SHILLONG, MARCH 18: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) has asked the Meghalaya government to revisit the ‘Meghalaya Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy 2012’ that was approved by last government allegedly in haste without taking the opinions of various state holders, including the public.
Participating in the debate in the Assembly here on Monday, HSPDP legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit alleged the MUA-I government had approved the policy in a hush-hush manner and in so much haste that it needs to be relooked, especially given the fact the matter involves many important issues, including environmental concerns.
The policy, which the MUA-I government had approved last December, replaced the 1997 policy and addresses issues relating to land-alienation and promotion of local indigenous entrepreneurs along the international borders of the state among other things.
Basaiawmoit said the promised employment opportunity to the local people was not being delivered by the industrial units being set up in the state. “The unemployment problem in the state has increased by 70 per cent. It is not an easy task for the government to create jobs,” he said, while also blaming the education system prevalent in the state for the mounting rate of unemployment.
UDP working president Paul Lyngdoh said the thrust of industrialization was flawed, which is why only a meager number of local youths were finding employment. Similarly, he said, the new Meghalaya Mines and Mineral Policy 2012, too, has failed to tackle issues relating to the environment in the state.
Pointing out that cracks have developed in some parts of coal-rich areas of the state, Lyngdoh said they pose a threat to human life, and urged chief minister Mukul Sangma to protect the rights of people living in these areas. (By Our Reporter)
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