SHILLONG: The style of functioning of KHADC CEM, PN Syiem has come under question again with Mawhati’s Independent MDC, James Sylliang calling the former authoritative.
Sylliang, who was deprived of heading the Trade and Enforcement department of the KHADC, also alleged that the CEM had surreptitiously given on lease two toll gates without the Executive Committee’s knowledge.
The toll gates in question are the ones in Byrnihat (Ri-Bhoi) and Riangdo (West Khasi Hills).
“The allegations of the CEM that I had intentions to oust him, which prompted him to snatch the department from me, are not true. This act has revealed his dictatorial rule,” Sylliang added.
There were also allegations from some MDCs, who did not wish to be named, that the manner of functioning of Syiem was a cause of worry to them.
Their apprehensions were about the inequitable distribution of central funds to the MDCs.
However, the CEM had assured that he would ensure adequate distribution of funds to all the MDCs.
Another concern was the stand- off between the CEM and the Chief Minister which threatens to affect the overall functioning of the KHADC, according to the MDCs.
Earlier, KHADC chairman Manstudy Nongrem had also questioned the style of functioning of the CEM, though he later said that he did not have any intention to topple the EC-led by Syiem.
Nongrem pointed out that the two toll gates at Ranikor and Borsora set up by the KHADC was illegal as the matter related to checking challans issued to the trucks lies with the State Government.
However, Syiem had justified the setting up of the check gates which were under the constituency of Nongrem by stating that checking of trucks was legal and mandatory to detect revenue leakage since most of the coal laden trucks were running without challans.
