SHILLONG, OCT 22: Accusing the Social Welfare Department of treating serious complaints as a mere formality, the Khasi Students Union (KSU), Malki Circle has served a final seven-day notice to the Government over alleged inaction against the Director, CRCSRE, Shillong.
In its representation to the Commissioner & Secretary, Social Welfare, KSU said it was deeply dissatisfied as no improvement was visible on the ground despite the department claiming action.
“We expect the department to recognise that accountability is not optional and that the mere passage of a complaint through official channels does not discharge its responsibility,” the Union said.
The Union said its earlier complaints and a seven-day notice have yielded no result.
“Despite our previous representations and the seven-day notice already served upon the concerned authorities, the situation remains deeply unsatisfactory,” KSU stated.
It directly questioned the department’s claim of action.
“We categorically refuse to accept administrative action that exists merely on paper while the situation on the ground remains unchanged,” the letter said, adding, “An official response cannot be regarded as a satisfactory resolution when the underlying concerns continue to persist.”
Flagging welfare of staff and divyangjans, KSU said, “The dignity and welfare of staff and persons with disabilities must not be compromised by administrative indifference, unnecessary delays or the failure to ensure that corrective measures are effective. No individual or institution should be permitted to evade accountability when serious grievances have been brought to the attention of the competent authorities.”
The Union made its stand blunt – mere assurances won’t do.
“The time for mere assurances has passed. We demand effective action, transparency and accountability,” it said.
It further demanded a substantive written reply explaining what action was actually taken.
“We therefore demand a clear and substantive written explanation of the action taken, the present status of the matter, and the reasons for the continued absence of noticeable improvement,” KSU said.
It also sought a detailed Action Taken Report with demonstrable outcomes.
“We also demand a detailed written Action Taken Report setting out the actual measures implemented and explaining how those measures have addressed the concerns raised. General assurances, routine correspondence and claims of action without demonstrable results will not suffice,” the Union asserted.
Warning that patience is running out, KSU said, “Our continued engagement must not be mistaken for an indefinite willingness to tolerate administrative failure.”
Setting a hard deadline, it said, “We hereby call upon the department to demonstrate meaningful progress and provide a substantive written response within seven (7) days from the date of receipt of this representation.”
The Union cautioned that failure will invite accountability.
“Should effective action not be taken within the stipulated period, the concerned authority and every official responsible for the continued failure to address this matter must be held accountable for their respective responsibilities and omissions,” the representation added.
The letter was signed by Malki Circle President Iashanborlang Mukhim and General Secretary Andrew Gary Dkhar.
