By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 22: A heated debate erupted in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Wednesday when the MDCs from opposition parties accused the VPP-led Executive Committee (EC) of “publicly humiliating” an officer from the Professional Tax department as a show cause notice served on her was leaked and it went viral on social media.
The notice was served on the officer on October 10, questioning her decision to issue tax notices to several small businesses, including betel nut and kwai (betel leaf) stalls, on September 29 and 30, when the council was under a caretaker administration following the resignation of former Chief Executive Member (CEM) Shemborlang Rynjah.
Through the notice, the officer was directed to submit a written explanation within seven days, stating why disciplinary action should not be taken against her.
Raising the issue through a Zero Hour notice, Mawshynrut MDC Srarly Rashir said the Opposition was deeply concerned over how the internal communication was made public.
Opposition leader Titosstarwell Chyne called the incident “unprecedented” and “unfortunate,” saying that it was the first time in the council’s history that an official explanation notice had been leaked online.
He questioned whether the notices issued to traders were genuinely illegal as claimed by CEM Winston Tony Lyngdoh, and whether such actions in the past required approval from the Executive Member in charge of the Professional Tax department.
Chyne further asked about the status of the show cause notice –whether the officer replied, and what disciplinary action was taken.
“If this is the way we function, how can we expect officers to have faith and confidence in the system?” he asked, warning that even confidential files and notings could leak next.
He added, “When you lead the EC, you must be ready to face criticism. We cannot expect only praise; leadership comes with responsibility.”
Nongshken MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri (NPP) said the council had never witnessed such an incident where an officer was publicly shamed.
She argued that the caretaker CEM, Shemborlang Rynjah, had been formally authorised by the Governor to continue in office until a new CEM was elected, and therefore, the EC was still functional when the notices were issued.
“It is wrong to say that there was no EC. This proves the administration was still in place,” she asserted.
Kharpuri added that the leak had demoralised officers and staff, saying, “How can we expect dedication from our officers when they are treated this way? It is an insult to the entire council.”
She also expressed concern over the safety of the official concerned.
Defending the administration, Executive Member in charge of Professional Tax department, Seiborlang Warbah, clarified that the EC had no intention of humiliating or targeting any officer.
CEM Winston Tony Lyngdoh explained that the notices were issued when Rynjah was serving as the caretaker CEM but he was unwell and unable to attend office.
He said some staff might have “taken advantage” of the situation but denied that the EC made the officer’s name public.
“The officer’s name appeared only on social media. I had never mentioned the name when I had briefed the media on the show cause notice,” Lyngdoh said.
MDCs Ricky Shullai, Lurshai Kharbani, and Rona Khymdeit also took part in the discussion. They urged the council to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
