SRINAGAR, Jan 2: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a case to investigate alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Fireman and Fireman Drivers in the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Department, following concerns of favoritism, paper leaks, and procedural violations.
The investigation was initiated after the General Administration Department (GAD) submitted a report from an inquiry committee on July 24, 2024. The committee, formed to probe allegations surrounding the 2020 selection process, recommended a criminal investigation, citing substantial evidence of irregularities, including paper leakage.
Recruitment Irregularities Traced Back to 2013
According to the ACB, the discrepancies date back to 2013 when the Departmental Recruitment Board (DRB), F&ES, advertised multiple posts under Advertisement Notice No. 01 of 2013. Due to irregularities, the recruitment process was terminated in 2016. It resumed in 2018 under a Transparent Recruitment Process (TRP), as per a directive from the Hon’ble High Court of J&K. Hyderabad-based M/s Timing Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. conducted the physical and written tests; however, allegations of mass copying led to the cancellation of the written examination in 2019, prompting the replacement of the TRP agency.
Selection Process Under Scrutiny
In 2020, the Directorate of F&ES issued e-NIT No. 01 to invite tenders for conducting the written examination. Despite M/s UMC Technology Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata, emerging as the lowest bidder, the work order was awarded to M/s LMES IT LLP, Jammu, the second-lowest bidder, in apparent violation of e-NIT conditions. The latter had no prior experience in handling such recruitment processes.
The written exam was conducted on September 20, 2020, followed by the issuance of a selection list on October 3, 2020, shortlisting 690 candidates. The investigation uncovered significant discrepancies, including favoritism toward M/s LMES IT LLP, which was linked to a former resource person from the previous TRP agency. Among other issues, 109 candidates were found to have lower marks than reflected in the final selection list. Instances of multiple family members being selected and clear signs of favoritism were also reported.
Collusion and Criminal Offenses
The probe revealed collusion between DRB members, the Technical Committee, and F&ES officials with M/s LMES IT LLP to manipulate the recruitment process for personal gain. The actions were deemed offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code, including charges of criminal conspiracy, forgery, and cheating.
FIR Filed and Investigation Ongoing
An FIR (No. 01/2025) has been registered at the ACB Central Police Station. Authorities have assured that a detailed investigation is underway to hold those involved accountable.
This case highlights the challenges of maintaining transparency in public recruitment and the need for stringent measures to prevent corruption in critical government departments.
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