Veteran Meghalaya Congress leader Manuel Badwar has urged the Central government to address the ongoing problem of illegal coal mining and transportation in the state. Badwar emphasized that the repeated incidents related to this illegal practice highlight administrative failures and a lack of accountability. He expressed concern over the unregulated extraction and supply of coal, which has been negatively impacting Meghalaya’s economy for a significant period.
Badwar criticized the state government for its inability to effectively curb illegal mining activities despite clear judicial and regulatory directives. He stressed the need for immediate action to hold the government accountable for allowing these practices to persist. The Congress leader highlighted the dangers posed by illegal mining, stating that it not only jeopardizes lives but also hampers sustainable development and environmental conservation efforts in the state.
Badwar also commended the recent initiative by the state government that allows school dropouts to return to the education system and take matriculation exams. He viewed this move as a positive and compassionate step, emphasizing that education should not be limited by age. Badwar encouraged providing a second chance to individuals who could not complete their Class 10 education earlier, believing that it could help boost their confidence and create new opportunities for them.
The veteran leader cautioned that while such initiatives are beneficial, they only address a fraction of the broader challenges faced by Meghalaya’s education sector. He called for urgent and comprehensive reforms in the system, citing issues such as poor learning outcomes, a shortage of qualified teachers, and inadequate training mechanisms. Badwar underscored the urgent need for political leaders to take ownership of education reforms and urged the state government to act decisively and promptly to bring about meaningful changes.
