Petition against Shangpliang

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JULY 12: Social activists have sought action against a senior government officer for allegedly misusing his official position for “political interest”.

A complaint against the nominated IAS officer Himalaya M Shangpliang was lodged by president of the Civil Society Women Organization (CSWO) Agnes Kharshiing and leader of Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) Angela Rangad with the Principal Secretary in-charge Personnel & AR (A) & (B) Dept on Wednesday.

This came after a video clip went viral in social media, in which Shangpliang, who is aspiring to contest from Mawsynram constituency, was found taking part in a Congress meeting held at Lawbah village on July 8.

Shangplang is presently holding the posts of Director of Social Welfare Department, Secretary of General Administration Department (GAD), Secretary to the Chief Adviser to the Government and Mission Director, National Health Mission and Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme.

“We demand an independent inquiry on Shangpliang’s party political activities and when found guilty he should be summarily dismissed from service and all benefits due to him including pensions should be withdrawn,” the two women activists said in the complaint.

Pending the inquiry, they also demanded – “Shangpliang should be immediately suspended pending completion of such an enquiry.”

Referring to video clipping uploaded in the raiot.in, Agnes and Rngad said the government servant has been openly abusing his official position as a career bureaucrat for political purposes which is a clear violation of service Rules (3A), 3(2A) and 5 of the All India Service (Conduct) Rules, 1968 as amended.

“He has been calling and attending political party meetings while also indulging in politically partisan diversion of government schemes and funding to people to secure their political support,” they alleged.

Shangpliang, who is yet to resign as a government servant, is planning to contest from Mawsynram, which is the home constituency of suspended Congress member and KHADC CEM PN Syiem, who have been very vocal against the chief minister Mukul Sangma.