Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has accused the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government of deliberately shutting down government offices and declaring unscheduled holidays to avoid making payments to government employees and contractors ahead of Christmas.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Sangma questioned the government’s financial health and administrative conduct. “Have you ever seen in the history of the Meghalaya government offices being closed and running away before Christmas? The government simply did not have money,” he alleged.
Claiming that the state ran out of funds by December 19, Sangma said, “That is why they closed the offices and declared holidays on December 22 and 23.”
Recalling his tenure as Chief Minister, Sangma said treasury officials would work round the clock to ensure timely payments. “I remember sitting in the Chief Minister’s office while treasury officers worked throughout the night. Everyone has witnessed it. That was our commitment and honesty towards serving the people,” he said.
Criticising the declaration of holidays, Sangma said such decisions cannot be taken arbitrarily. “Declaration of a holiday must be decided by the Cabinet based on legal provisions. It cannot be done whimsically,” he stated.
Challenging the Chief Minister, Sangma dared him to make public the government’s financial position. “If he dares, let him show the accounts. I have checked the bank accounts where government money is deposited — there was no money. That is why the offices were shut,” he claimed.
The Leader of Opposition also accused the government of failing to release funds under the MLA schemes, calling it unprecedented in the state’s history. “For the first time in Meghalaya’s history, MLA scheme funds could not be utilised before December or before Christmas,” he said.
Referring to the Special Rural Works Programme (SRWP), Sangma said, “Since the time BB Lyngdoh started this programme, SRWP has always been released. This is the first time it has not been done.”
He further expressed surprise at not receiving any communication from the government regarding submission of SRWP proposals. “Till date, I have not received any letter asking me to submit SRWP. When I ask my colleagues, some say they have received letters. Are these letters being issued selectively?” he questioned.
Alleging procedural lapses, Sangma said the government failed to follow established norms after the passage of the budget. “Once the budget is passed and allocations are made, departments are supposed to issue letters clearly indicating allocations so that schemes can be prepared and submitted. This government has failed to do that,” he alleged.
Concluding his remarks, Sangma accused the government of arbitrary financial management, stating, “Government funds are being used whimsically.”