The Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) on Tuesday demanded the ouster of BSEM chairman Akham Joykumar Singh, stating that his age is above 60 and violates rules.
His appointment as chairman violates both Para- 4 of the orders of the department of Higher & Technical Education, Manipur which mandates that either he retires at 60 years or repatriates back to his parent organisation on attaining the age of 60 years and also the norms of the UGC outlining enhancement of age of superannuation of teachers, stated a release signed by DESAM, general secretary Nongthombam Thoithoiba.
The DESAM had repeatedly raised questions on the role of the then secretary/ controller of Examination of BSEM on their role in the tempering of marks obtained by the students of the HSLCE, 2018 changing/ altering toppers positions, it stated.
On the behest of the demands of DESAM on the matter, the state government constituted a committee based on whose recommendations both the Secretary and Controller of Examination were removed in 2018, it mentioned.
Unfortunately, the present government has brought back the same Akham Joykumar Singh, the ousted Secretary of the BSEM, with promotion as chairman at BSEM, it alleged.
He has been brought back by changing/ manipulating even the retirement age of the post of chairman (BSEM), undermining orders of the department of Higher and Technical Education, issued regarding “Tenure, Transfer and Posting Policy under Higher and Technical Education Department” and the UGC norms of non-coverage by enhanced age of superannuation in respect of non- teaching jobs, it stated.
Some serious issues had been raised earlier but the Education Minister has not taken any action so far for reasons best known to him, it stated.
DESAM further alleged backdoor appointment of five persons on contract basis.
The resolution of the Administrative Committee on January 28, giving approval “for filling up various vacant posts on contract basis” is misleading and confusing.
Details on the number and type of posts with what pay/ salary for how many months/ days/ years are not mentioned, giving room for Chairman/ Secretary to manipulate, it alleged.
Referring to the Report submitted by Deputy Secretary (i/c) of BSEM submitted to Enquiry Committee (copy enclosed), an outdated Rules dated November 30, 2006, allow Secretary (not Deputy Secretary i/c) to temporarily appoint of 4 months duration without advertisement on the recommendation of a Selection Committee constituted for the purpose, it further said. DESAM questioned how can candidates apply without an advertisement.
This clearly shows the allegation of backdoor appointment from the pockets of Deputy Secretary (i/c) and the chairman is true and the rules permit the secretary for such temporary appointment, it stated.
DESAM further questions why the approval of the appointment of five out of six persons issued during the short period when there is no secretary.
“The lies of the chairman/ deputy secretary (i/c) in backdating the order is also seen in the order itself because copies of all appointment orders are endorsed to the Secretary when there was no secretary on the day of issue of orders,” it added.
The lies in the story of the deputy secretary (i/c) as per her report to the Enquiry Committee is self-evident of the fact that 5 persons from the pockets of chairman and deputy secretary (i/c) were appointed on contract basis, and they were attending office and discharging their duties against Acts and Rules of the Board and the State/ Central Government, it mentioned.
DESAM also knows whose relatives are the five persons appointed, it stated. A departmental enquiry or a vigilance case will clear all doubts, it added.
DESAM has proof of HSLC Exam 2023 question paper leaked by the chairman in connivance with one Santa Leishangthem that led to a large number candidates from very few schools topping the examination, it mentioned.
Why is the Education minister still keeping Akham Joykumar Singh as chairman is strange, it stated.
DESAM also raised important issues regarding misuse of funds by the Board etc. and urged for removal Akham Joykumar Singh from the post of chairman of board immediately, and issuance of an order for Vigilance Case against him in the interest of the state, it added.
