SHILLONG: Resentment is brewing up among the Khasi Hills-based Parliamentary Secretaries as they are yet to get any files related to the government projects from the Cabinet ministers whereas their counterparts in Garo Hills are given a ‘free hand’.
The status of the parliamentary secretary is the minister of state and there are as many as 18 parliamentary secretaries in the Congress-led MUA government.
Out of 18 parliamentary secretaries, 11 are from Garo Hills
The practice of appointing parliamentary secretaries began in the state after the downsizing of the ministry to 12 in Meghalaya in July, 2004. Prior to downsizing, the strength of the cabinet in the state ranged from 40 to 45 ministers.
A parliamentary secretary who is ‘jobless’ said that many parliamentary secretaries in Khasi Hills were not happy with the manner in which they are treated as more work is allotted to the Garo Hills-based parliamentary secretaries. Moreover, they have access to Go The role of the Parliamentary Secretary is to assist the Cabinet minister.
“We are at a loss and we do not get any files from the senior cabinet ministers”, a disgruntled parliamentary secretary from Khasi Hills said.
He added that the situation is different in Garo Hills as the Chief Minister has given a free hand to the parliamentary secretaries in Garo Hills, who have turned out to be more powerful than the cabinet ministers.