By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 3: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Monday urged the MPP-led MDA 2.0 Government not to terminate all ad hoc appointments made against sanctioned posts, and instead, regularise the services of long-serving ad hoc employees whose efforts have kept the state administration functioning for years.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit called upon the government to end the “unlawful practice” of making ad hoc appointments in violation of existing service rules and to hold the erring officials accountable.
Basaiawmoit said that the VPP stands firm on the principles of the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and administrative efficiency, while also defending the rights of ad hoc employees who have served for years without formal recognition.
Expressing concern over the state’s governance system, the VPP chief remarked that ad hoc appointments across departments highlight deep-rooted administrative flaws.
“The system of ad hoc appointments reflects that governance in Meghalaya is indeed a matter of concern for every citizen of a free and democratic country,” he stated.
Referring to the September 25 Office Memorandum issued by the government which mandates termination of ad hoc employees appointed after 2007, Basaiawmoit said the directive fails to appreciate the complexity of administration and the rights of employees.
The VPP chief argued that many of these employees, appointed after December 31, 2007, have served continuously for close to two decades and have been instrumental in maintaining the day-to-day functioning of the government.
“It is highly objectionable that such employees be terminated and asked to reappear in competitive examinations when it was never their fault that they were appointed in this manner,” he asserted.
Basaiawmoit maintained that it would be unjust for the government to suddenly act after 15 years, causing emotional and financial distress to the affected employees.
He reiterated that these employees deserve the same opportunity for regularisation as their predecessors.
“We therefore demand that the services of such employees be regularised and that the government stop harassing them,” Basaiawmoit said.
The VPP chief emphasised that future appointments must strictly follow government rules and accountability should be fixed on those responsible for such irregular practices.
