SHILLONG : The Meghalaya Cabinet on Tuesday approved the continued engagement of several retired government officials in various externally aided projects (EAPs) and state missions, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said.
Sangma said the Cabinet cleared four agenda items concerning the extension of services of retired officials engaged in different projects and agencies.
Among those whose engagements have been extended is K Diengdoh, retired Superintendent of PWD, who will continue as PMGSY Consultant under the Meghalaya State Rural Roads Development Agency (MSRRDA).
Retired IAS officer G Kharmawphlang will continue as Executive Director (Technical) at the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA).
B Marak, retired Chief Engineer, has been retained as Advisor under the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP), while M Kharbani will serve as General Manager at MBMA.
The Cabinet also approved the continued engagement of A S Suting as Assistant Project Director at the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), D Lamar, retired Director of Agriculture, as Advisor at MBMA, and Aiban Swer as Additional Director at MBMA.
Clarifying concerns over the continued engagement of retired officials, the Chief Minister said these positions are not regular government posts and therefore do not affect the promotion prospects of serving officers.
“These are not posts that are there in the promotion grid, so it does not affect promotions,” Sangma said.
He added that none of the positions would occupy vacancies that could otherwise be used for the promotion of junior government officers.
According to the Chief Minister, the officials have been engaged specifically as consultants and advisors, with their salaries being paid from funds allocated to the respective externally aided projects.
“This requires Cabinet approval to move ahead,” Sangma added.