SHILLONG, May 28: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) on Wednesday called upon the Executive Committee (EC) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to ensure a transparent and fair recruitment process within the council.
After a meeting with KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Shemborlang Rynjah, KHNAM working president Thomas Passah told reporters that the council has consistently failed to advertise job vacancies or conduct examinations for filling vacant posts.
He said the EC issues only internal notifications for posts such as magistrates, under secretaries and accountants. These notifications are circulated solely among existing staff, thereby limiting opportunities for the general public. “We have urged the CEM to ensure that all future job vacancies are widely advertised through newspapers and various media platforms so that eligible candidates have a fair chance to apply,” Passah said.
He emphasised the need for written examinations as part of the recruitment process
to ensure that only deserving and qualified candidates are selected. This, he said, will significantly improve the overall functioning and administration of the council.
Passah also raised concerns over the inadequate pay of casual and daily wage workers employed by the council. He asked why these employees are being underpaid despite a notification issued by the Labour Department in January mandating appropriate wages.
According to him, the fixed monthly salary of Rs 5,000 for casual and daily wage employees is unreasonably low, considering the rising cost of living.
“We have conveyed that casual and daily wage employees deserve a decent and fair salary that reflects current market realities,” Passah added.
Opposition to toll gates
KHNAM expressed strong opposition to the setting up of toll gates by the council, citing that it is not supported by existing regulations.
Passah said the Trading by Non-Tribals Regulation, 1954 does not authorise the council to establish toll gates for revenue collection purposes.
“This regulation is intended to safeguard the interests of indigenous tribal traders by regulating licences for non-tribal traders. It is not meant to generate revenue for the council,” Passah said.
He said KHNAM has urged the council’s CEM to review all toll gates, currently operating under the Trade Department. He further stated that if the council plans to outsource the management of these check gates, it must do so through an open tender process.
“There should be transparency in the bidding process to ensure that local youth have an equal opportunity to participate. It’s not right to reserve such opportunities only for those who are well-connected,” Passah added.
He called upon the District Council Affairs (DCA) Department to withdraw its 2015 notification circulated to all central government institutions in Meghalaya. The notification exempts non-tribal entities from obtaining a trading licence from the district council when participating in tenders floated by these institutions.
“Why is the DCA department interfering in the affairs of the district council? Any notification concerning trade should originate from the councils. It should be mandatory for non-tribal bidders from outside the state to obtain a trading licence before participating in such tenders,” he said.
Citing Right to Information data obtained from the KHADC, Passah revealed that there are currently 25 forest check gates under the council, 16 of which are located in Ri-Bhoi district.
He stressed that these forest gates are authorised only to collect tax on forest produce.
“However, we have learned that they are also collecting taxes from vehicles transporting essential commodities which is illegal. This illegal practice will ultimately burden the public as the prices of essential goods will be increased,” Passah warned.
He urged the KHADC to ensure that the forest check gates operate strictly within their legal mandate.
