VPP threatens to hit the streets over roster system issue

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 24, 2023

The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Friday threatened to hit the streets on the issue of roster system since the allocation of time for the private members’ business was too less during the ongoing Assembly’s budget session.   

The decision was taken after the party legislators were not happy with the decision of the Speaker Thomas A Sangma to adjourn the House without considering time extension despite allotting only two days for the private members’ business.

“If we are not allowed to participate in this august House, we are going to hit the street (since) this is a serious issue as it has affected this part of the region. This is anti-people and undemocratic (done) for the first time ever in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and it is an attempt on the part of the government to run away from its responsibility,” VPP chief and Nongkrem legislator Ardent M Basaiawmoit told reporters after the session.

Also Read | HYC called for rectification of Job Reservation Roster System

Basaiawmoit informed that he had submitted a motion on the urgent need to discuss and to request the state government to put on hold implementation of the roster system in the state ‘retrospectively’.

Stating that the government is fully aware about the motion tabled by him, the VPP chief said, “The MDA government has already instructed their MLAs to participate in a motion confined to one constituency only. This is a deliberate attempt on the part of the government. They want to run away from the responsibility but we will not allow.”

Expressing concern over the manner in which the Assembly session is being conducted, Basaiawmoit said over and above the allocation of time is too less and went on to termed that this is the shortest budget session of the Assembly that they have experienced in the state.

Also Read Meghalaya HC disposes of PIL as Govt adopts roster system for implementation of reservation policy

“With only 7 (working) days, the private members’ business is allotted only for two days and the way we are restricted in the timing to participate in the House also is too less. 10 minutes in the debate on Governor’s Address. We are grown up enough and we have the experience in the House. This is the first time that the Speaker of the House is not seeking suggestions from the opposition side to either extend or stick to the timing according to the calendar,” he stated.