Imphal, October 31: The advisor to the Governor, EN Ram Mohan, has categorically denied that there was any irregularity in the process of recruitment of personnel for the 13th Manipur Rifles (3rd Indian Reserve Battalion).

Speaking exclusively to IFP today, the advisor revealed that there were reports that the wives of some police officers had taken bribes from some candidates.

He however declared categorically that this was not allowed to influence the recruitment process, and the recruitment was conducted in a fair and above-board manner.

He also clarified that a waiting (panel) list was officially maintained in the recruitment of jamadars and havildars for the 3rd IRB, though this was not made public at the time results were declared yesterday; He further said that if any candidate had grievances about the recruitment process, they could complain in writing to him.

Regarding the ongoing strike by government employees under the, banner of the JAC (AMGEO and AMTUC), he said no employee belonging to the essential services can take part in the strike, and if any does so, legal action would be taken up against them.

He revealed that the government was trying to initiate talks with the JAC, but said that as of now the JAC remained uncooperative.

Ram Mohan however expressed confidence that the strike would be brought to an end soon.

He added that there was no question of using the police to arrest the strikers or their leaders.

Asked if there was any truth in the charge that perks and allowances of IAS officers were still intact while those of junior ranking employees were cut, Ram Mohan said the special pay allowances of IAS officers serving in the state have been cut.

He also disclosed that IAS officers coming from outside the state did not take house rent allowance, though local officers still did so.

He added that since they were provided government vehicles, IAS officers also did not collect TA.

He further said IAS officers in Manipur were paid dearness allowance at the all India rate.

While stating that the HRA and TA bill came to Rs 30 crore and Rs 27 crore respectively for the state, Ram Mohan reiterated that the withdrawal of allowances was a temporary measure in view of the acute financial crisis in the state, and not because of a government whim.

Ram Mohan also revealed that the PR government has so far handed over three files, concerning a number of cases, for investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Asked if the President Rule(PR) government was considering CBI investigation into the Japanese funded sericulture project and the infamous lottery scam, Ram Mohan replied that there were intelligence reports that a huge amount of funds for the multi-crore sericulture project has been handed over to underground elements, but since sericulture did not come within his responsibility he has not been able to take up any action.

On the lottery scam, he said the relevant files were not yet available with him, and once available they would be examined.

He also added that following reports of irregularities in the tribal development department, a vigilance case has been registered for investigation.

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