SHILLONG: In a clear cut case of favouritism, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretariat appears to have violated all norms by allowing a retired bureaucrat to remain in service on “contractual basis” for thirteen long years drawing all necessary perks at the cost of the public exchequer.
The Assembly Secretariat had appointed a retired government official Kampher Khonglah to assist the workings of the Financial Committees of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in 2004.
Khonglah, who had retired from the Accountant General’s office (AG) in Shillong as senior accountant was appointed on a “contract basis” and was to draw a remuneration of Rs 5000 per month. He joined the Assembly Secretariat on February 5, 2004.
Thirteen years later, the official continues to be a staff of the Assembly in contravention of all rules and regulations.
As per the norms, contract appointments are normally for a period of three years and one has to relinquish his position on attaining a certain age, the maximum being 65 years.
The said officer who allegedly retired from the AG office in 2004 at the age of 60, as per central government rules, would be 73 years of age in the current scenario.
He has reportedly been drawing perks and facilities including Travel Allowance, Dearness Allowance, petrol and lubricants and a revised monthly remuneration of over Rs 30,000.
According to sources, this matter had been brought to the notice of the Assembly Speaker Abu Taher Mondal but no action was taken from his side even though it was allegedly pointed out to him that such facilities are allowed only for officers and staff who are permanently employed.
Questions have been raised as to why such ‘favouritism’ has been allowed for a particular official and whether the assembly secretariat would order for a refund of the amount withdrawn by the said official all these years.
