SHILLONG, OCT 22: The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has accused the Meghalaya Government of glaring double standards on transparency and accountability over disclosure of legal expenditure involving Advocate General Amit Kumar.

In a press statement on Thursday, HYC said RTI replies expose inconsistency in how departments handle information on legal fees.

“The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) strongly condemns the Meghalaya Government’s glaring double standards on transparency and accountability,” the Council said.

Pointing to contrasting RTI responses, HYC said, “RTI replies reveal that while the Office of the Commissioner of Excise refuses to disclose department-wise legal expenditure involving Amit Kumar, citing Section 8 of the RTI Act, the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation readily provides year-wise details of legal fees paid to its legal adviser involving a local lawyer from the State.”

Questioning the selective disclosure, the Council asked, “Why is transparency possible for one lawyer but becomes an excuse-ridden exercise when information involves Advocate General Amit Kumar? Is the Government applying different rules to different lawyers?”

HYC said public money is involved and citizens have a right to know.

“When crores of public money are involved, citizens deserve answers — not selective disclosure and legal provisions used to shut down legitimate questions. The Government must explain this inconsistency and disclose public expenditure in accordance with the law,” it said.

Asserting that public funds demand accountability, the Council stated, “PUBLIC MONEY DEMANDS PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY.”

“The Government cannot preach transparency with one hand and practise secrecy with the other,” HYC added.