351 PWD staff face axe
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 23 2018:
Altogether 351 Class III and Class IV employees of PWD who were appointed based on different DPCs held between October and December 2016 are likely to be removed as the authority has initiated due process to cancel their appointments on the ground that the appointment processes were faulty.
Under Secretary (Works) Sheikh Abdul Hakim issued an office memorandum to this effect on January 31 this year.
The memorandum intimated all the 351 employees to submit claims and objections within 15 days.
In case no reply is given within the stipulated period, appropriate action would be taken up, said the office memorandum.
According to the memorandum, a notification was issued on August 23, 2016 for filling up 239 grade III and grade IV post in PWD.
Subsequently, DPCs were held from October to December same year and 351 applicants were appointed.
The 351 employees who were appointed in PWD by different orders included one Foreman Mechanic, one Mechanic Surveyor, two Fitters, 30 drivers, seven Surveyors, three Draftsmen (Tracers), four Electricians, 29 Road Mohorris and 82 LDCs.
Moreover, 38 Road Mohorirrs, 14 Peons, 14 Drivers and 40 LDCs were also appointed from amongst the candidates placed in the waiting list.
Examination of DPC proceedings revealed that no written test was held for recruitment of Class III posts even though interview/viva-voce was held and it amounted to violation of the office memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel on December 17, 2005.Moreover, recruitment of employees greater than the number notified was also against rules, said a source.
On being consulted about the matter, the Advocate General opined that the DPC proceedings for appointment of the 351 candidates were irregular and violative of all due process of direct recruitment.
The Advocate General further opined that appointment of all the 351 employees are liable to be cancelled after giving a prior notice.
Accordingly, the department has decided to cancel appointment of all the 351 employees after serving a prior notice.
The employees may submit their claims and objections to the department within 15 days, added the source.