SHILLONG: The popularity of Cabinet ministers HDR Lyngdoh and Sniawbhalang Dhar has become a headache for the Administration Department.
The two ministers are often seen surrounded by hundreds of visitors from respective constituencies.
Sources said the frequent meetings make the Secretariat crowded and raise security concerns as there are other VIPs, including the chief minister, and bureaucrats working there.
According to the sources, the two ministers dedicate most of their working hours to meeting people, which is against the rules of the Secretariat. “Ministers should meet people from their constituencies at their homes and the Secretariat is only for official work,” the sources said.
The assemblage also leads to cleanliness problems as many among the visitors spit on the walls and corridors of the Secretariat, the sources added.
In the recently concluded Assembly session, the Opposition had slammed the Secretariat Administration Department for the crowding inside the building and even a cut motion was moved over all the problems affecting the Secretariat.
It was learnt that the chief minister is aware of the practice and how it affects daily work.
Besides, there are other problems related to infrastructure. There is no toilet outside the secretariat and security personnel and drivers of ministers and officials have to relieve themselves behind parked vehicles.
The toilets inside the Secretariat lack basic facilities. Opposition members have been demanding modernised toilets, besides a common hall for MLAs.
The opposition was also demanding identity cards for employees and uniforms for peons, many of whom are often seen sitting idle inside the Secretariat.
