Shillong: A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has highlighted significant irregularities in the recruitment process of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for the year 2019-20.
According to the CAG, the KHADC appointed staff to various positions without advertising the vacancies or conducting competitive examinations or interviews, in direct violation of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Service Rules, 1961.
As per Rule 3 of the service regulations, all staff appointments must be made following an advertisement and a competitive examination or an oral examination and interview.
However, the CAG report revealed that eight staff members were recruited to different posts during 2019-20 based solely on the approval of the Executive Committee, bypassing the stipulated recruitment process.
This has led to concerns about the denial of opportunities to qualified candidates.
In response to the scrutiny, the KHADC defended the appointments, stating that they were made based on available vacancies and approved by the Chief Executive Committee.
However, the CAG rejected this explanation, asserting that Rule 3 clearly mandates that recruitment should be carried out through proper channels, including advertisements and competitive selection processes, except in cases such as compassionate grounds or invalid pension cases.
The CAG report further emphasised that bypassing established recruitment policies fosters an environment ripe for favouritism and undermines fair competition.
To ensure transparency and equal opportunities, the CAG has recommended that the KHADC strictly adhere to its recruitment rules for future appointments.
