SHILLONG: The decision of the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma to extend the service of Chief Secretary WMS Pariat for six more months has come under flak.
A state government notification on Monday said that in pursuance of approval of Government of India, the Department of Personnel and Training, New Delhi by letter dated December 30 “and as per provision under Rules 16(1) of the All India Services (Death -Cum Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958 and in the interest of public service, the services of W. M. S. Pariat, Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, is extended for a period of 6 months beyond the date of his superannuation i.e. from 1st January, 2014 to 30th June, 2014”.
By extending the service of the Chief Secretary, it appears that the Chief Minister does not want to have any change in the New Year as demanded by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi , said RTI activist Michael Syiem.
During the recent Delhi meeting of the chief ministers of Congress ruled states, Gandhi had told them to ensure corruption free governance and also to streamline PDS. The Congress Vice President also wanted implementation of a strong anti-corruption body in the state. It was under the tenure of Pariat that a toothless Lokayukta Bill was framed which was rejected by the anti-corruption pressure groups.
According to Syiem , if a new person is appointed as the Chief Secretary , there will be new ideas, but the Chief Minister wants the same old people on his side with the same old ideas.
“What changes can we expect if the same people stick at the helm of affairs”, he asked.
The Chief Minister had told a section of the press on Sunday that he decided to extend the service of Pariat since he is the most efficient person to conduct both district council and Lok Sabha elections.
However, the Chief Minister forgot the fact that the last Assembly election was conducted under the supervision of the additional Chief Secretary Barkos Warjri when Pariat had to go on leave since his relative Lambok Mylliem was contesting the Assembly polls.
The Chief Secretary is also under scanner for using the Government bungalow while at the same time availing the house sent of Rs 16,000 which is not as per norms.
