Eight pressure groups in Jaiñtia Hills have opposed the decision to transfer East Jaiñtia Hills deputy commissioner, Ethelbert Kharmalki and gave the government time till Monday to reconsider its decision or face protest.
The groups comprising of the East Jaiñtia National Council, Jaiñtia Students Movement, Jaiñtia Students Union, Khasi Students Union, Khliehriat and Narpuh circles, Hynñiewtrep National Youth Front, Federation of Khasi, Jaiñtia and Garo People, East Jaiñtia Hills and Hynñiewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM), women’s wing today met local MLA, Kyrmen Shylla to push through with the demand.
Quoting the Indian Administrative Rules (cadre), 1954 that appointment to the cadre post should hold office for at least two years unless the officer has been promoted, retired or sent on deputation outside the state or training exceeding two months, the pressure groups said that the transfer of Kharmalki, who was appointed as the DC in September 2020, is unwarranted.
The pressure groups said Kharmalki was an able officer who had close relationship with the public and under him the district has witnessed launching of various schemes. As the DC he has set a series of priorities and development activities to be implemented in the district, they added.
“We don’t understand the logical reasons behind his immediate transfer which is improper and at an inappropriate time,” the groups said.
