SHILLONG, MAR 16: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today batted for electoral reforms by extending funding to political parties for elections to shield the political system from corruption.
“We will take it up with many political parties both at the state as well as at the national level to ensure that the political system is insulated from the vulnerability of corruption,” Sangma told the Assembly.
Replying to a resolution moved by opposition HSPDP MLA Diosstarness Jyndiang who sought to eradicate political and bureaucratic corruption in the state, the chief minister said, “Electoral reforms should be there and political parties should be funded for elections in the nation.”
According to him, if one is voted for money then that will give him reason to accumulate wealth in order to be able to go back to the same people for vote.
Referring to the decision to come up with the District Sports Promotion Societies (DSPS) for funding sporting activities in the state, Sangma said how many politicians can say no if they are being approached to fund for such activities.
Stating that to fight corruption the political class has to be insulated first, he said, “If political class is vulnerable, many will take advantage.”
He was also of the opinion that even the salaries of the MLAs should be increased.
Pointing out to the usual perception that those in the political and bureaucratic classes are all corrupt, Sangma said who elected the politicians while asserting that there is a need for in-depth analysis on the matter.
The chief minister also proposed that this year, the government will take up a series of workshops to create awareness to the citizens on how to fight against corruption by utilising the already existing laws.
“We will have aggressive campaigns for which a calendar will be prepared and send to all concerned,” Sangma announced.
According to him, Meghalaya is the first state to immediately enact the Right To Information (RTI) Act, 2005 and also having the most effective Lokayukta Act when compared to other states in the country.
“The Act of some states does not have even one tooth forget about teeth but ours has enough teeth and mechanisms,” he said.
“Once we have an enlighten society people will be encourage to fight against corruption and this will create a strong deterrent.”
According to him, special trainings for all categories of government employees are also on the cards.
He informed that after July 31, when the Act, which mandates declaring of assets, many will have lots of problems and this will ensure Meghalaya as a state which is corruption free in the years to come.
Reiterating his government commitment towards fighting against the menace of corruption, the chief minister said, “If we do it collectively we will not fail but if we do it alone we will no doubt fail.”
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