Shillong, July 14: The state youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday demanded immediate suspension of a nominated IAS officer, who had allegedly taken part in a political meeting, as well as an inquiry by the CBI into his activities while implementing government schemes and funds.
A delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) led by its president, Egenstar Kurkalang met the chief secretary, Yeshi Tsering demanding actions against the officer.
“We have demanded that the nominated IAS officer Himalaya M Shangpliang should be immediately suspended for violating the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 by participating in a meeting of the Congress party held recently,” Kurkalang told reporters after the meeting here.
He said that the delegation has also demanded from the State government to initiate an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into Shangpliang’s activities which include misusing of government schemes and funds for his political gain.
Shangpliang, who is presently the director of the social welfare department besides other departments, is likely to contest from Mawsynram Assembly constituency in the upcoming Assembly election, slated to be held early next year.
“We want the CBI to probe into his activities because if a government servant is indulging in political activities, we have every reason to believe that he is misusing government schemes and funds to influence the people,” Kurkalang said.
Kurkalang also said that his party has also received complaints that there are many schemes under the social welfare department which are lying pending.
“There is a possibility that these schemes are also misused by him,” the BJYM president said.
The state government has also issued show-cause to Shangpliang on the allegations against him before taking any action.
However, the BJYM chief was of the view that issuing show-cause to such officer is not enough. “We insist that an inquiry by the CBI should be instituted against him,” he added.
Shangpliang is also holding the post as secretary General Administration Department (GAD), Secretary of Chief Adviser to the Government, and Mission Director, National Health Mission and Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme.
The BJYM has given two-week deadline to the state government to comply with the demand, failing which, it will take other course of action to ensure such officers are punished as per law.