When college students in Tura, Meghalaya, were asked this question, these are the answers they came up with. Their replies show what young people see as priorities today in their setting. It would be interesting to ask the same question to young people in other parts of India.
- If I were a politician, I would ban alcohol completely in Meghalaya. I would give employment to unemployed people, bring about infra-structural development, and develop the tourism industry. (Bidansal M. Sangma, 5th semester B.Sc)
- If I were a politician…I would first repair all the roads of the Garo hills and try to promote tourism so that it would help unemployed people in earning their livelihood. (Tange Chenang B. Marak: 5th Semester B.Sc.)
- “First and foremost, I will develop the transportation system in the entire Garo hills so that tourists will come and our economy will improve. Secondly, for those who don’t want to go to school, I will strive to provide opportunities to live on their talents—opportunities to develop their talents and earn their livelihood. Thirdly, since I’m elected by the people, I will work for the people. I will listen to their demands and try to fulfill them, provided they are meant for nation-building. (Chigarikkim K. Marak, 5th Commerce)
- “I will develop the entire Garo hills and our State of Meghalaya. Students are not getting admission into colleges. Therefore, I will welcome the setting up of more colleges. This will open up opportunities for higher education for our youth.
I will have an airport in Jengjal, in the Garo hills; and railway stations, too, since affordable transportation is a big problem in the North-East India. This will boost economy, trade and commerce—and therefore better livelihoods. (Aleg Friedial G. Momin, 5th Semester Commerce)
- “We need development. But small development leads to big development. Since in our country, rape is rampant, I will ensure safety of women, using new technology. For example, using drones in crowded places; and in secluded places, I will get CCTV cameras installed.
“Irrigation is most important. As of now, we are depending on the mercies of nature. If there is better irrigation, there will be better income for the farmers. I will campaign for better irrigation facilities for our farmers.
“There are many government welfare schemes for the poor, but they are not reaching the poor. If the scheme is of Rupees one lac, the poor receive only about Rupees 20,000. The rest goes to the pockets of the officials. So I would use new technologies to ensure that the beneficiaries get the entire amount meant for them.
“I would include more youth as my workers; and train them to face the future by giving them more opportunities for exposure. Youth have new ideas, so I will take their help, so we can discuss together for betterment of the public.” ( Pongrike Nikgam A. Sangma)
- “As someone who grew up in the village and attended government schools, I will ensure that the government schools in the village function in a better way, by appointing well qualified and sufficient teachers for all subjects. I would make available building funds for the school, to improve infrastructure like laboratories, library and
I will develop the roads in the villages, connecting each village.” (Pappose N Sangma)
- “I will make self-defence compulsory in every school, especially for girls, so that they can protect themselves from sexual assaults and sexual harassment.” (Dipu D Shira)
(Replies collected by Sr Mariola Sequeira SMA)
To subscribe to the magazine Contact Us
