Political appointees burden on state

SHILLONG: At a time when appointment of parliamentary secretaries is under judicial review, there are concerns over political appointees draining the state exchequer.
Sharing his view on the matter, UDP legislator Jemino Mawthoh said political appointments are fine as long as the appointee is an asset and not a liability.
He, however, said many political appointments in the state are a waste of resources. “If you appoint a person who cannot contribute to the development of the state then what is the point of such appointments,” he said and added that the government, while appointing anyone, must identify as who can contribute productively to the state,” he added.
Mawthoh also suggested that the government should not appoint any person only because it has the power to do so.
Echoing similar views, BJP spokesperson Basu Chakraborty said BJP’s agenda is to do away with political appointments as it would curtail unnecessary expenditures.
He added that if there is any political appointment, the person should be capable.
HSPDP MLA from Rambrai-Jyrngam KP Pangniang also lamented that such political appointments are a waste of public money and affects development of the state.
The HSPDP legislator also said appointments should be made only for important bodies and corporations.