J & K minister refutes reports of backdoor appointments

Srinagar, Aug 20 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Abdul Aziz Zargar today refuted the allegations that backdoor appointments were made in the agriculture department and asked members to come out with proof so that guilty, if any, could be punished.

The minister was replying to a question by Bilal Ahmad Lodhi of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who alleged that the answer given by Mr Zargar was incorrect and misleading.

Mr Zargar said in Kashmir valley 67 non-gazetted and 25 class four while in Jammu 34 non-gazetted and 30 class four employees under SRO-43 were appointed.

He said only four daily wagers were regularised and 13 casual labourers of district Badgam were engaged.

Mr Lodhi alleged that daily wagers working in the department for 12 to 13 years were ignored and those who have been engaged for the past three years, were regularised.

You have been misled by your department and the list was incorrect as there were hundred of others who have been given appointment orders, he said and added that he will supply the list of those appointed after ignoring the deserving candidates.

'' I agree with you there could be one or two appointments made without considering the merit'', the minister said and promised to take action if he was provided with full information.

''You give me the list, we will sit together with the senior officers and those found guilty will be punished,'' he said.

On this the NC members were on their feet demanding action against the secretary Agriculture as the minister admitted wrong appointments.

Mr Zargar said he has never said anybody was responsbile, but the entire department and ministry had collective responsibility to correct wrong if any.

Later, the NC members walked out of the House in protest. They were not allowed to speak any further by Chairman Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjoora.

UNI