LG alleges attempts by vested interests to derail recruitment process in J&K

LG Manoj Sinha addressing the gathering at the inauguration of Smart City Projects in Jammu on Monday.
LG Manoj Sinha addressing the gathering at the inauguration of Smart City Projects in Jammu on Monday.

‘Previous regimes made 1 lakh backdoor appointments, gave jobs to terrorists’

Nishikant Khajuria

JAMMU, Mar 13: Assuring that ongoing selection for the Government jobs was being made purely on the basis of competence and merit, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha today alleged that attempts were being made to derail the recruitment process in Jammu and Kashmir by some vested interests, who had high-jacked the entire system while in power.
“Those who made backdoor appointments and gave Government jobs to terrorists as well as their family members have no moral authority to raise a suspicion on the ongoing recruitment process, which is most transparent and fair,’ he said while addressing a function in connection with inauguration and laying foundation stones of Jammu Smart City projects, here today.

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Without naming anyone, the Lt Governor alleged that over one lakh backdoor appointments were made by the previous regimes with the result it was virtually difficult for him to run the administration with such people in Government jobs.
“There were people in Government jobs who did not come to the office. Such people are now facing difficulties and they must experience it because the salary is given from the taxes of common people,” he said.
Alleging that attempts were being made by such people to derail the recruitment process, Manoj Sinha urged the youth not to get influenced by the instigating elements who set their dreams on fire for their own vested interests.
The Lt Governor said that Government will ensure fair and transparent recruitment. Jobs will be given on the basis of merit and not on recommendation, he said and added that if any irregularity is detected, the Government will take strictest action and the erring persons will not be spared.
These comments of LG came in light of protests by some job aspirants against hiring of a previously blacklisted company for conducting the recruitment tests by the J&K Services Selection Board.
“Gone are the days when jobs were sold and given on recommendations of some influential. I assure the youth that the entire recruitment will be made purely on the basis of merit and competence,” he said and appealed the agitating youth that there was no need to take out candle march protests as Government was committed for not allowing any irregularity in the entire process.
The Lt Governor reminded that earlier the Government had received complaints and without any delay the case was investigated internally and subsequently handed over to the CBI.
“I once again assure the young aspirants that anyone found guilty will not be spared. We have ensured transparent selection process. Some youth have raised questions and I want to tell them that if they finds any irregularity at any point, let they come forward with facts and we will conduct an independent inquiry for strict action against the erring persons. But don’t pay heed to rumours by the vested interests,” he maintained.
The Lt Governor said the recent fast-track recruitment process by the Public Service Commission is an example of the transparent system. Within three hours of the interview of the last candidate, the results were declared and such transparency is unheard of in any other region of the country, he added.
The LG pointed out that in the last three years, 30,000 recruitments were made and the Government was hopeful that a minimum 12,000 more recruitments would be done this year.
Earlier, on the occasion, Manoj Sinha inaugurated and laid foundation stones of projects worth more than Rs 155 Cr under Jammu Smart City . Dedicating the projects to the public, the Lt Governor said, it is a historic day for Jammu and provides a significant opportunity to ensure that the City of Temples is ecologically sustainable, economically productive and socially equitable.
“New projects are part of our systematic effort to improve quality of life, create smart economy by fostering productivity and improved city services,” he observed.
The Lt Governor said, the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC), as a nerve centre of civic operations, will bring together all different departments to manage the city’s utilities, civic services. ICCC will ensure quick response in the time of emergency, he added.
The Lt Governor highlighted the efforts made in the last three years to establish a citizen-centric system in J&K. He said that Jammu city is emerging as one of the best cities of the country. It also provides a significant opportunity for development and growth, he added.
The Lt Governor also distributed QR Based Digital Number plates to the residents of Jammu. Unique digital IDs for residential and commercial properties will help in delivering efficient services in a sustainable manner, he said.
The projects inaugurated today by the Lt Governor also include various projects of Jammu Municipal Corporation under the AMRUT scheme worth Rs 23.83 Cr and construction/improvement of drains & nallahs under Languishing at a cost of Rs 7 Cr. These projects will improve the drainage system of Rajeev Nagar, Sundar Nagar, Trikuta Nagar, Nanak Nagar & other areas and benefit the lakhs of citizens. The Lt Governor also laid the foundation stone for a parking facility at Town Hall, JMC.
H Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department and Rahul Yadav, Commissioner JMC gave a detailed briefing on the projects.
Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Baldev Singh Billawaria, Deputy Mayor JMC; ULB representatives; senior officials and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.