SHILLONG: The Opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has sharply criticized the Voice of the People Party (VPP)-led Executive Committee (EC) for allegedly tarnishing the image of an office by making public a show-cause notice issued to the Superintendent of Professional Tax in connection with professional tax collection.
Raising the issue during a Zero Hour Notice brought by Mawshynrut MDC S. Rashir during the ongoing Winter session of the KHADC, Leader of the Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne expressed deep concern over the incident, calling it a breach of administrative decorum.
Titos questioned the legality of the show-cause notice issued to the officer and sought clarification on whether the Executive Member (EM) in charge of Taxation had properly approved the action, and under which rule it was authorized.
He warned that such actions could instill fear among officers, discouraging them from carrying out their duties effectively.
“If this is how the current EC operates, can we still expect our officers to work without fear? Will they feel secure while performing their duties?” Titos asked.
He further cautioned that the public disclosure of confidential office documents could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to the unauthorized leak of files and internal notings to the media.
The Opposition leader alleged that the EC’s move was reactionary and influenced by social media accusations, resulting in the office being made a scapegoat without proper verification.
Joining in the criticism, NPP MDC from Nongshken, Grace Mary Kharpuri, denounced the EC’s decision to issue and publicize the show-cause notice, describing it as “unprecedented in the history of the KHADC.”
Grace noted that issuing notices is part of standard administrative procedure and does not automatically mean traders are required to pay the professional tax immediately. She questioned the Chief Executive Member’s (CEM) statement that the distribution of professional tax notices was carried out without the EC’s knowledge, pointing out that the KHADC then had a caretaker CEM.
“In the absence of an Executive Committee, the administration should have been under the Governor’s rule. When officers are performing their duties, you cannot discredit them publicly. Who will ensure their safety while on duty?” she asserted.
Responding to the criticism, CEM Winston Tony Lyngdoh clarified that he had informed the media that professional tax notices were distributed without the EC’s knowledge. He said the EC decided to issue a show-cause notice to any officer found responsible, but the name of the officer had surfaced on social media without the EC’s involvement.
Dismissing allegations that the EC was scapegoating its officers, the CEM stressed that both the EC and MDCs must stand by their officials. He cited Rules 27–28 of the AD Rules, 1951, which empower the CEM to order inquiries or issue show-cause notices when necessary.
“We have no intention of making anyone a scapegoat. Let the officer’s reply be examined, and appropriate action will be taken if required,” he said.
Earlier, Executive Member in charge of Taxation Seibor Warbah stated that the CEM’s decision to seek clarification from the office aimed to streamline procedures and dispel public misunderstanding. He explained that despite a prior directive to halt the issuance of notices to small traders, the practice continued—compelling the EC to act.
“We will not allow such irregularities. Our intention is not self-interest but to ensure proper functioning and transparency in the KHADC,” Seibor affirmed.
