Appointment of parliamentary secys
SHILLONG: Though the Delhi High Court on Thursday quashed the appointment of 21 parliamentary secretaries, the case of Meghalaya is different, legal experts have said.
While Delhi government did not make any rules for the appointment of parliamentary secretaries, Meghalaya government had already framed rules, said a legal expert.
When contacted, Cabinet Minister Prestone Tynsong said there are legal safeguards for the parliamentary secretaries in Meghalaya compared to Delhi which did not frame any rules.
Opposition Leader Donkupar Roy also echoed the same and said that parliamentary secretaries cannot be equated to ministers as per the amend rules. Earlier, Independent legislator from Jirang and Parliamentary Secretary Lamboklang Mylliemngap had resigned from the post citing legal reasons and following the media reports that the posts of parliamentary secretaries were equated with ministers.
The remaining 17 parliamentary secretaries appointed by the government are Comingone Ymbon, Limison Sangma, Winnerson Sangma, Kennedy Khyriem, Cherak Momin, Sengnam Marak, Celestine Lyngdoh and Noverfield Marak (all Congress), Marthon Sangma of the NCP and Independents Samuel Sangma, Rophul Marak, Robinus Syngkon, Michael Sangma, Justine Dkhar, Ashahel D Shira, Stephanson Mukhim, and Brigady Marak.
In 2005, the government passed the Meghalaya Parliamentary Secretaries (Appointment, Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2005 equating their rank and status to that of Ministers of State.
Moreover, definition in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly had equated the rank of the parliamentary secretary to that of a minister.
However, recently these were amended by the State government and the Legislative Assembly removing the portions which had equated parliamentary secretaries with ministers.
However, on April 20, a PIL was filed in the High Court of Meghalaya by an individual, Madal Sumer, resident of Jowai, challenging the legality of appointing MLAs as parliamentary secretaries while also stating that it was a waste of public money.
The PIL is still pending with the Court.
