By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 23: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has petitioned the Chief Secretary over alleged nepotism and irregular recruitment of peons and casual workers in the Meghalaya Secretariat, calling for an immediate probe.
In a formal representation, the party claimed that a recruitment process initiated in January 2012 has been compromised. Although 150 candidates were reportedly selected following examinations and interviews, only 60 were appointed in 2013, leaving many eligible candidates sidelined.
KHNAM further alleged that subsequent daily wage appointments have bypassed formal procedures. The party pointed out that while there are 31 sanctioned permanent posts and 238 temporary posts for peons in the Secretariat, recent hiring appears non-transparent.
Citing internal communications, KHNAM noted that the number of casual employees fluctuated significantly throughout 2025 and 2026. The party claimed that approximately 10 employees listed in earlier records “disappeared” from the rolls by November 2025 without explanation.
The representation also highlighted instances of favoritism, alleging that certain individuals are repeatedly recalled for work while others with over 10 years of service are ignored. KHNAM noted that many long-serving workers have not been regularised despite qualifying under the Regular Casual Worker Scheme, 1996.
Additionally, the party flagged concerns that new individuals are being hired to replace experienced casual workers nearing a year of continuous service. This practice, the party claims, is a move to deny workers seniority benefits.
KHNAM alleged that hundreds of daily wage workers have been engaged through “backdoor appointments” without advertisements or screening, demanding transparency and fairness for deserving candidates.
