Irregularities in Assam State Transport Corporation appointments

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: There are about 2,275 contractual employees in the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and the fate of many such employees hangs in the balance as an inquiry report has revealed irregularities in their appointment process. Since 2011, around 2,275 employees have been appointed in ASTC on a contractual basis in various posts, mostly Grade III and Grade IV posts.

Allegations were raised that many of these contractual employees were appointed without advertising for the vacant posts and without holding any recruitment exam or any interview. It was further alleged that many people were appointed merely based on recommendations from high-level officials.

After these allegations surfaced, the State Transport Minister ordered an inquiry into irregularities, if any, in the appointments of the contractual employees of ASTC. The inquiry revealed illegalities in the appointment of many contractual employees. The report has been submitted to the Chief Minister and as soon as the Chief Minister gives the order, the contractual employees who were appointed through questionable procedures will lose their jobs.

An office bearer of the employees' association of ASTC said that since 2011, many contractual employees had been appointed to various posts in the ASTC. He admitted irregularities in the appointment procedure of many such employees. "In my district, there are around 500 contractual employees who have been appointed because they have strong political connections," he said.

Crippled by financial losses, the ASTC, which is a State Government-owned road transport corporation, is facing problems in paying salaries to its employees.

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