By NE NOW NEWS
Aizawl: Mizoram’s influential student body, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), came down heavily on Chief Minister Lalduhoma, accusing him of political deceit and blatant favoritism over the controversial re-engagement of a retired government official.
The government on April 23 issued an order approving the re-employment of R. Lalrodingi, who was scheduled to retire as Additional Director in the Commerce and Industries, and Geology and Mining departments on April 30, with effect from May 1.
She was given a dual role, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister (holding the rank of State Secretary) and Director of the Tourism Department.
However, the government later, on May 15, cancelled the order and decided that she would continue only as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister following protests by the MZP.
The government later reversed its May 15 order and re-appointed Lalrodingi to also take additional charge as the Tourism Director on Friday.
Speaking to reporters during a press conference here, MZP president C. Lalremruata alleged that Chief Minister Lalduhoma gave them false verbal and written assurances inside his official chamber regarding the status of the retired official.
He said that the organisation met the Chief Minister on May 13 to formally object to the government’s move to re-employ Lalrodingi as the Director of Tourism.
“The position of OSD to the CM is a political appointment and we have no say in that. But we made it unequivocally clear that we would not accept her re-appointment as the Director of Tourism,” Dr. Lalremruata told reporters.
He said that the Chief Minister had explicitly given them a written commitment promising that the government decision would be reviewed.
“Trusting his word, we chose to wait for government action even after our self-imposed deadline of May 14 had passed,” he added.
“The Mizoram government and the Chief Minister lied to us right inside his own office. We deeply regret that such localized favoritism is being practiced at the highest level of government. We hope this sets no further precedent,” Dr. Lalremruata added.
The leader reiterated that the MZP maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against the re-employment of retired government staff, arguing it blocks promotional avenues for serving officials and opportunities for educated youth.
Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of the MZP on Saturday evening decided to picket the tourism office in the Mizoram Secretariat and prevent officials and staff from attending office on May 25 to register its protest against the government’s move.
Expressing strong discontent, the apex student body described the government’s move as a direct insult to students and the general public.
It said that it would vehemently oppose the decision until the re-appointment order is officially revoked.