BJP Releases Manifesto For Meghalaya District Council Elections

The manifesto also outlines a commitment to promoting tourism under the "Vocal for Local" initiative, which aims to highlight the state’s crafts and culture.

The Meghalaya BJP on Monday released the party’s manifesto for the upcoming elections to the two District Councils in Meghalaya, slated to be held on February 21.

While speaking to the media, the state’s BJP president, Rikman G. Momin, said that the party seeks to provide a monthly honorarium to empower traditional heads like Syiem, Doloi, Sardar, & Rangbah Shnong.

Momin also promises financial assistance of Rs 2,000 per month to registered local domestic workers, taxi drivers, widows, single mothers, and laborers, facilitated through the dorbar shnong in collaboration with the Centre.

Acknowledging revenue losses incurred due to illegal mining, the BJP has pledged to regulate and implement mining practices within six months in compliance with the Supreme Court order, ensuring financial stability for all District Councils. The manifesto also outlines a commitment to promoting tourism under the “Vocal for Local” initiative, which aims to highlight the state’s crafts and culture.

The party has proposed strengthening traditional healing practices with support from the AYUSH Ministry and establishing a central monitoring body for central schemes with grievance redressal mechanisms. Additionally, it envisions the creation of a dedicated cell or department within the District Councils to foster investments for trade and business opportunities, particularly for unemployed youth in rural areas, in collaboration with traditional heads.

The BJP intends to expedite pending matters at the Ministry to increase the number of District Council members, including nominated members. With the proposed amendment raising the total members to 40, five of whom will be nominated, the party plans to ensure that one nominated member will be a Syiem in the KHADC and a Doloi in the JHADC.

The manifesto further addresses environmental concerns with a plan for scientific solid waste management within Syiemship or Dolloiship jurisdictions, to be administered by local bodies with full council support. It also promises to introduce a transparent recruitment policy for all appointments within the District Councils.

However, the party has fielded 14 candidates for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), including a woman candidate from the Mawlai constituency, and five candidates for the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). The elections are scheduled for February 21, with the counting of votes set for February 24.

Also Watch

For more news and updates, visit: Northeast Live

COMMENTS