The Joint Committee for Protection of Handlooms and Textiles Directorate, Manipur (JCPHTD) has demanded immediate withdrawal of the August 28, 2026 Gazette notification making Manipur Civil Service (MCS) officers eligible for appointment as Director, Handlooms and Textiles.
In a representation submitted to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today, the committee alleged that the notification violates the Recruitment Rules notified on May 6, 2022, which prescribe promotion from the technical cadre for appointment to the post of Director.
The committee said the 2022 rules provide for promotion from Joint Director (Technical), with prescribed qualifications in Handloom and Textile Technology, and argued that the technical character of the Directorate should be maintained.
It further alleged that the inclusion of MCS officers would adversely affect the promotional prospects of technical personnel who have served in the department for years. The committee claimed that over 1,200 DHTT-qualified youths and more than 50 Joint Directors and Deputy Directors could be affected.
JCPHTD also questioned the procedure followed in issuing the notification, alleging that necessary consultations and approvals for changing the existing recruitment framework were not undertaken.
The committee demanded restoration and implementation of the 2022 Recruitment Rules and appointment of the Director from the technical cadre.
It warned that if the Gazette notification is not withdrawn within 15 days, it will approach the High Court of Manipur seeking legal intervention against the notification and the appointment made pursuant to it.