DC orders inquiry into alleged hiring lapses in Power Dept

District authorities have initiated a probe into allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of Class III and IV employees in the Palwal circle of the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN). The inquiry follows complaints lodged at multiple levels, including the CM Window and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

The SDM’s office in Palwal has directed DHBVN officials, including Executive Engineers and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) of Palwal and Hodal subdivisions, to submit documents related to the recruitment of outsourced staff, particularly Assistant Linesmen (ALMs) hired under the Haryana Kaushal Rojgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL) scheme.

The investigation was prompted by a complaint from Amar Chand, a local resident, who alleged that 63 employees hired through HKRNL had submitted fake or unrecognised qualifications. Chand claimed that "more than 90% of the employees recruited between 2009 and 2014 presented forged documents." Information gathered from the institutions listed in their records reportedly failed to match official records, raising suspicions of a scam.

The alleged irregularities involve over 100 employees, whose recruitment between 2009 and 2014 is now under scrutiny. Chand also asserted that these employees had caused significant losses to the department by remaining employed for 10 to 12 years despite questionable credentials.

The lack of proper document verification during recruitment and delays in holding officials accountable have been cited as major concerns. The complainant previously brought the issue to the state Power Minister’s office, the CM Window and the district grievances panel in February 2024. Subsequently, the matter was handed over to the ACB.

Although the ACB investigation is still ongoing Deputy Commissioner Dr Harish Kumar Vashisht recently ordered a parallel inquiry. “I have directed the SDM to conduct a probe into the matter and submit a report,” said Dr Vashisht.