NGO threatens stir over political appointments

Shillong, Aug 25 (UNI) Three frontal organisations in Meghalaya today threatened to launch an intensive agitation, if the government failed to trim down the recent political appointments in various boards and corporations.

In a joint memorandum to Chief Minister Donkupar Roy, the Khasi Student's Union (KSU), Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) and Synjuk Ki Seng Samla Shnong (SSSS) expressed strong objections and resentment against the government's decision to induct political functionaries and non-MLAs as Political Advisers, Chairmen, Vice-Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the state government.

''We have no objection to the appointment of elected MLAs to statutory Boards and Corporations, but it is a matter of shame for the entire state that the persons who have lost the mandate of the people have been accommodated in such high and responsible positions by your government,'' KSU President Samuel Jyrwa told reporters.

He said the NGOs also demanded that the government clearly define the role of all the Commissions and Committees and their duties for the state so that they do not become the last refuge of jobless politicians.

According to the memorandum, such political appointments have crossed the 100-mark, ever since the United Democratic Party-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance government took over the rein of administration, this year.

''It is nothing but a mockery of the democracy and requires not to be condoned with such appointments, wasting public exchequer,'' Mr Jyrwa said.

Mr Jyrwa said all such unnecessary political appointees should be removed from their present positions within one month from the date of this letter so that our confidence in your government could be restored again.

However, the Chief Minister had reportedly assured the NGO leaders to reduce the expenditure of the political appointees of the state government.

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