Paul furious over alleged nepotism in recruitment
SHILLONG: Expressing grave concern over the growing trend of nepotism and favoritism in government jobs in the State, UDP’s Paul Lyngdoh on Tuesday revealed in the Assembly that the son of DG Prisons was declared a successful candidate in the examination held for the post of Assistant jailor.
Though Lyngdoh did not mention the name of BL Buam, the official holds the charge of DG Prisons cum Chairman of the Central Recruitment Board.
“How can a person holding the position of Chairman of the Central Recruitment Board clear the name of his son,” Lyngdoh said, while moving a motion on Tuesday on the need to ensure transparency in filling up the vacancies to various posts.
He also raised a few eyebrows when he revealed the case of nepotism.
Fuming over the incident, Lyngdoh said the situation cannot be allowed to drift any further
The Shillong West MLA called for transparency in the recruitment process in Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and District Service Commissions (DSCs) even as he demanded that candidates should have access to their answer scripts and all interviews should be video recorded.
He also advocated the need to reform the MPSC while asking the Government to put a stop to departmental exams expect in emergency situations.
Supporting the motion, UDP’s Metbah Lyngdoh said that candidates applying for government jobs have   no confidence in terms of confidence in the examination process.
Talking more on nepotism, South Tura MLA John Leslee Sangma (Independent) pointed out that MLAs are sometimes forced to write letters of recommendation by people of their constituencies.
Participating in the motion, Nongthymmai MLA Jemino Mawthoh asserted that nepotism has de-motivated many young people and shaken their faith in the system.
He also said that as per his knowledge, there are 70 vacancies in the Agriculture department but no action has been taken in this regard.
Replying to the motion, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that the Government’s aim is always to recruit the best people around.
He also said that the MPSC has taken some measures to bring transparency in the entire recruitment system.
“The MPSC has now adopted OMR for evaluation of answer scripts and the identity of professors who evaluate the answer scripts are kept confidential. Attempts are also being made to declare exam results immediately,” Sangma said adding the personal interview has also been restricted to 1:3 ratio, which means for 100 posts vacant, 300 people will be called for the interview.
He also pointed out that the guidelines for District Selection Committee have been reviewed.
Sangma said that the Government will further look into strengthening the Transparent Recruitment Policy 2012.