Shillong, Feb 16: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Wednesday demanded to know the contributions of the former Director General of Police (DGP) R Chandranathan and questioned the reasoning behind appointing him as security advisor to the government of Meghalaya.

In a statement, VPP chief Ardent M Basaiawmoit said, “The creation of a post to accommodate the former DGP of Meghalaya is perhaps a quid pro quo, and we would like to know what are the contributions of the former DGP to the state that the government is so indebted to him? Or is he a tool to be used for the benefit of those who are in power? Will this not go against the interest of serving officers and interfere with their duties and responsibilities?”

The notification issued by the Additional Chief Secretary in-charge Home (Police) department DP Wahlang on February 3 had said the duties of the security advisor is to coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other central and intelligence agencies & VIP security in other parts of the country except state of Meghalaya. The office of the security advisor will be at Resident Commissioner, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi. The appointment of the security advisor is initially for a period of one year which may be extended as per need and he shall be paid a monthly honorarium of Rs 75,000 besides TA/DA as per admissible.

Basaiawmoit, who is also a former legislator of Nongkrem constituency, also slammed the regional parties for being silent on the issue.

“We also failed to understand why the partners of the ruling party, the Regional parties, who used to make tall claims about safeguarding the interest of the State and the people, are conspicuous by their silence,” he said.

Pointing out that the present MDA government has the maximum number of advisers, the VPP chief said there are 5 advisers to the Chief Minister alone.

“We cannot understand why the Chief Minister of Meghalaya requires so many advisers? This clearly shows that this government is not interested in serving the people, but only to protect its interest and satisfy its supporters,” he said.

At the same time, he questioned the concept of post retirement appointments for bureaucrats in the State. “Despite opposition from various quarters, teachers and other employees are not getting their dues and salaries for months together, the State government adamantly refused to listen and mend its way,” he said.

The VPP leader warned that a time will come where the people of the state will give a befitting reply to those who feels that they are too powerful and cannot be questioned or challenged by anyone.