How many IAS officers left state during Congress-led regime: Tynsong

Shillong, Oct 10: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government on Wednesday asked the opposition Congress to name how many IAS officers had left the state during the previous Congress-led government and now.

Reacting to Congress’ allegations that a number of IAS officers have left the state in the past six months, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong dismissed the allegation and said that it was just a normal process of them going on deputation.

“This is a normal deputation and it happens as there are officers who wanted to get exposure because service rules allow them to do that,” he said.

Tynsong asked the Congress spokesman, Himalaya M Shangpliang to even specify how many IAS officers left in the last six months on deputation and those who left during the previous Congress-led government.

“How many of them left before February 2018, and how many after the MDA took over the government,” he asked.

Tynsong also said that it was the duty of the opposition to make allegations against the government.

“The opposition will be opposition. Even me, if I happen to be in the opposition I have to make allegations as it is the duty of the opposition to do that,” Tynsong said.

On the allegation that a minister of the MDA government abused his power by transferring an MCS officer for not complying with his brother’s “request,” Tynsong said that he had only seen media reports about the incident.

Asked if an inquiry would be set up, Tynsong said the government will consider setting up an inquiry only after receiving official complaint in connection with the allegation.

Congress MLA and party’s spokesman, Himalaya M Shangpliang had alleged that an additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of West Jaiñtia Hills District, Chemi Laloo was recently transferred from Jowai to Ampati in South West Garo Hills District.

“He (Chemi Laloo) was rebuked and scolded by the brother of a cabinet minister who uses dirty words. This was followed by the cabinet minister who threatened the officer that necessary action will be taken for not complying with the request made (by his brother). In the same evening, he was transferred to Ampati,” Shangpliang alleged.

Tynsong said, if any officer or anybody felt they have been ill treated, the law is there and aggrieved officer can also file an official complaint or FIR.

With regards to the allegation that the officer was scolded and threatened, he said, “The service rules and the law are there. If he (officer) was being abused or beaten up, how can he just keep quite?”

On a point that officers may not dare to take on their political masters, Tynsong said, “Are you trying to say that you are a slave of somebody, are you scared if I threatened you? Now-a-day everything is transparent and therefore anything which goes beyond the limit, the law is there and you can always file an FIR.”