Deadline ends, govt yet to act on Lokayukta order

SHILLONG: Ten days have passed since the Meghalaya Lokayukta sought the transfer of some state officials in connection with the coal racket but the state government is still examining the matter.
The Lokayukta sought the removal of special assistant to Home Minister James Sangma, the SP and DC of East Jaintia Hills, SPs of land customs stations in the state and secretary, mining and geology department among others within 10 days after receipt of the official order.
The Lokayukta wanted the chief secretary to effect the transfer of officials under different departments whose names were in the list furnished by the petitioner to facilitate uninterrupted inquiry by the CBI.
Though the Lokayukta had on January 9 ordered the CBI to submit a preliminary report into the coal racket within 15 days, the chief secretary, MS Rao, was asked to transfer the concerned officials with 10 days.
The secretary of the Lokayukta had sent the official order to both the CBI and the chief secretary on January 13.
When contacted, an official source said that the file is still with the chief secretary, who, however, said he was busy.
“I am busy today. You can check with my office to meet me any other day”, the chief secretary said when asked for a meeting with him.