CHANDIGARH,—The Government seems to have learnt little from the experience of recruiting nearly 2000 constables last year without proper tests and screening leading to allegations of widespread corruption. It appears set to follow the same path this year.
According to well-informed sources here, the Director-general of Police, S.S. Brar, put up a proposal some time ago for streamlining the process of recruitment. He suggested that recruitment boards should be set up for each of the 12 districts of the State. Each board should be headed by a DIG and include an SSP from State headquarters and the district police chief as members.
But the proposal was reportedly turned down by the Home Minister.
Sampat Singh, faced a barrage of Criticism over corruption in police Recruitments last year. The controversy led to his resignation from the Ministry. But in true Haryana style, the resignation was later withdrawn.
This year’s recruitment is due to begin on august 17 and it will be made by district police chiefs, as ‘on the previous occasions. In a circular issued by the DGP, each Superintendent of Police has been asked to select candidates for appointment equal to the vacancies allotted to him. However, 5 percent extra candidates should be selected in each category to keep as stand by in case some candidates become medically unfit. The entire process of medical examination and police verification should be completed latest by September 15.
Reports have already begun to circulate in political circles here that each post of a constable may be “sold” for up to Rs 30,000 in the absence of a proper recruitment board. The group owing allegiance to Ranjit Singh, the younger son of the Chief Minister, which is still smarting from the recent reverses in the resignation drama, may seize the opportunity to embarrass Sampat Singh who owes allegiance to Om Parkash Chautala, the eldest son of the Chief Minister and the State Janea Dal chief. Chautala was able to prevail upon his father to retain Sampat Singh last year.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 18, 1989
