SHILLONG:
UDP candidate Dr Aman War on February 18 said there is no misappropriation of funds meant for tackling Covid-19 pandemic.
“You cannot misappropriate funds of the central government,” War said while speaking at a common platform organised by the Wahingdoh Dorbar Shnong for candidates from the North Shillong constituency.
The former Director of Health Services (MI) informed that the ex-gratia payment of Rs 50,000 (to Covid victims) comes from the state government because it was difficult for people to avail the Rs 4 lakh given by the central government due to the lengthy process.
He said that his directorate had given in black and white that Rs 248 crore was spent during Covid time. “Majority of the expenditure was on salary payment to contractual employees,” he added.
Assuring to eradicate drug menace, War said his party would work hard to ensure hundred per cent reservation of jobs to locals in central government offices and companies operating in the state.
He also emphasised on the need to increase the age relaxation and said jobs should be created as per the financial standing of the state.
On education, the UDP candidate said there is a need to have one single fee for all subjects including computer science in the schools and to increase the grants for the ad hoc schools, pensions to teachers and give them the recognition they deserve.
He also expressed concern that school textbooks are publisher-based and said changing these every now and then affects the poor families.
“If the KSU can sponsor four IAS aspirants, we should sponsor 10 and above if we are voted to power,” he said.
War further asserted the need to bring a real reservation policy which is passed by the state assembly. He also warned that it will only lead to problems if people are meddling too much with the present reservation policy since it is only a ‘notification’.
He also lambasted the current state government for dismantling the stadium at Polo and the Indoor stadium at Lachumiere without thinking about the welfare of the sportspersons in the state and said, “There is no proper planning at all.”
According to him, there is a need for proper training to ensure youth can make a career out of sports.