Govt official addresses Cong meet

SHILLONG: A state government official, who is aspiring to contest from Mawsynram, was found praising Congress units at Lawbah area of the constituency.
As per a video clip being circulated, IAS officer HM Shangpliang was found taking part in a Congress meeting.
Shangpliang holds the posts of Secretary, GAD, Director, Social Welfare, Secretary to the Chief Adviser to the Government and Mission Director, National Health Mission and Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme.
The official is yet to resign from these posts though he is preparing to contest from the Congress.
The meeting was held at Lawbah village on July 8 in the house of Anabel Hynniewta under the chairmanship of Khelor Kharnaior, president, Mawsynram Block Congress Committee.
In the video clip, Shangpliang was seen congratulating the newly elected office bearers of Lawbah Area Congress Committee, including its vice president, Darwin Lyngdoh of Mawdon village, and also the primary units of the Congress for their hard work.
However, this is apparently a violation of Rules (3A), 3(2A) and 5 of the All India Service (Conduct) Rules, 1968, as amended since all members of the service will maintain political neutrality.
Sources said it was known to people that Shangpliang is planning to contest from Mawsynram, currently represented by the suspended Congress member and KHADC CEM PN Syiem.
Shangpliang had visited several areas of the constituency while launching government schemes in the past.
Sources said the official is planning to take voluntary retirement within few months.