MDA govt justifies political appointments

SHILLONG: In the wake of protests by pressure groups over the political appointments of two non-tribals, the NPP-led MDA government has justified various appointments saying there was no bar in this regard even from the Supreme Court.
To a query after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday about the reference to political appointments of Pawan Sharma and Vijay Raj made at the public rally at Motphran, the Home Minister did not give any direct reply but said there was no ban from any quarters to effect political appointments.
“Are these political appointments wrong? The Supreme Court never said the political appointments are wrong. The political appointees have a role to play in the matters related to administration,” Sangma said to another question on the wasteful expenditure incurred for political appointees.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said the government is best to minimise the political appointments.
Sangma added that the MDA government regulated political appointments compared to the previous government.
The MDA has effected at least 70 political appointments after it assumed office in March last year.