Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 08 2010:
Once again it appears that favouritism and nepotism are the deciding factors when it comes to appointment or nomination to Government jobs or public posts.
There has been a widespread speculation that only those favoured by MLAs and Ministers possessing DO letters were nominated Fair Price Shop (FPS) and SK Oil agents in Imphal East district.
On being contacted about the alleged nomination of MLA/Minister sponsored agents against prescribed guidelines, the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal East district told The Sangai Express through his personnel staff that the matter may be talked later.
However, some members of the district level Vigilance Committee said that selection committee meetings held in the Imphal East DC office till yesterday made nomination of SK Oil and FPS agents in the most wayward and fraudulent manner.
According to the prescribed guidelines, only those persons who could work throughout the year should be selected as public distribution agents.
Societies, Self Help Groups and local clubs should be given preference.
According to rules, FPS and SK Oil agents should be selected every year.
However, agents selected in 2007 have been continuing to hold their positions after their terms were extended periodically.
Not happy with the attitude of the DC and DSO who reportedly attempted to browbeat members of the Selection Committee in order to select those persons recommended by MLAs and Ministers through their DO letters, some members of the committee walked out of the meeting.
According to the prescribed procedure, forms should be issued to individuals willing to become FPS or SK Oil agents within a specific period.
FPS and SK Oil agents should be selected from amongst the candidates who submitted application forms after studying their applications in a meeting of the selection committee.
The same procedure was followed during selection of agents in 2007 .
But this time, even application forms were not issued, disclosed the members of the district level Vigilance Committee.