SHILLONG : The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has raised serious concerns over alleged nepotism in the appointment of casual workers within the Secretariat Administrative Department (SAD) in Meghalaya, while highlighting that more than 400 sanctioned posts remain vacant.
In a representation submitted to Chief Secretary Dr Shakhil Ahmmed, KHNAM working president Thomas Passah cited multiple RTI replies from SAD(N), SAD(E), and SAD(Accts), pointing out discrepancies in employment records and irregular hiring practices.
According to official replies, a letter dated November 20, 2025, revealed 107 vacant posts in SAD(N), including peons, chowkidars, malis, cleaners, and sweepers. Another reply from SAD(E) dated November 26, 2025, indicated 325 vacancies, including LDAs, typists, stenographers, and drivers.
KHNAM stated that data related to daily wage workers between April 2023 and September 2025 did not match across departments, raising questions over transparency. The party noted that between 121 and 139 casual workers were engaged monthly, but nearly 10 workers who consistently appeared in records till November 2025 suddenly disappeared from subsequent lists.
The party alleged that some of these individuals were replaced by new recruits, reportedly linked to departmental officials. It further claimed that several workers with over a decade of service were removed instead of being granted Regular Casual Worker (RCW) status under the 1996 scheme.
Highlighting the issue, KHNAM said many long-serving workers were not recalled after November 2025, while new individuals were appointed in their place, suggesting favoritism in hiring.
Calling for immediate intervention, the party urged the Chief Secretary to address the unemployment crisis by filling vacant posts at the earliest and reinstating senior casual workers who were removed.
KHNAM also stressed the need to eliminate nepotism in government recruitment, stating that preferential treatment for relatives and close associates of officials is depriving deserving candidates of job opportunities.