SHILLONG:
KAM candidate from South Shillong Constituency Angela Rangad on February 11 released her manifesto for the upcoming elections.
Speaking to media persons, Rangad said the manifesto came into being with the people’s help for almost 8 months.
The manifesto is of two levels–the first level includes a plan of action for South Shillong and the second level is for the state as a whole.
Rangad has also incorporated a set of ethical plans, promising to uphold them and make her commitment to the people.
Rangad stated that civic infrastructure, agriculture, corruption, transportation, protecting the commons, education, unemployment will be some of the areas where she will work on.
Rangad said that the party will have pre-legislative consultations in order to push several bills if elected, such as Meghalaya Fairness in Government Contract Bill, the Meghalaya Rights to Grievance Redress Accountability and Transparency Act, Public Health Act, and also ensured the Meghalaya Social Security Act that covers private school teachers, gig workers, domestic workers and others.
“We have already prepared a draft bill on this and we are yet to share that,” she said.
Starting with the problem of water, she ensured 500 litres of water per day for a family of four in her constituency, and also stressed on the need of community rain water harvesting so that there is a backup plan in case of water scarcity.
As for agriculture, the South Shillong candidate ensured Meghalaya Minimum Support Price Act for farmers, the Meghalaya Green Economy and Energy Act, and removing the middleman from agriculture business.
For transport, she ensured to push for a digitalised system for grant of permissions, permits and licences, making the entire application process online.
Rangad also discussed the education sector, noting that there has been a significant learning gap since the onset of COVID-19. She expressed concern for the well-being of children who are unable to afford education, and emphasised the need to establish functioning community learning centers within 100 days to prevent them from being left behind. She further stated that additional coaching should be provided to these children. Rangad acknowledged that there are individuals who require job opportunities or assistance in preparing for exams, and stated that her team will offer coaching to help them clear such exams. Furthermore, she will make online learning services available within 100 days.
She also mentioned the intention to establish a transparency portal with real-time information on all MLA schemes, and to classify the MLA office as a public authority under the RTI Act of 2005. Additionally, she said that a people’s right facilitation centre would be created to assist citizens in accessing benefits such as ration cards, scholarships, and pensions.
Rangad noted the existence of a board for construction workers and pledged to ensure that all workers from South Shillong were registered with it.
Rangad also spoke about how politicians are using the funds for schemes to gain fame when in reality the money belongs to the people, and added, “That is one thing I commit I will not do, because it is people’s money. The amount spent and for what, will be clearly mentioned. But the money will be better spent in telling people the various schemes they are entitled to.”