to include Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Rymbui said Shah assured the delegation that the process was ongoing and asked the state to remain patient.
The inclusion of the two indigenous languages in the Eighth Schedule has been a long-standing demand in Meghalaya.
Harijan Colony relocation discussed
The delegation also raised the delayed relocation of residents of the Harijan Colony at Them Iew Mawlong.
Rymbui said the Meghalaya Government has been pursuing the matter since 2018-19 and currently requires the allotment of defence land for the relocation process.
He said the Union Home Minister acknowledged that discussions had taken place with the defence authorities regarding the possible allotment of land.
Demand for minority status for indigenous faiths
The UDP further requested an amendment to the relevant law to grant minority status to followers of indigenous faiths such as Niam Khasi and Niamtre.
Rymbui said communities following traditional faiths in Meghalaya currently do not receive the same minority-related benefits available to recognised minority communities such as Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Jains.
He said Shah indicated that the matter would require further study, particularly because traditional faiths are followed in several parts of the country.
However, Rymbui said the delegation did not receive a clear assurance on the demand.
State university seeks one-time central assistance
On education, the UDP delegation thanked the state government for establishing Meghalaya’s own state university despite financial constraints.
The delegation requested one-time central financial assistance to help ensure the smooth functioning of the university.
The party also raised concerns over recruitment in 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Meghalaya.
Rymbui said the state had proposed in 2021 that around 80 teaching and non-teaching posts in each school be filled in accordance with Meghalaya’s job reservation policy.
He said that despite earlier verbal assurances, the central reservation policy continues to be applied.
The UDP leader argued that since the schools have been established primarily for tribal and indigenous communities, Meghalaya’s proposal should be considered.
New highway proposed along international border
The UDP also proposed the construction of a new national highway along Meghalaya’s international border, connecting Mahendraganj with Baghmara and Ranikor.
Rymbui said the proposed road could improve connectivity, promote economic activity and create better livelihood opportunities for people living in the border areas.
He said Amit Shah assured the delegation that the feasibility of the proposal would be examined.
The UDP delegation’s meeting with the Union Home Minister covered a wide range of issues concerning Meghalaya’s political, constitutional, cultural, educational, economic and connectivity needs.