SHILLONG: The Steering Committee Against Murder of Democracy (SCAMOD) has filed a PIL in the Gauhati High Court seeking CBI inquiry into the fake TA bill controversy involving several MLAs of the erstwhile MPA Government.

SCAMOD convener Agnes Kharshiing submitted the PIL in the principal bench of the court in Guwahati on Thursday.

In the PIL, Kharshiing pointed out to "serious inconsistencies" in the claims of the TA bills for foreign trips undertaken by the legislators as revealed in the CAG report last year.

The Speaker has already asked the Public Accounts Committee of the Assembly to investigate the matter of alleged excess expenditure for the foreign trip of a 17-member delegation in 2006.

The delegation including the then Speaker Martin Danggo had received invitation for one-day visit to the British Parliament on October 9, 2006, but they visited Paris (France), Rome (Italy) and Amsterdam (Netherlands) at government expense during the tour, Kharsiing said.

The CAG report revealed that air fare at the rate of Rs 4.55 lakh was claimed on the basis of certificate issued by a travel agency, which actually did not provide the tickets, and that the actual cost of tickets was far less, the SCAMOD convener said, adding that the expenses for local journeys abroad were claimed at the rate of Rs 6.61 lakh by each member of the delegation on the basis of self certificates and no proof of tickets, receipts etc., were produced along with the TA claims.

But surprisingly, the Assembly Secretariat cleared the TA bills with such grave anomalies, Kharsiing said.

Citing the anomalies pointed out in the CAG report, the SCAMOD convener appealed to the High Court to order a CBI inquiry into the alleged scam.

"In view of the fact that high profile bureaucrats and politicians are involved in such corrupt practices, an inquiry by an independent agency like the CBI would meet the ends of justice," she added.

Earlier, the PAC had received the replies of MLAs and Assembly Secretariat on the alleged fake TA bills.

SHILLONG: The State Government is likely to hold a Cabinet meeting next Tuesday to discuss the fate of the GHADC in the wake of NCP's claim to form the Executive Committee with the support of 18 MDCs in the House of 30.

The NCP had paraded the 18 MDCs before the Governor RS Mooshahary and also met the District Council Affairs (DCA) Minister HDR Lyngdoh to register its claim in the Council, which is under suspended animation for the past five months.

Amid the alleged delay by the DCA minister to advance the process of formation of the new EC, a NCP delegation on Thursday met the minister reiterating its plea for early installation of an NCP-led EC.

Earlier, the minister reportedly asked for internal audit of alleged financial irregularities in the House before formation of the new EC, leading to resentment in the NCP.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the minister, Leader of Opposition and NCP leader Conrad Sangma said, "We have full faith in HDR Lyngdoh and Governor RS Mooshahary that they will take right and democratic decision to form the new EC in GHADC."

Sangma, while reacting to the alleged statement made by HDR Lyngdoh, said the media misquoted the minister.

Mid-term polls opposed: Meanwhile, an organization 'Association for Democracy and Empowerment' on Thursday submitted a memorandum to the Governor urging him to take immediate measures to facilitate formation of the new EC to end the stalemate in the Council.

The Association opposed holding of mid-term election to the Council, saying it would be a wastage of public money.

The Association also demanded for bringing the autonomous councils under the purview of the anti-defection law to prevent frequent shifting of allegiance by MDCs.

SHILLONG: KHADC CEM Pynshngaiñlang Syiem has completed the process of portfolio allocations to the executive members (EMs) of the newly-constituted Executive Committee (EC) in the Council.

Syiem allocated the portfolio hours after the District Council Affairs (DCA) department approved the list of EMs on Thursday.

The fresh face in the new EC is UDP Dienglieng constituency MLA and MDC Remington Pyngrope who is given the post of Deputy CEM.

Pyngrope's appointment as Deputy CEM came as a surprise since there were speculations that the post would go to Shella UDP MDC, Teinwell Dkhar as he was not only the former Opposition Leader in the Council but also the Parliamentary Party (PP) leader of the UDP.

Pyngrope's appointment is seen as a political strategy of the Congress to strengthen relations with the UDP in the State.

Refuting the allegations, the new KHADC CEM said this is not a political strategy but definitely a strategic alliance.

"I am happy that both the CEM and Deputy CEM are also MLAs. This would be of strategic importance when we approach the Government on issues concerning the Council as it lends more weight since both us have a role to play even in the State" Syiem said.

It may be reminded that like Pyngrope the new KHADC CEM is also the MLA and MDC of Mawsynram constituency.

Meanwhile, Trade and Enforcement department which was being hold by former Deputy CEM Lambor Malngiang who was at the centre of controversy over rampant issuing of trading license especially the issuing of Trading to Kolkata-based firm Amrit Hatchery Private Limited was given to Laitumkhrah Congress MDC Antonio War.

Despite the controversy surrounding him, Malngiang would have still been appointed as the Deputy CEM if it was not for strong opposition from UDP and KHNAM.

The former Deputy CEM is likely to be appointed as Chairperson of some corporation or board in the State Government.

Prominent among those who did not find a berth in the new EC despite being former EMs are Mylliem NCP MDC Teilinia Thangkhiew, Congress MDC from Jirang, Artist Rani and Rambrai HSPDP MDC KP Pangngiang.

None of the three MDCs who had given an unconditional support to the new EC failed to get a berth as EM.

Syiem said that those not accommodated in the new EC will be accommodated as political appointees in both the Council and the State.

While admitting that it is not easy to accommodate everyone, the new KHADC CEM said that saving grace is that everyone is supporting the new EC with the sole objective of providing stability.

"None of them have supported this EC with any hidden agenda in mind. I have spoken to each and every MDC. Each one is happy with the present arrangement" Syiem added.

JOWAI: The Khliehriat Subdivision Mineral Owners' and Suppliers' Association has decided to discontinue supply of coal to cement factories located under Elaka Narpuh in Jaintia Hills district with effect from September 6 till the cement companies settle the rates of coal.

"The cement companies are not giving reasonable prices for the coal supplied by the locals," KSMOSA spokesperson W Marsal Shadap said.

Besides the low price, the companies used to deduct the amount further after testing the supplied coal in their laboratories.

Some companies even buy coal from outside at higher rates but won't give the same price to a local supplier, he said.

The Association has requested all the coal suppliers to stop the supply until the companies fixed a higher rate.

SHILLONG: Different tribal Christians of the world will come under one platform in the Tribal Christian Gathering' (TGC) which will be held in the city from September 9-12.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Matt Leblanc of iEmergence, an NGO organising the function, said the gathering will be organised with an aim of bringing unity and hope to the Christian tribals.

According to Matt Leblanc, one of the reasons behind the event is to bring about reconciliation amongst different tribal communities in the North-east.

It is learnt that such a gathering of tribal Christians was held for the first time in New Zealand in 1996 and the last gathering was held in Israel in 2008.

The gathering is expected to be attended by delegates from USA, Canada, Philippines, Malaysia and the seven states of North East India. It will also showcase cultural celebration from various tribes across Northeast India, North America and the Philippines.

SHILLONG: DGP Kakati released handbook of Police Circulars in a function at the police headquarter on Thursday.

The handbook is professional guidance of the police officers at the cutting edge level of various units and formations.

Speaking on the occasion, Kakati said that the circulars will be immense professional benefit to the force.

SHILLONG: The Royal Enfield Riders Association of Meghalaya (RERAM) and the Meghalaya xBhp Sports and Adventure Club (MXSAC) in collaboration with the Shillong Traffic Police will organise Road Safety Awareness Campaign on Saturday.

Deputy Superintendent of Police(DSP), Traffic, H.G. Lyngdoh will flag off the two wheeler rally from Dhankheti Parking lot.

The Rally will go through the city streets spreading the message of safe driving and riding so as to avoid accidents.

The riders will also be distributing pamphlets along the way so as to educate and remind drivers and riders on safe riding.

Jiten Das (75), father of journalist Raju Das with The Assam Tribune passed away on Thursday afternoon. Late Das is survived by his wife, four daughters and a son.

Lumlang Shymphlang a resident of Mawkhar passed away on September 2. The funeral will take place at Riatsamthiah Presbyterian Church cemetry at 2 pm

Make This Your HomePage! |About Us |Contact Us |Photo Gallery | Archive'05