From Our Correspondent
AMPATI, Dec 19: Serious allegations of favouritism and a lack of transparency have been leveled against the South West Garo Hills (SWGH) District Selection Committee (DSC) regarding recently filled job vacancies.
The allegations, made by Uttora Sangma, a resident of Ampati, SWGH, focus on the recruitment of three Laboratory Assistants.
Sangma claims the interview board—comprising the Deputy Commissioner as Chairman, an ADC as Secretary, a political appointee as Vice Chairman, and two other members—conducted the process without a subject expert.
Under recruitment rules, the DSC is authorised to invite experts from the appointing authority when necessary. Sangma pointed out that while Para 2.5.4 and Para 2.5.1 allow for such advisors, the viva voce for the technical Laboratory Assistant posts was conducted without any technical oversight.
“The three selected individuals lack experience, with one previously working as an assistant teacher. The DSC is not conducting personal interviews in a genuine manner,” Sangma stated. She further questioned whether CCTV footage was recorded during the interviews and alleged that marks may have been manipulated in the absence of experts.
A major point of contention is the tenure of the board members. While rules state members should be appointed for a one-year term, Sangma alleged that the current members have remained in their positions for seven to eight years.
“These members are involved in nepotism, possibly at the behest of higher authorities. This is unfair to competing youths who lack the financial means to compete,” she alleged. She also questioned the qualifications of the political appointees, arguing they lack the necessary knowledge to evaluate candidates for specialized roles.
Sangma highlighted that qualified and experienced candidates, including those working on an ad-hoc basis, were overlooked. “As parents of aggrieved candidates, we wish to see the marks of everyone who appeared. Only HSSLC candidates were eligible according to the advertisement, yet better-qualified individuals were not regarded during the viva voce,” she added.
Asserting that transparency has been compromised, Sangma announced her intention to file a Right to Information (RTI) application to seek clarity on the selection process and the marks awarded to candidates.
