Shillong: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Secretary, Welljune Syiemlieh has said that Members of District Council (MDCs) who are also holding as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) were elected by the people and therefore they have the right to claim their salaries for both the responsibilities entrusted on them.
Syiemlieh stated this in his affidavit filed before Meghalaya High Court following a PIL filed by Civil Society Women Commission (CSWO) president, Agnes Kharshiing against eight legislators holding dual posts as MDCs and MLAs in Meghalaya, sources said on Wednesday.
“When a person is entrusted as such (dual responsibilities as MDC and MLA), they have the right to claim their salaries for responsibilities and duties carried out by them on behalf of the public,” Syiemlieh said.
“The salary received by them is not illegal as they receive their salary in the form of reward for the service rendered by them which is provided under the Constitution and under the relevant Acts and Rules made thereunder,” the KHADC Secretary said.
Referring to the petition moved by CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing in the High Court in October 2014, Syiemlieh also stated that the petitioner had earlier filed a petition before the Governor of Meghalaya on July 18, 2014.
“The petitioner should have given more time to the Governor or put another reminder before him and as the matter is of public concern, it is quite natural for the Governor to take some time to decide on the matter as he has to consult some authority as provided under the Constitution,” Syiemlieh said.
Syiemlieh also said since the representation filed by Ms Kharshiing before the Governor is still pending, ‘it will not be proper for the Hon’ble court to go over the head of the Governor in view of Article 192 of the Constitution of India and Rule 18 of the Assam (and Meghalaya) Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Council) Rules 1951’. (UNI)
