M’laya govt holds ‘constructive’ talks with KSU, agrees on key issues

SHILLONG, AUG 26 (NPN): The Meghalaya government on Wednesday held talks with a delegation of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) to discuss the five-point charter of demands raised by the Union, with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma describing the meeting as “constructive,” even as the Khasi Students’ Union decided to temporarily suspend its agitation.
Sangma said the government has decided to institute an independent fact-finding committee regarding the public hearing process, stakeholder participation and environmental issues for setting up of a Shree Cement plant in East Jaintia Hills district.
“All further work at the Shree Cement site in East Jaintia Hills would “remain on hold” until an independent fact-finding committee completes its findings,” the Chief Minister told reporters after the meeting.
Regarding implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), Sangma said the government has decided to expedite registration of people coming from outside the state.
“A technology-based application is also being developed to simplify registration and create a centralised database,” the Chief Minister said,
He further informed that the government and the Khasi Students’ Union had agreed on a joint inspection of the Umling Facilitation Centre, for operationalising it before Christmas, while efforts will continue to identify land for centres at other locations.
During the meeting, Sangma said discussion was held on implementation of the amended Meghalaya Identification, Registration, Safety & Security of Migrant Workers Act.
The rules have been further clarified across 34 areas, including the powers of officers conducting verification and the use of the CCTNS network for police verification.
“The revised system is expected to be rolled out shortly after orientation of the concerned officials,” he nformed.
About recruitment in North East Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, the Chief Minister assured the Khasi Students’ Union that the state govt would facilitate a meeting with the Union health minister so that their concerns can be raised directly.
“The state will also extend logistical support wherever required for examinations,” he said.
On transparency in recruitment, Sangma shared that interviews for Grade ‘D’ posts have already been removed, while interviews for Grade ‘C’ non-technical posts will be abolished from January 1, 2027.
“We have also implemented 19 of the 23 reforms recommended for the MPSC, with four under consideration,” Sangma stated.
The chief minister said that the government will examine the legal framework to ensure that opportunities in state recruitment can be appropriately aligned with the interests of Meghalaya’s residents.
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, former Khasi Students’ Union general secretary Donald Thabah announces temporarily suspension of agitations.
However, he said that KSU will keep track on the decision of the meeting to ensure that the Khasi Students’ Union’s demands are met.