SHILLONG, May 25: National People’s Party spokesperson, Bajop Pyngrope said he has not been drawing a monthly salary of Rs 6 lakh as the chairman of the Regional Planning and Development Council (RPDC) for Khasi Hills region, as claimed by Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC).
He told reporters on Thursday that there was no way he could be paid Rs 6 lakh per month when the President of India is drawing a salary of about Rs 5 lakh.
Pyngrope suspected a hidden agenda as the HYC mentioned only his name and that of former GHADC Chief Executive Member, Rakesh K. Sangma when there were many political appointees from the regional parties.
He said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma must have assessed his potential and calibre when he decided to appoint him as the chairman.
Pyngrope further said the HYC should have verified the figure before going to the media.
He said the Rs 6 lakh-plus he withdrew was spent on the salaries of the casual employees whom he had appointed as the chairman of the RPDC. They included a peon, a driver, an office assistant, and a personal assistant.
“I feel I am helping my own people by providing them with jobs even though it is on a temporary basis,” Pyngrope, also the NPP’s Member of District Council in KHADC said.
Replying to a query, he confirmed not having convened any official meeting during his tenure as the chairman of the RPDC.
He, however, claimed to have conducted many unofficial meetings and travelled to give his suggestions to the Planning Department.
“The salary that I have drawn is my entitlement. I still wonder why the HYC wants to target me personally. Maybe, there is a sense of insecurity seeing my popularity as a young political leader,” he said.
HYC general secretary, Roy Kupar Synrem stated that the CM had written to the Commissioner and Secretary of the Planning Department on April 27, 2022, directing the officer to take necessary action for appointing Pyngrope and Rakesh Sangma as the chairman of the RPDC for the Khasi Hills and Garo Hills region respectively with perks and facilities under the category-A.
The HYC leader further alleged Pyngrope claimed Rs 6 lakh before the RPDC was de-notified prior to the February 2023 Assembly elections in the state.
