Shillong, Feb 16: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has slammed the state government for appointing the former DGP, R Chandranathan as its security advisor.
In a statement issued on Tuesday , the VPP chief Ardent M Basaiawmoit pointed out that since the government has appointed the former Director General of Police as a security adviser with a monthly salary of Rs 75,000 along with other perks and facilities, it is perhaps a quid pro quo, and the VPP wanted to know what are the contributions of the former DGP to the state that the government is so indebted to him? “Or is he a tool to be used for the benefit of those who are in power? Will this not go against the interest of serving officers and interfere with their duties and responsibilities?”
Earlier, the Additional Chief Secretary in-charge Home (Police) department DP Wahlang had in the February 3 notification said the duties of the security advisor are to coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other central and intelligence agencies & VIP security in other parts of the country except state of Meghalaya.
The office of the security advisor will be at Resident Commissioner, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi and the tenure is initially for a period of one year which may be extended as per need and he will be paid a monthly honorarium of Rs 75,000 besides TA/DA as per admissible, the notification said.
‘Why regional parties silent’
The former MLA of Nongkrem constituency, also criticised the regional parties for being silent on the issue.
“We also fail to understand why the partners of the ruling party, the regional parties, who used to make tall claims about safeguarding the interest of the dtate and the people, are conspicuous by their silence,” he said.
So many advisors
Pointing out that the present MDA government has the maximum number of advisors, the VPP chief said there are 5 advisors to the Chief Minister alone.
“We cannot understand why the Chief Minister of Meghalaya requires so many advisers? This clearly shows that this government is not interested in serving the people, but only to protect its interest and satisfy its supporters,” he said.
According to Basaiawmoit, “it is a fact and will always remain a fact, that a soar fruit can never become sweet. This is the case with those who are at the helm of affairs in the state. While the state is facing acute financial crunch and cannot even meet the mandated expenditure and expenses, the leaders of this present dispensation, are on an appointment spree and we fail to understand the concept of post retirement appointments for bureaucrats in our state.
Despite opposition from various quarters, teachers and other employees are not getting their dues and salaries for months together, and the state government adamantly refused to listen and mend its way,” he said.
Basaiawmoit said a time will come when the people of the state, will give a befitting reply to those who feel that they are too powerful and cannot be questioned or challenged by anyone.
“We are not expecting the present ruling government to effect any change. But this is a reminder to the people of the state about the wasteful expenditure that is taking place under this regime which seriously affected them,” he added.
