No DRC at Kolkata Manipur Bhawan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 24 2019: Even though there is ample number of drivers at Delhi Manipur Bhawan, many are questioning if 4 additional drivers have been appointed on the sly on a daily wage payment basis.

On the other hand, in the case of Kolkata Manipur Bhawan, no DRC has been appointed since the previous DRC retired.

According to a reliable source, there are two Manipur Bhawans in Delhi currently, one at Chanakyapuri and another at Sardar Patel Marg.

The two Bhawans combined have a total of 14 drivers (10 regular, 3 contract basis and 1 re-engaged).

When it comes to work, the only busy season is when the Chief Minister or other Ministers and VIP etc go to Delhi but as the Ministers or VIPs do not go everyday, it cannot be said that all the rivers are engaged all the time.

However, questions are being raised as to whether 4 additional drivers have been engaged on daily wage basis unethically, the source conveyed.

The source continued that the issue came to light after it was found that the said drivers had been signing their names on the attendance register even though there were no notices or processes of any kind regarding their appointment in the recent past.

The source further conveyed that if there had been genuine shortage of drivers, then the unemployed seniors of the State could have been appointed similar to the manner in which the Bhawans of other States appoint their people only.

On the other hand, even though the reception officer and one LDC of Delhi Manipur Bhawan retired, they were reengaged again, which is very much against the decision taken during the first Cabinet meeting of the present State Government to prohibit any kind of re-engagement of officials who have retired.

Expressing disappointment at these developments, the source mentioned that experience will be gained automatically and such re-engagement of retired people have completely ruined the employment opportunities for others.

Over and above this, the re-engagement of the said two employees have led to other inconveniences as they are still occupying the quarter.

This has resulted in the contract basis employees, including women, staying in rents which is a big issue considering their meagre income, the source added.

On the other hand, the source informed that the DRC of Kolkata Manipur Bhawan retired on May 31 but till date, the post remains vacant which has affected the proper functioning of the Bhawan.

The source continued that the DRC is in-charge of the DDO and his signature is necessary when it comes to employees' salary, fund sanction for electricity, petrol and other commodities etc.

Over and above these inconveniences, it may be mentioned that 2 cooks of the Bhawan also retired on the same day the DRC retired, the source added.

Stating that this will result in an awkward situation if Ministers or MLAs from Manipur happen to visit the Bhawan, the source appealed to the authority concerned to do the needful at the earliest.

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