SHILLONG, Feb 16: Voice of the People Party (VPP), president Ardent M Basaiawmoit on Wednesday cast aspersions on the state government for allegedly indulging in political appointment spree while the state is “facing acute financial crunch”.
“It is a fact and will always remain a fact, that a sour fruit can never become sweet. This is the case with those who are at the helm of affairs in Meghalaya today. While the state is facing acute financial crunch and cannot even meet the mandated expenditure and expenses, the leaders of this present dispensation are on an appointment spree,” said Basaiawmoit.
“We fail to understand the concept of post-retirement appointments for bureaucrats in our state,” he added.
Stating that despite opposition from various quarters, teachers and other employees are not getting their dues and salaries for months together, he said that the state government adamantly refused to listen and mend its way. “Lately, we have seen that the state government has appointed the former Director General of Police as a security adviser with a monthly salary of Rs 75,000 along with other perks and facilities,” he added.
Lashing out at the regional parties for keeping mum on the issue, he said, “We also fail to understand why the partners of the ruling party, the regional parties, who used to make tall claims about safeguarding the interest of the state and the people, are conspicuous by their silence.”
Pointing out that the current dispensation has the maximum number of advisers, the VPP president said, “There are five advisers to the chief minister alone, we cannot understand why the CM of Meghalaya requires so many advisers? This clearly shows that this government is not interested in serving the people, but only to protect its interest and satisfy its supporters.”
He said that the creation of a post to accommodate the former DGP of Meghalaya is perhaps a quid pro quo, while adding that he would like to learn about the contributions of the former DGP to the state so much so that the government is so indebted to him.
“Or is he a tool to be used for the benefit of those who are in power? Will this not go against the interest of serving officers and interfere with their duties and responsibilities?” he questioned.
Expressing hope that a time will come where the people of the state will give a befitting reply to those who feel that they are too powerful and cannot be questioned or challenged by anyone, Basaiawmoit said, “We are not expecting the present ruling government to effect any change. But this is a reminder to the people of the state, about the wasteful expenditure that is taking place under this regime which seriously affected them.”