No prima-facie case against NPSC Controller: Government

Committee recommends new posts to strengthen Vigilance Commission

Morung Express News
August 9

DIMAPUR:  In the first clear indication on the alleged role of the Controller of Examination (CoE), with regard to the recent bribery scam detected within the NPSC, a top government official today disclosed that no prima facie case had been established by the Vigilance Commission against the Controller of Examination, NPSC. However, in view of the allegations and controversy surrounding him, the CoE had voluntarily asked to be relieved of his duties and be allowed to proceed on leave. This was stated in a letter issued to the NSF President by Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Lalthara, a copy of which was made available here. Accordingly the NPSC had approved of the request and granted him leave with effect from 27 July, it was informed. “The functions of the CoE are now being handled by the Secretary, NPSC under the overall guidance and supervision of the NPSC Chairman”, Lalthara stated in his two page letter to the NSF.

With regard to the suggestion of the NSF to strengthen the State Vigilance Commission, the letter stated that a Cadre Review Committee (CRC) had already been constituted by the government, according to which, the CRC report had recommended creation of two new posts of Senior Superintendent of Police, one post of Additional Superintendent of Police and four posts of constables. “The government will pursue these recommendations in right earnest”, the official assured.

The senior government official also informed the NSF that as per the request put forth by the NPSC, the State government decided to depute one senior officer as an Observer for the forthcoming Nagaland Civil Service (NCS) Mains Exam to be held as scheduled on August 20.

Regarding the eight persons already charge-sheeted, the government assured that the Vigilance Commission would continue its investigation to unearth more information and evidence against the eight persons and also against other persons suspected to be involved, but who were yet to be charge-sheeted for want of sufficient evidence.

Meanwhile in the same letter, the government clarified that as explained to the NSF delegation during the meeting held on August 6, the contents of Paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of the letter dated August 5 were intended to be in the nature of “fatherly advice and abundant caution to the students body with a view to dissuade them from launching further agitation programmes on the same issue.” The government expressed regret if the tone of the language had hurt the feelings and sentiments of the NSF. 

On the absence of the NPSC Chairman during the crucial period of investigations, which had been raised by the NSF, the government clarified that the Chairman had to avail leave to take his wife to Mumbai for treatment of Cancer.

The letter also appealed to the NSF to cooperate with the Government and the Vigilance Commission in furtherance of the common objective to restore public confidence in the NPSC, cleansing it of all corrupt elements.