Selection panel recommends name of new Lokayukta

SHILLONG, Dec 15: The State Selection Committee has recommended the name of Bhalang Dhar as the new Meghalaya Lokayukta.
Dhar had earlier served as East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner and Additional Chief Electoral Officer, besides in other posts.
Chief Secretary, Rebecca V Suchiang said the selection panel unanimously recommended Dhar’s name as the new Lokayukta.
On the delay in the appointment of the Lokayukta, Suchiang said various processes had to be followed. Advertisement of the post took some time and then, the Search Committee had to scout for probable names for the post, she said.
The tenure of the previous Lokayukta, PK Mushahary came to an end on May 31.
During his tenure, he had issued several directives to the government on issues ranging from illegal transportation of coal to alleged irregularities in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council.
DGP’s appointment
All India Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Sangma asked the government to go as per law in appointing the next Director General of Police (DGP). The incumbent, R Chandranathan, is retiring on December 31.
Sangma insisted on Wednesday that the appointment of the new DGP has to be considered by the State Security Commission (SSC) as per the State Police Act, 2010.
So far, the government has not made it clear if Chandranathan, who took over in November 2018, will get an extension or a new DGP will be appointed. The SSC has not also met to discuss the appointment of the top cop.
Sangma said the government had earlier agreed to hold a meeting of the SSC. As per the provisions of the State Police Act, the SSC must meet once every three months.
There has been a growing demand from several quarters for the appointment of Additional DGP, Idashisha Nongrang as the next DGP. If appointed, Nongrang will be the first woman police officer from the state to hold the coveted post.