IT News
Imphal, Dec 19:
The Manipur Government Services Federation (MGSF) and Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM) staffs have raised objections to the recent appointment of Akham Joykumar Singh as Chairman of BOSEM. In a press meet at Manipur Press Club, they have alleged that the appointment violated established rules and service norms.
According to them, the appointment order, issued under Government Order No. EDU-S-1/16/2024-EDN(S)-EDN(S) on November 6, 2024, bypassed mandatory procedures. The federation highlighted that the appointment was not recommended by a proper Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC), which is required to evaluate applicants and select the most suitable candidate. The omission of DPC recommendations, they claimed, rendered the appointment illegal.
Further, the MGSF and BOSEM employees pointed out that Joykumar Singh had previously faced forced repatriation during his tenure as Secretary of BOSEM. The inquiry, dated December 27, 2018, allegedly found him ineligible for the post, raising questions about his eligibility for the new role.
They also raised concerns about violations of age and service norms. They cited an order dated October 29, 2014, which sets the maximum age for deputation appointments at 60 years for teachers and related posts. Akham Joykumar Singh, now 62, is reportedly ineligible under this criterion. Additionally, the post of BOSEM Chairman, categorized at Level 13-A in the pay matrix, carries a maximum age limit of 56 years for deputation, further invalidating the appointment under existing rules.
MGSF and BOSEM employees also emphasized that Akham Joykumar’s initial deputation as Chairman on November 11, 2021, was for a three-year term. Without an extension or adherence to mandatory cooling-off periods, the reappointment violated service rules.
They have urged the government to consider the ongoing inquiry into financial, administrative, and academic irregularities in BOSEM, initiated under Order No. DAB-1/7/2024-EDN(S) dated May 28, 2024. Highlighting that the Chairman’s conduct is under scrutiny, the MGSF and BOSEM employees have called the decision to reappoint him an act of impropriety.
