Thousands of Vital Posts Lying Vacant In Government Departments

GUWAHATI: Thousands of “essential” sanctioned posts are lying vacant in several government departments since 2014-15 due to failure of the concerned departments to carry out the necessary formalities to fill up the posts. Such a situation is prevailing despite the fact that the Finance department had already gave its approval to fill up the posts. All departments need the Finance (SIU) department’s approval before filling up any vacant post.

Considering the gravity of this issue, the Finance department has extended the deadline to the departments (for filling up the vacant sanctioned posts) till March 31, 2020. However, if the departments fail to do so within the extended deadline, the permission from the Finance department would “automatically” cease to have any validity, stated a source.

The extension was issued after a number of the departments moved it for extension of the deadline as they could not complete the process within the earlier stipulated time. These departments cited several reasons for their failure.

The departments have been also asked to examine “if any posts, which have been lying vacant for long time, and lost their utility, can be abolished and submit proposal to the concerned ‘Expenditure Control’ branch of the Finance Department as per procedures”.

The Finance Department has asked the departments to also furnish specific proposal for extension of validity of approvals issued by Finance (SlU) Department during 2006-07 to 2014-15 in cases where the posts could not be filled up due to order of courts or non-completion of the Assam Public Service Commission process with proper justification and copies of court orders.

Also Read: Advance Deadlines Put Assam Government Departments In A Fix