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| No qualification, No PSC; Proximity with ministers enough for becoming gazetted officers in J&K | | Tale of three information officers appointed by ex-CM! | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 21: Appointment and subsequent unhindered elevation of three blue-eyed officers has virtually put a question mark on the "no non-sense" and "acting tough" claims of the state government.
These three blue-eyed youngsters not only managed appointment as gazetted officers on adhoc basis but with their high profile connections enjoyed proximity with ministers of the respective governments. Documentary evidence available to Early Times reveals that ex-Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah appointed six press officers in the Information Department, three each from Kashmir and Jammu divisions, on contractual basis in January 2001 on a consolidated pay of Rs. 5000 for a period of 89 days.
It further indicates that these contractual appointees were given two extensions by the government after lapse of the prescribed period, purportedly due to their performance. However, there is a twist to the tale. Documents which include a copy of complaint lodged with Governor's office in the year 2005 confirm that three of the appointees from Kashmir division having close proximity and connections with those in the seat of power were given undue favour by appointing them as gazetted officers in the Information department in regular pay scale of Rs. 7500-12,000 on adhoc basis.
The compliant copy reveals that adhoc appointment of 89 days was made in gross violation of rules and standing orders of Apex Court. The first appointment order of Sheikh Zahoor son of Abdul Ahad Sheikh, a resident of Tahab Shadipora in District Pulwama was made vide government order No: 843-GAD of 2002 dated: 13-05-2002. According to this order, Zahoor was appointed against the post of film officer.
Complainant claims that at the time of appointment, Sheikh Zahoor did not possess requisite technical qualification of having a Degree/Diploma from recognized institution in Cinematography. Moreover, complainant has stressed that Zahoor was also overage and the then Director Information Narinder Singh in a communication addressed to the then Principal Secretary Information pointed out these serious flaws vide letter No: INF/ATO-180/2002 dated: 21-06-2002.
However, complainant maintains that no mandatory relaxation in age and qualification was given by the government. Another female press officer namely Sana Hussain wife of Ashfaq Hussain Qureshi, resident of Dhanpora, Nishat, District Srinagar was appointed as editor in the Gazetted cadre in the pay scale of Rs. 7500-12,000 on ad-hoc basis for a period of 89 days vide Government Order No. 20-ID of 2002 Dated 21-06-2002. Copy of the order is with Early Times.
Complainant has revealed that on the intervention of the then Principal Secretary Information, appointment order of Sana Hussain was rescinded vide Govt. Order No: 81-ID of 2002. However, it was learnt from the information department that Sana had left the job on his own for reasons other then the one mentioned above.
Complainant has also named another Press Officer Afaq Rasool Gadda son of G.R. Hasrat Gadda, resident of Lal Bazar, Srinagar was appointed in the Gazetted Cadre against the post of film officer vide Govt. Order No. 1372-GAD of 2002 dated 02-08-2002 on adhoc basis for 89 days. He has said that order of Gadda was issued when the model code of conduct for assembly elections was in force. Complainant has confirmed that appointment of Afaq Rasool Gadda was nullified as the appointee was not allowed to join due to the intervention of the Election Commission of India.
However, barring Sana Hussain, the two other appointees Sheikh Zahoor and Afaq Gadda are still continuing in service. Sheikh Zahoor is presently Assistant Director, Publicity with Srinagar Development Authority, while Afaq Gadda is Information Officer of Law Minister Ali Mohammed Sagar. As far as other three press officers are concerned, their cases are being actively contested by the departmental counsel. |
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