SHILLONG: The opposition members in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) alleged that the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of KHADC, PN Syiem misused his official position.
The MDCs met Syiem in his chamber on Wednesday to discuss on the allegations that People’s Democratic Front (PDF) candidates distributed work orders before the elections by ignoring the MDCs.
The members of the opposition which included UDP MDCs Donkupar Sumer, Teinwell Dkhar, Rona Khymdeit, Congress MDCs Lamphrang Blah and Kimfa Marbaniang, HSPDP Samlin Malniang led by leader of the opposition, Manstudy Nongrem
However, they were in for a surprise as the CEM refused to discuss about the matter which angered the MDCs who left the chamber in a huff.
Speaking to reporters later, Nongrem said, “We want to seek clarification on the distribution of work orders before the elections in our respective constituencies.”
Alleging that he got reliable information that from the Rs 32 crore special assistance scheme, he said the CEM gave away work order for council asset which amounts to Rs 28 crore.
“We went to submit a letter to apprise him of the matter but on his part, he refused to discuss the matter saying that he will give it in writing,” Nongrem said.
Irked over the incident, UDP MDC Teinwell Dkhar said, “I told him that it is the council asset and not his prerogative. The money that we get from the central government is for everyone to know. Now he has done it on a personal level.”
Further, he alleged that Syiem has allotted scheme to PDF candidates before the elections and questioned whether it is prerogative of Syiem to distribute scheme to PDF candidates during the elections.
Another MDC from HSPDP Samlin Malniang said that the work order was given through Judah Wahlang, who is a PDF candidate from Sohiong.
To this, UDP MDC Donkupar Sumer said, “CEM bypassed the MDCs and misused the CEM’s chair. Even the copy to the MDC is not given but held by him.”
He alleged that the scheme in his Umsning constituency was distributed by PDF candidate, Jason Mawlong.
“But we went to talk to him about that, but he had a sudden outburst and declined to give any clarification,” he said.
Asked about their future course of action, Nongrem said that they will call a meeting of all the MDCs to discuss about the matter.
Expressing disappointment with Syiem, Nongrem said, “We are also members, why didn’t he respect us, we have to respect each other.”
As for demand of stepping down of the CEM, the members said it would be up to the discussion with the fellow MDCs.
Meanwhile, PN Syiem refuted the allegations of the MDCs saying that schemes in the District Council can be implemented by the Executive Committee in areas that fall within the jurisdiction of the District Council may not necessarily be routed through the MDCs.
“Whether to provide the scheme to any area within the jurisdiction of the Council is the prerogative of the CEM and the executive committee which means we can set priorities except the schemes earmarked for MDCs,” he said.
He added, “Other extra scheme depends on the wisdom of the executive committee. It depends on the Development Department as anybody can collect that very work order.”
On the other hand, he denied that work orders were given through candidates which he termed wrong.
“It does not mean that all the schemes should be routed through the MDCs. There are schemes that depend on the wisdom, observation of the executive committee,” Syiem said.