Ex-MLAs urge Guv not to re-engage retirees
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 03 2025: Manipur Ex-MLAs' Welfare Association has urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for immediate cessation of re employment and re-engagement of retired government officials.

In a memorandum submitted to the Governor on Monday, Association's working president Dr Nimaichand Luwang highlighted the growing public discontent over the practice, which has been widely debated following demands by the Manipur Government Services' Federation for immediate annulment of such a policy.

He pointed out that the issue has already been raised with the chief secretary and is now in the public domain, having been widely reported in electronic and print media, while also citing numerous instances of retired officials being re-engaged across various government departments, including civil secretariat, police, engineering departments such as PWD and PHED, and the health sector.

The association also mentioned names of some such officials, which include commissioner M Joy Singh, MSPDCL managing director Ng Subhashchandra, PWD chief engineer N Subhash Singh, PHED chief engineer Sangkaipao, joint secretary (revenue) Y Rajen Singh, joint secretary (home/protocol officer) Rehanuddin Choudhury, forest ranger Ibochouba, IGP K Jayanta Singh, JNIMS medical superintendent Dr Kh Lokeshwar Singh, and JNIMS nursing superintendent M Jibanlata Devi.

While noting that re-engagement of retirees may be justified in select cases where their expertise is indispensable, such as shortage of suitable successors, ongoing crucial projects, or specialised fields like medical and scientific research, the Ex-MLAs' body asserted that such appointments must be strictly regulated by established rules and policies to ensure fairness and transparency.

The memorandum also cautioned that the unchecked continuation of such practice results in serious drawbacks, including hindrance to youth employment, stagnation within government departments, limited opportunities for promotions, and an overall lack of fresh perspectives.

Further, the representation described the practice as rampant and arbitrary, devoid of any legitimate basis.

"The extension and re-employment of retired officials in Manipur government organisations amount to corruption, bribery, embezzlement, fraud, influence peddling, nepotism, mal-administration, mismanagement, abuse of power, lack of transparency, and obstruction of justice," the association alleged and firmly concluded that these appointments conflict with the public interest and must be revoked.

The representation also acknowledged public support to demand of the Manipur Government Services' Federation for complete cessation of re-engagement policies and urged the Governor to take prompt and fair action to uphold the principles of transparency, merit, and good governance, stating that the continued re-engagement of retired officials undermines opportunities for deserving candidates and raises concerns regarding administrative efficiency and equity.

The association then expressed hope for a decision that aligns with the best interests of both the administration and the people of Manipur.

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