Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday raised four key issues concerning Meghalaya during a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the sidelines of the North Eastern Council meeting in Shillong.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sangma said the state government had submitted four important matters to the Union Home Minister for consideration.
Among the issues raised were Meghalaya’s long-standing demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the strengthening of measures to regulate the entry of outsiders into the state through provisions such as the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA).
The Chief Minister also reiterated the demand for the inclusion of the Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, a move that would grant the languages official recognition at the national level.
Another key issue discussed was the need for amendments to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Sangma said any proposed changes should be undertaken in consultation with the state government, given the significance of the autonomous district councils in Meghalaya.
The fourth matter related to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The Chief Minister said the Government of India is considering changes aimed at easing restrictions on foreign contributions, and Meghalaya has conveyed its concerns and suggestions regarding the proposed amendments.
Sangma said these issues are of significant importance to the state and expressed hope that the Union Government would give them due consideration.
