Eight out of the 12 ministers in the newly-formed government in Meghalaya are 'crorepatis' (having assets worth more than Rs 1 crore) with average assets of the whole cabinet estimated to be Rs 13.07 crore, a study has revealed.
The study by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Meghalaya Election Watch is based on the analysis of self-sworn affidavits of all 12 ministers including the Chief Minister.
According to the report, the minister with the highest declared total assets is Metbah Lyngdoh from Mairang constituency with assets worth Rs 87.26 crore, followed by Comingone Ymbon (Raliang constituency) at Rs 26.39 crore and Lahkmen Rymbui (Amlarem constituency) at Rs 11.21 crore.
On the other hand, the ministers with lowest assets are Hamletson Dohling (Mylliem constituency) with total assets worth Rs 31.83 lakh, Samlin Malngiang (Sohiong constituency) worth Rs 35.11 lakh and Banteidor Lyngdoh (Mawkynrew constituency) worth Rs 35.23 lakh.
The report added that six ministers declared their educational qualification to be between class 8 and 12 pass with an equal number declared to be graduates or having higher degrees.
Out of the 12 ministers, none are women.