Exclusive

Verification Drives: Better late than never

IFP Editorial: Suspension of government employees is alright, but the government also needs to take action against the officers responsible for monitoring the government quarters.

ByIFP Bureau

Updated 15 May 2022, 6:38 pm

Representational Image (Photo: Pixabay)
Representational Image (Photo: Pixabay)

 

One of the best initiatives taken up in the second innings of N Biren Singh led government is verification drives in the government quarters located both in Imphal city and district headquarters. It is common knowledge that, many government quarters are not actually occupied by the government servants to whom the quarters are allotted to but they either sub-let it to relatives or some others. Earlier Chief Minister N Biren Singh had warned that all illegal occupants of government allotted quarters in the state will be evicted and those government employees who rent out their allotted quarters to others with suspension or even termination.

The state government on May 12 issued notices that illegal occupations of government quarters and punitive legal action will be taken up. According to the notice, the government has constituted various verification teams at the state level as well as at the district level for verification and checking of government quarters. If, during the verification of checking, government employee or some other private parties are found either occupying government quarters without authorisation or subletting to someone else then strict disciplinary action like suspension of concern government employee as deemed fit under appropriate section of CCS(CCA) rules will be initiated or even FIR may be lodged.

Advertisement

ALSO READ: Manipur: Three more government employees suspended for subletting quarters

Well, the verification and follow-up action has begun in earnest and several employees have been suspended for flouting norms. The Chief Minister must be congratulated for the initiative which has been long overdue. If we understand correctly, getting a government quarter is not an easy task and it requires patronage or pressure from high ranking officials and powerful politicians to be allotted one. Even among the ministers and MLAs, there is always a mad rush for coveted government quarters in the heart of Imphal.

For outstation MLAs or ministers it is alright to seek government quarters, but politicians who have their own residences in Imphal city or its outskirts it is a luxury. It is known that, once the quarters are allotted the ministers or MLAs make it a point to undertake repairing of the quarters while also making additions and repairing in their personal residences at the expense of the public exchequer.

It is not only about MLAs and ministers but for quarters allotted to high ranking officials and every year a huge amount is being incurred in repairing works. And it seems there is no official mechanism to check the requirement of such repairs and the costs.

Advertisement

It is the same in all government quarters and anyone could alter the shape and structure of the quarters or make extensions without the express permission of the controlling authority, which is sadly the Building Divisions of the state PWD. Normally, it is required of them to seek permission before any alterations are made. Recently, there was a news-report pertaining to mushrooming growth of illegal churches and other religious structures within the compounds of government quarters which is strictly against government norms.

To say that, the concerned PWD division is not aware of such alterations or violation of government norms would be like condoning their irresponsibility. Suspension of government employees is alright, but the government also needs to take action against the officers responsible for monitoring the government quarters. Lastly, the government also needs to look into the lack of government quarters at the sub-division level where officials had to look for accommodation at the village chief’s house.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh had begun constructing common accommodation facilities for government officials in the interior areas in his last term, but it was basically for doctors and nurses besides teachers. It is also needed for officials dealing with administration also.      

EDITORIAL

Advertisement

First published:

Tags:

N Biren Singhgovernment quartersillegal occupations of government quarters

IFP Bureau

IFP Bureau

IMPHAL, Manipur

Advertisement

Top Stories

Loading data...
Advertisement

IFP Exclusive

Loading data...