Deadline for removal of political appointment ends today

Shillong, Sep 25 (UNI) The deadline set by some NGOS in Meghalaya for removal of non MLAs from various departments ended today.

The NGOs, including Khasi Students' Union (KSU), Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Peoples (FKJGP), had demanded removal of political appointees as chairmen from various departments.

The appointments had been made by the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance government.

''Such appointments in huge numbers are draining the government exchequer on account of salary and other allowances,'' the organisations noted.

In a memorandum on August 25, the NGOs had threatened that if the government failed to act within the stipulated time they would be forced to launch an agitation.

The organisations said their stand was clear that the government, led by Dr Donkupar Roy, must remove all 'unnecessary' political appointees to stop additional expenditure.

The MPA had created 88 political posts which were held by seven MLAs, 25 former legislators and 55 non-MLAs.

A few days ago one such chairman--UDP MLA A M Basaiawmoit--had resigned from the post of chairman of Meghalaya Minerals Development Corporation in protest against what he described as excessive political appointments.

During the last D D Lapang led Congress government there were 105 political appointees, including 29 MLAs.

Dr Roy, however, in a meeting with the NGO representatives on August 26, had assured of taking steps in regard to curtailing expenditure on political appointees. But the steps to be taken were not elucidated.

All the posts were filled from various political parties, which are a part of the ruling conglomerate.

UNI PB PL SV AS1625