From Our Correspondent
SHILLONG, March 31: The KHADC opposition on Tuesday welcomed the Executive Committee’s (EC) decision to constitute a Special Committee to examine amendments to the ADC Rules, while simultaneously seeking detailed clarification on the suspension of EC Secretary D.G. Syiemiong and the resignation of Standing Counsel T.T. Diengdoh.
The issues were raised during a meeting between Opposition MDCs and Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh on Tuesday.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Opposition Leader Titosstarwell Chyne said the proposed Special Committee is expected to be constituted next week and will include representatives from the Opposition, Executive Members and officials. He said the committee will take up a comprehensive review of the ADC Rules, with particular focus on Rule 128 and other key provisions that require urgent amendment.
He expressed optimism that the constitution of the committee would help fast-track the long-pending process of revising the rules and bring about necessary administrative improvements within the Council.
At the same time, the Opposition sought clarity on the suspension of the Secretary. Chyne said the matter was taken up with the CEM, who informed that the suspension was necessitated due to procedural lapses in the functioning of the office.
According to the explanation provided, the Secretary had allegedly bypassed the Executive Committee and the concerned Executive Member while granting approval for a PIL to be filed in the Meghalaya High Court.
“The CEM clarified that there was a serious procedural lapse in the approval of the PIL. This was viewed as a violation of established processes, and the Secretary was suspended for two weeks,” Chyne said.
He added that the Opposition has also sought information on whether a formal inquiry has been initiated into the matter. In response, the EC informed that an internal inquiry has been ordered and will be led by a senior officer of the District Council.
The Secretary is expected to resume duties on April 2, subject to the outcome of the ongoing inquiry process. On the resignation of the Standing Counsel, Chyne informed that the CEM clarified that the decision was taken on personal grounds and is not linked to either the PIL issue or the suspension of the Secretary. “The resignation of the Standing Counsel is based entirely on personal reasons and has no connection with the recent developments,” he added.
