Shillong, April 27: In a clear move to pre-empt dissension, Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma today inducted 17 parliamentary secretaries, 12 of whom are from the Congress, to “assist” his cabinet ministers.

The parliamentary secretaries sworn in by the chief minister include Francis P.R. Sangma, Stanly Wiss Rymbai, Sniawbhalang Dhar, P.W. Khongjee, Shitlang Pale, Pynshngaiñ Syiem, Lahkmen Rymbui, Saleng Sangma, Abdul Saleh, Samuel Sangma, Nehlang Lyngdoh, Comingone Ymbon
— all from the ruling Congress.

The others are Independents Ismail R. Marak, Limison D. Sangma and Donkupar Massar, Remington Pyngrope of the United Democratic Party and Adviser Pariong of the HSPDP.

“I have seen the potential of my legislators and hence space has been created for them to perform to their utmost,” Mukul told reporters after administering the oath of office to the 17 parliamentary secretaries.

He said parliamentary secretaries would be constructively involved in bringing about growth and development in the state. When asked to comment about the reported disgruntlement among Congress legislators, the chief minister said he “has not heard” of any discontentment from any quarters.

“I am confident that everyone is happy with the present government and there is no discontentment as such,” Mukul reiterated.

Reportedly, a section of Congress legislators, especially those, who have been left out of the ministry, have expressed their “unhappiness” with the present leadership.

Ever since the downsizing of ministries became mandatory in June 2004, successive governments had appointed several MLAs as parliamentary secretaries to “assist” ministers.

Cabinet move

From now on, Meghalaya will have only “one” chief minister after the cabinet today ratified the decision “not to equate” any political appointee with the rank and status of the head of government.

A political ruckus broke out in the previous D.D. Lapang-led Meghalaya United Alliance government when it equated three legislators with the rank and status of chief minister.

However, the Mukul Sangma government on April 23 issued a notification appointing Lapang the “chief adviser” to the government of Meghalaya with perks and facilities entitled to the chief minister.

Speaking to reporters after the first cabinet meeting of his government today, Mukul Sangma said, “The cabinet has approved not to equate any political appointee with the rank and status of chief minister.”

He cited an example saying, “If anyone is appointed chairman of the state planning board, he will remain just ‘chairman’ of the board. He will not be linked with the rank and status of chief minister.”

When asked about the fate of the “chief adviser”, the chief minister hinted that in the next few days, a notification will be issued to revoke the April 23 order.