Shillong, September 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has clarified that the engagement and extension of services of retired government officials will not affect existing vacancies or promotional opportunities for serving employees.

Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Sangma said the retired officials have been engaged as consultants, advisers and technical experts under various missions, project-management agencies and externally aided projects.

Among the proposals approved was the engagement of a retired PWD official as a consultant to the Meghalaya State Roads Development Agency. The Cabinet also approved the continuation of retired officials in specialised technical and advisory roles under the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency and the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project.

The Chief Minister said the appointments were intended to utilise the experience and technical expertise of retired officials in implementing specific development projects.

“These are not regular government posts. Their engagement will neither block vacancies nor affect the promotion of junior officers,” Sangma clarified.

He said the officials would work independently in project-based positions with clearly defined responsibilities.

Their remuneration and other expenses, he added, would be met through the respective externally aided projects or implementing agencies.