Imphal, November 05: Social Welfare Minister Nameirakpam Loken has dismissed the allegation of the banned KCP(MC) that he resorted to underhand practices in the recruitment of some employees including Supervisors in the Social Welfare Department.

He asserted that all the allegations are baseless and fabricated.

Speaking to reporters at his office chamber today, Loken disclosed that the firing attacks launched at his residence and at the residence of the Social Welfare Director were results of his refusal to appoint 5 candidates sponsored by the KCP (MC) as Supervisors.

On September 10, the outfit sent a missive to the Director asking to appoint the five candidates sponsored by them.

To facilitate communication on the matter a cell phone number was also provided, Loken disclosed.

The letter signed by the outfit's secretary Lanheiba was received on October 27.However, the results of the DPC for Supervisors' post was already declared on October 18, he explained.

While hailing the claim of the KCP (MC) to clean up and streamline the functioning of the Social Welfare Department, he remarked that the act of intimidation and rampant firing at the residences of the Director and other employees including his residence is certainly not motivated by any concern for the public.

The KCP (MC) has been alleging that there was rampant corruption and underhand dealings in the appointment of Supervisors.

Demanding that the results of the DPC be declared invalid, the outfit launched grenade attacks at the residence of Minister Loken at Sangaiprou on November 2 as well as at the Hodam Leirak residence of Director A Nabachandra on the same day.

In the latter incident, a brief encounter ensued between security escorts of the Director and KCP (MC) cadres.

Earlier on October 24, there was armed attack at the Minister's residence at Leimapokpam and at the Director's office.

On the appointment of 125 Supervisors, Loken explained that out of the total vacant seats, 30 percent were appointed from among Gram Sevikas while 70 percent were appointed from among fresh candidates.

Even though 25 percent should be selected from among experienced Anganwadi workers as per rules, a case is pending in the High Court on such allocation, he informed.

Final hearing of the case may be conducted tomorrow.

According to the verdict of the Court, necessary arrangements will be made, he assured without divulging details.

Concerning the proposal to appoint experienced Anganwadi helpers who have been working for at least 10 years to 3120 numbers of Anganwadi workers' post for four ICDS Projects on promotion basis, the Minister dismissed the proposal saying that such pattern has never been adopted in any State.

All the schemes being undertaken by the Social Welfare Department with central assistance are in compliance with relevant guidelines, claimed the Minister.

If the particular five candidates sponsored by the KCP (MC) were meritorious and deserving, they would have been naturally appointed, he noted.

The planned recruitment of Anganwadi workers and helpers will also be conducted strictly in accordance to rules for which all the necessary process will be completed by November 15, Loken assured.

Moreover, construction of remaining Anganwadi centres will also be taken up this month.

Taking strong exception to the practice of levelling charges after killing or attacking an individual, the Minister appealed to all concerned including security personnel and UG cadres to abstain from such vile practice in future.

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