Govt in no hurry to fill vacant posts

It may be noted that the government has failed to utilise the quota of seats that are filled by elevating officials from various departments for the last 10 years.

The state government,sources said,had held a meeting with the PPSC officials to clear the roadblocks in way of promoting officials from various department,but the commission is yet to take any positive steps.

As per the sources,names of 36 District Revenue Officers (DROs) and tehsildars were sent to the the PPSC in August last year for promoting 12 of them as PCS officers.

Similarly,the government had also recommended the names of 15 Assistant Excise & Taxation Commissioners (AETCs) and Excise & Taxation Officers (ETOs),9 District Development & Panchayat officers (DDPOs),Block Development & Panchayat officers (BDPOs). Out of this,5 AETCs and ETOs and 3 DDPOs and BDPOs were to be promoted,respectively,to the PCS cadre.

However,the files were returned twice by the PPSC with objections.

At present,more than 50 per cent of the sanctioned PCS posts are lying vacant. Against the sanctioned strength of 300,only 141 regular PCS officials are working.

The government had hired on contract basis 36 retired PCS officials,but their term will end in December.

Ram Singh,president,Punjab Revenue Officers’ Association,demanded that the quota of filling PCS cadre from various departments should be utilised immediately for ensuring effective administration. “The administrative reforms initiated by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal can not be implemented till the shortage of PCS officials is dealt with,” he said.

Sources said that PPSC was deliberately delaying the promotions to benefit 38 officers who will be selected based on the ongoing interview process.

However a revenue official said that while new appointees would have to undergo training for at least one year,the promoted officials can take charge of various administrative assignments without any delay.

Sources claimed that even the retired officials working on the contract basis are using their influence to get the promotions delayed. Reason: once promoted,the revenue officials would fill those vacant posts against which the retired officers hope to get appointed.

No official could be contacted at PPSC office for comments.