State depts not to follow Good Governance Day, Yoga Day

SHILLONG: The confusion over the Centre’s ‘Good Governance Day’, which hurts sentiments of Christians, found takers in the Assembly on Tuesday.
The legislators who took part in a discussion on the matter were united in opposing the Centre’s decision to declare December 25 as ‘Good Governance Day’.
Replying to a motion moved by HSPDP’s Ardent Basaiawmoit on the issue, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said the state government did express its displeasure at the Centre’s decision by not observing the day on December 25 but on December 24.
“Government departments have been asked not to observe these days,” Sangma said while referring to International Yoga Day.
However, Daddengre MLA James Sangma said Meghalaya is observing Good Governance Day on December 24 but instead it should be observed one or two days    before since December 24 is also an important day for Christians.
Earlier, while moving the motion, Basaiawmoit said the decision is a direct interference in the beliefs of the Christians.
The chief minister said the HSPDP MLA’s views on Good Governance Day would be sent to the Centre.
Sangma informed the House that only central institutions and private schools in Shillong are observing Good Governance Day and International Yoga Day.
Independent MLA John Leslee Sangma said the Centre’s move is a violation of the constitutional rights and stressed on the need to take a stand on the matter.
Flagging the problems of government officials, the Independent said he was not in favour of organising winter festivals during Christmas holiday “since officers cannot spend time with their families during the festive season”.