Saleng resigns as Assembly’s PAC chairman

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 20: Congress legislator from Gambegre Saleng A Sangma has resigned as chairman of the Assembly’s public accounts committee (PAC).

Sangma told reporters he has resigned as PAC chairman because he was also appointed as opposition chief whip.

He said this was after the recent amendment of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly that “the chairman of the committee shall be appointed by the Speaker from amongst members of the committee who are not appointed to any post in the Assembly Secretariat equivalent to the rank and status of a minister or minister of state”.

Earlier during the session, deputy chief minister-in-charge of parliamentary affairs Prestone Tynsong had informed that the resignation of Saleng has been accepted and the Assembly will elect a new chairman as per rule.

“Whereas Shri Saleng A Sangma, Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts has resigned from Chairmanship of Committee on Public Accounts and it was accepted, this Assembly do now elect another one member in accordance with Rule 242 (1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly to fill up the vacancy for the remaining term of the said Committee,” Tynsong said. He said the Commissioner & Secretary to notify the date, time and place of holding the election, if necessary.

AIM against gambling in melas

The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.

Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.

Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.