The Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has strongly criticised what it described as arbitrary hiring and termination of workers in the Secretariat Administration Department (SAD) and demanded that the State Government immediately streamline the recruitment process.
On Friday, September 11, KHNAM submitted a memorandum to the office of SAD Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, raising concerns over the appointment and termination of casual workers which the party said had come to light through information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
KHNAM demanded that vacant posts in the Secretariat be filled through proper advertisements and a transparent recruitment process instead of engaging workers on a daily-wage or casual basis. The party also demanded the transfer of the present Nazir of the SAD.
KHNAM Working President Thomas Passah alleged that some casual employees who had worked for around 10 years were terminated after participating in protests against the government.
Citing information obtained through RTI, Passah claimed that there are around 300 casual workers in the Secretariat. He alleged that while about 10 workers are continuously engaged, others are called for work over the phone for periods of only two or three months before another group is brought in for a similar period.
Passah also criticised the government for allegedly removing long-serving workers without considering the impact on their families. He further levelled allegations against the SAD Nazir, accusing him of favouring his own people in casual appointments.
KHNAM has urged the government to address the alleged irregularities and ensure that recruitment to vacant posts in the Secretariat is carried out through an open and transparent process.
