By Our Reporter
Shillong: The Extra Assistant Commissioners (EACs) in East Khasi Hills districts are not designated as First Class Magistrates whereas EACs in other districts of the State are ranked equal to that of an Additional Deputy Magistrate (ADM), it has been learnt.
“Our EACs here in East Khasi Hills are not authorized to even sign the affidavits and the job is entrusted only to First Class Magistrate, being the Additional Deputy Magistrate (ADM),” an official stated here recently.
When asked about the reason behind the distinction between the EACs in East Khasi Hills and other districts of the State, the official said, “The problem lies within the DC’s office itself and not the Law department.”
Meghalaya Civil Services officers also spoke against the discrimination, saying, “It’s unfair to us. I don’t understand why is there a difference between East Khasi Hills and other districts of the State”.
Meanwhile, when contacted, Deputy Chief Minister in charge Law, Bindo M Lanong, said that he had no knowledge of the distinction being made, while adding that he did not think it to be true.
He, however, ensured that he would dig into the matter and find out the reason behind the distinction, if any, being made between officials in East Khasi Hills and other districts in the State.