Editor,
Politicians and bureaucrats usually get along well in Meghalaya. The former generally do not ride rough shod over the latter. The state is also known for the camaraderie and togetherness of its bureaucrats in spite of their strong official stances and allegiance to the respective Departments they run. However, with the latest development which relates to the unprecedented extension of service of Mr WMS Pariat as Chief Secretary of the state , it is doubtful if the camaraderie among these bureaucrats will remain. There is every possibility that there will be erosion of trust amongst them. The morale of many will also definitely go down.. No doubt competition in the bureaucracy will always be there , but as of now this is not so apparent in Meghalaya as it is in many states of India which basically arise out of politicians deep intrusion into the bureaucracy and breaking their bonds This is a dangerous trend and if such a situation comes in this State because of the latest decision of the government it is bound to lead to affect the bureaucracy This may ultimately affect the delivery capacity of the bureaucrats in the best interests of the people because they themselves have to individually struggle for survival from now on . The Chief Minister is mainly to be blamed if such a deterioration sets in. For a man who always talks big about good governance, his latest action hardly points out that he means what he says. Rather it is hypocrisy of the highest order. Mr Pariat is equally to be blamed by bowing to the wish of the CM. One wonders as to how comfortable he will be in the chair now knowing fully well that the majority of the bureaucrats will have no confidence and trust in him anymore while a coterie of self interested officials will take advantage of the situation. This service extension is really the biggest disappointment in the bureaucracy of Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Kynpham Syiem,
Shillong-2
II
Editor,
I wish Dr Mukul Sangma had given better justifications for extending the services of Mr WMS Pariat as Chief Secretary of the state. Going by the one given, he is far from being convincing. He seems to expect that the people of the state particularly the knowledgeable people, intellectuals, the educated and rational individuals to be naive enough to take that justification unque-stioningly. .Running the elections in the State be it State LA Election, Parliamentary Election or the District Councils Election is not a complicated process any more. In the last few years, the State Chief Electoral Officer who is one of the most efficient Chief Electoral Officers in the country has already ably streamlined the procedures at the State level as well at the Districts level and all the election officials are well trained and committed to deliver. The Chief Secretary therefore has a very marginal role to play in the elections. Besides there are other competent officers as well who are well versed in managing elections.
I also wish that Mr Pariat gave a plausible reason or reasons for accepting the extension offer. For a person who is known to have an impeccable image throughout his career and is always above suspicion it is unbecoming of him to accept the offer knowing very well that it will be controversial. With this development , he is now subjected not only to criticism but the image he has built over the years will be marred as well. Hence it would be appropriate for Mr Pariat to clarify on this commitment of his just as he capably and skillfully did so on the bungalow row which was published by Shillong Times, otherwise people will never believe that his commitment is because of his loyalty to the people .They will rather feel that it is more of a loyalty to his political masters and to himself . Sad.
Yours etc.,
Kyrchan Dkhar,
Shillong-2