RTI reveals malpractices in Excise department

Dimapur, June 26 (EMN): Close on the heels of RTI exposures on discrepancies in the state PWD through local newspapers, similar instances have surfaced in the Excise department pertaining to backdoor appointments, besides illegal retaining of government vehicles by officers already retired.

22 persons, including 3 on compassionate ground, were recruited directly since 2015, while 11 vehicles were allotted to officers without entitlement till date.

This came to light following an RTI by one Vikato S Aye, former president of Highway Area Sumi Students’ Union (HASSU), whose case was taken up by Dimapur District Congress Committee (DCC).

Responding to RTI, Additional Commissioner of Excise and Public Information Officer (PIO), Visedelie Mepfuo, stated that six persons were directly appointed in 2015, while another 11 persons were directly appointed in 2016 and additional 2 persons in 2017. The RTI reply stated that 3 persons were appointed on compassionate ground from 2015-2016.

The RTI reply also stated that 11 officers of the department were in illegal possession of government vehicles, who were not entitled for the same. It said that out of the total 11 vehicles, 6 vehicles were under process for condemnation. It is a normal practice that any retiring officer should return the vehicle after six months of their retirement. However, the same has not been practiced in the department, DCC said.

While admitting that there was no reservation/ provision in the department for people with disabilities, surprisingly, the RTI reply stated that uniformed personnel with disability in Dimapur were assigned with Excise field duties for detection and seizure of liquor and drugs.

It was also learned that the department has reportedly appointed a retired officer in charge of bonded warehouse and training without any compunction.

In the light of the above stated circumstances, Dimapur DCC president Kughato S Aye has demanded the department to initiate process for appointment of vacant posts including 25 constables, 4 Havildars, 2 office peons and 4 LDA and Computer Assistances.

Dimapur DCC has demanded probe by Special Investigation Team (SIT) into backdoor appointments and illegal allotment of vehicles.