Shillong, July 28: The Commerce and Industries Department of the State Government appears to have no influence whatsoever over the functioning of the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) at “Kismat” Upland Road, Laitumkhrah, wherein nepotism is still being practiced blatantly at the whims and fancy of its Managing Director (MD).
Evidently, the Commissioner & Secretary of the said department had given direction to MIDC vide letter no.: IND 90/2013/15 dated 18th June 2013 to terminate with immediate effect all appointments of temporary staff but it has no effect till today as they are still working in their respective posts.
The four employees are KP Shilla, Management Trainee who had been appointed vide order no.: MIDC (Gen) 74/2008 dated 28/04/2013 and found to be not as per terms and conditions of Service Rules of MIDC.
The three others include Balam Kyndiah, Bungalow Peon, Banrisuk Chyne, and Liful Mary Wahlang.Confirming this over the phone, Gerald Kyndiah, Deputy General Manager said the four persons are working because their contract, albeit temporary, cannot be terminated without the decision of the Board of Directors.
“They are still working here and I don’t know about their termination but if it is so, then the Board of Directors will have to first meet to determine on that decision,” G Kyndiah said.
According to the MD Hawaiki Kyndiah, the Board of Directors met on July 18, but the matter still remains the same as it has been handed over to the government.
“The four employees have not been terminated because the government has intervened and the Board is in communication with the government on that matter,” the MD said without elaborating any further.
Meanwhile, the Commerce & Industries Director W Langstang said, “I have submitted the confidential report to the government about one week ago so it is now at Government level.”
What may seem surprising is the fact that the Commissioner & Secretary, L Kharkongor, herself is not aware that her direction for the termination of the four employees has not been complied with till date.
“I have been away for three weeks so I am not updated on that matter,” Kharkongor said, which makes the whole matter look like it is only an eye wash.
The question that remains is why did the MD take the matter to the Board when he has been given direction by the government to terminate the employees with immediate effect?
Social activist and President of Civil Society Women Organization (CSWO) Agnes Kharshiing has the answer. “It is purely a delaying tactic of the MD who is abusing his power, denying other youth of the job, violating all rules and norms and this is corruption of the highest order.(SP News)
