SHILLONG: While there is only one AA status holder (SC Marak, Chairman, Meghalaya State Planning Board) among the political appointees, there as many as 12 political appointees falling under the A+ category which include former Chief Minister DD Lapang, legislators Pynshngaiñlang Syiem,Dikkanchi D Shira, Hopeful Bamon, MM Danggo, David Nongrum,Kenethson Sangma,RV Lyngdoh, Julius Dorphang,Ngaitlang Dhar, Congress members OL Nongtdu and A H Scott Lyngdoh.
There are as many as 28 appointees including defeated legislators who are under A category.
The number of political appointees who are under B category are also 28.
Nobody has been appointed in the C category even though there is a provision.
While the perks and facilities under AA category are more or less similar to those being availed by the Chief Minister, those who are under A+ enjoy the facilities somewhat similar to the Cabinet Ministers. Those under B category get the facilities more or less akin to ministers of state.
Category AA
Category AA has honorarium of Rs 30,000 per month and allotment of a car with driver or cost of requisitioned or hired vehicle at the cost of Rs 600 per day as conveyance. As much as 250 litres of petrol and 4 litres of mobil oil is also allotted per month.
There is free medical benefit under the category besides the allotment of one telephone at office and another at residence. TA/DA is equated to Grade-1 officers.
Accommodation or house rent in lieu of free furnished accommodation is Rs 20,000 and a one-time amount of Rs 2 lakh is also given for furnishing of house.
Allotment for maintenance of furniture is Rs 40,000 per annum, electrical energy allowance Rs 5,000 per month, hospitality charges Rs 8,500 per month.
As far as secretarial assistance is concerned, one each PS (steno grade 1) PA (steno gradeII) , LDA or typist, driver, additional driver and special assistant are allotted. Moreover, five grade IV staff are also allotted at the residence or allotted quarter.
Category A+
Political appointees under category A+ avail Rs 20,000 honorarium per month, hospitality ( Rs 8,500), house rent ( Rs 20,000 per month), free medical benefit, requisition of vehicle (Rs 600 per day) electricity charges ( Rs 5,000 per month), conveyance allowance against allotted car (250 litres petrol per month and 4 litres mobil oil).
For furnishing house, Rs 2 lakh as one time assistance is given and for maintenance of furniture Rs 40,000 per annum is allotted.
Other facilities include one telephone in office and another at residence.
TA/DA is as per the facility allotted to Grade 1 officer.
The office staff include one each steno (grade 1 or 2), SA, PA, typist, driver, and additional driver and grade 4 staff in office as admissible. Moreover, at the residence, five grade 4 staff can be allotted.
Category A
The appointees under this category get Rs 10,000 per month as honorarium, and for conveyance, an allotted car with driver or cost of the requisitioned or hired conveyance and driver at the rate of Rs 400 per day is allotted.
While petrol is 200 liters per month, mobil oil is 4 liters per month and medical benefit is free.
One telephone at the residence and another at office is also allotted.
While TA/DA is subject to a maximum of Rs 15,000 per month, the house rent allowance is Rs 10,000 per month, electrical energy allowance Rs 1,000 per month and hospitality charges Rs 2,000 per month.
As far as secretarial assistance is concerned, one each SA, LDA or typist, driver and an additional driver are allotted.
Among the grade 4 staff, one can be appointed at office and two at the residence.
Category B
The facilities under this category of political appointees include honorarium (Rs7,500), conveyance (Rs 7,500), free medical treatment for the incumbent only for treatment outside the state as recommended by the DHS(MI), electricity (Rs 1,000 per month), house rent (Rs 5,000), hospitality (Rs 1000 per month) and a grade peon in office.
TA/DA is subject to a maximum of Rs 8,000 per month for local tours. Tours outside the state will be permissible if the same is performed as a Committee.
Category C
Political appointees under this category avail Rs 6,000 per month as honorarium and a conveyance of Rs 5,000 per month. Free medical treatment will be provided for the functionary only for treatment outside the state as recommended by the DHS (MI).
A grade 4 peon can also appointed in office and the TA/DA is subject to a maximum of Rs 5,000 per month for the local tours only.