Files go missing from KHADC, claims new Executive Committee

Shillong, Dec 02: The new United Democratic Forum (UDF)-led Executive Committee in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has accused the previous executive committee of indulging in “malpractices,” while claiming that hundreds of files in the trade department related to renewal and fresh issuing of trading licenses were “missing.”

“I was shocked to find that hundreds of files were missing from the trade department,” Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the KHADC, Latiplang Kharkongor told reporters on Monday.

He said that most of the files are related to both fresh and renewal of trading licenses issued by the previous executive committee led by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Kharkongor said that he has directed the concerned officials to immediately submit a report on the matter and find out the causes that led the missing of files.

Stating that the matter is of serious concern, Chairman of the Council, Pynshngaiñlang N Syiem said that the Council will wait for the report from the officials before deciding to either institute an inquiry or file a first information report (FIR).

“We will check the movement of these files and find out how they went missing from the department,” Syiem said.

According to the Chairman, it is highly illegal to take home official files.

“However, we will have to confirm first (whether this incident has taken place), and take action accordingly,” he said.

On the other hand, Syiem questioned the decision of the previous Executive Committee for withdrawing over Rs 10 crore in the name of ‘mobilization fees’ just after the collapse of the UDA-led executive committee on November 20.

“How can we pay running bills for works that have just started? We fail to understand why the previous EC was in hurry to withdraw such a huge amount and not wait for the new EC. This explains as who badly wants to be in power,” he said.

The Chairman said that the council is still seeking a report on the withdrawal of Rs 10 crore for implementation of various projects of the council’s assets. “If the situation demands, we will institute an inquiry into this matter,” he stated.