SHILLONG, Nov 24: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has accused the state government of turning its “Mission for Youth Empowerment” scheme into a political campaign, following reports that tablets distributed to Class XII students on Monday featured Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s image as a default, non-removable wallpaper.

In a statement issued on Monday, KHNAM working president Thomas Passah expressed shock at what he described as blatant politicisation of a government-sponsored programme.

“We are surprised that the picture of Conrad K Sangma was set by default as wallpaper in the tablet and it cannot be changed. We have also seen in the past that even in the ‘CM Guide Book’, the cover carried Conrad K Sangma’s picture,” Passah said.

He alleged that the initiative appeared less like a youth empowerment effort and more like a strategic political exercise. “We see this as a political campaign and not a youth empowerment initiative. It is wrong for the CM to forcefully install his picture in tabs used by individuals, especially when such schemes are funded by the public exchequer and not at the personal expense of Shri Conrad K Sangma,” he asserted.

Passah also questioned the practical value of the devices, claiming reports suggested that the tablets may not be durable or effective for long-term use. “Whether these tabs will benefit the students or not is uncertain. However, we are sure that these tabs would surely benefit the contractor or supplier who provided them,” he said.

KHNAM has urged the government to maintain political neutrality in welfare schemes and ensure that public funds are not used for promotional activities.