SHILLONG, OCT 22: Accusing the Meghalaya government of preaching transparency while practicing secrecy, the Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has flagged what it calls selective disclosure of public expenditure on legal fees.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, HYC president Roykupar Synrem said one department hides behind the RTI Act to deny information about Advocate General Amit Kumar, while another readily discloses fees paid to a local lawyer.
“The HYC strongly condemns the Meghalaya government’s glaring double standards on transparency and accountability,” he said.
Citing RTI replies, HYC noted, “RTI replies reveal that while the Office of the Commissioner of Excise refuses to disclose department-wise legal expenditure involving Amit Kumar, citing Section 8 of the RTI Act, the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation readily provides year-wise details of legal fees paid to its legal adviser involving a local lawyer from the State.”
The Council said the contrast raises serious questions.
“Why is transparency possible for one lawyer but becomes an excuse-ridden exercise when information involves Advocate General Amit Kumar?” HYC asked.
“Is the government applying different rules to different lawyers?” it further questioned.
HYC said invoking Section 8 to block information involving crores of public money is unacceptable.
“When crores of public money are involved, citizens deserve answers — not selective disclosure and legal provisions used to shut down legitimate questions,” the statement said.
Demanding full disclosure, it added, “The Government must explain this inconsistency and disclose public expenditure in accordance with the law.”
The Council asserted, “public money demands public accountability”.
“The government cannot preach transparency with one hand and practise secrecy with the other,” HYC said.
