Posts reserved for STs lying vacant, rues NCST Chairman

New Delhi, Feb 12 (UNI) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Chairman Kunwar Singh today expressed resentment over non-filling of the vacant posts reserved for the Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates.

Mr Singh, who completes his three-year-term on February 19, was interacting with mediapersons at the launch of the commission's website here.

He said the total staff strength of the commission, is 120 of which 40 posts are lying vacant.

''We have suggested to the Government to equip the commission with proper power so that its recommendations are binding, ''he said.

He said the tribals in general cannot afford to write a letter.

In order to encourage them to lodge complaints and their various causes the commission, in consultation with the Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched the toll free complaint number from anywhere in the country.

With a view to further expanding its network, the commission has planned to set up four additional State unit offices, he said.

''The plan is to make the website an interactive one which would be achieved in due course of time by providing a user password to each district headquarters,'' he added.

UNI