Last Updated on June 25, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Government has ordered a probe into illegal and unauthorised appointments in the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies Kashmir. The order of the inquiry was passed due to many illegal appointments taking place in Municipal Committees (MCs).
A copy of the order issued by Principal Secretary to Government J&K Housing and Urban Development Department(HUD), Dheeraj Gupta stated that Dr Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Vice-Chairman, Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, Srinagar has been made inquiry officer to investigate the appointments made in the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir by way of illegal relaxation of norms of age/qualification etc. and he would submit the report by July end.
It was further stated in the order that Riyaz Ahmad Shah, Joint Commissioner (Adm), Srinagar Municipal Corporation shall be the presenting officer in the case. The inquiry officer shall submit its report by 30.07.2021 positively.
Previously, in 2019 the Principal Secretary had suspended many Executive Officers of MCs in Kashmir.
As per reports, Gupta kept a check on the three executive officers of municipalities of Tangmarg, Sopore, Hajin and former chairman MC Hajin for illegal appointments in municipalities and executive officer Pampore for selling Kachaarie land in Pampore along with revenue officials in 2019. Dheeraj Gupta has investigated many cases thus reducing corruption.
Also similar cases have been witnessed in Jammu division as well. According to reports, in Jammu several officials are engaged through backdoor channels in other departments.
Recently a case was highlighted in media, in which a person appointed as Research Assistant in Science and Technology on consolidated basis, has reached the post of Executive Engineer in HUD. As per reports, not only was his engagement illegal, but despite being a consolidated worker in the Science and Technology Department, he was illegally promoted twice in one year, and later sent on deputation to HUD.
