Lucknow: A major recruitment scam has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh, casting a shadow on the state government during the by-elections. The scandal involves alleged nepotism in the appointment process for 186 posts in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council. A shocking revelation shows that every fifth selected candidate is related to a politician or a high-ranking officer, many of whom oversaw the recruitment process themselves.
Allahabad High Court Slams Nepotism, Terms it a ‘Shocking Scam’
The Allahabad High Court, expressing severe criticism, called it a “shocking scam” and questioned the loyalty of officers involved in the process. The court raised concerns about the blatant favoritism that reportedly shaped the recruitment outcome.
A Web of Connections: High-Profile Relatives Dominate Selection List
An investigative report by The Indian Express shed light on the controversy. The recruitment process, which attracted over 2.5 lakh applicants for 186 posts, resulted in the selection of candidates with strong political and bureaucratic connections. These include:
- The brother of the then Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker’s Public Relations Officer.
- A minister’s nephew.
- The son and daughter of the Parliamentary Affairs Department in-charge.
- Relatives of the Assembly Secretariat and Legislative Council in-charge.
- The son of a Deputy Lokayukta.
- Close family members of private firms’ owners involved in the examination process.
Unsuccessful Candidates Blow the Whistle
The scandal came to light when three unsuccessful candidates from the 2021 recruitment drive filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court. The court consolidated similar petitions into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and ordered a CBI investigation. However, the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council challenged this decision in the Supreme Court, which subsequently stayed the CBI probe. The next hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2025.
Rule Amendments Opened the Door for Irregularities
The controversy traces back to 2019 when recruitment rules were amended. Until 2016, hiring for the secretariat was conducted through the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC). However, the Legislative Council took over the process in 2019, raising suspicions about the transparency and fairness of the system.
Politicians’ Close Aides Also Benefited
The recruitment list includes several names tied to influential politicians. For instance:
- Jainendra Singh Yadav alias Neetu, a close aide of a former Chief Minister, had his nephew appointed as a Review Officer (RO).
- Hridaynarayan Dixit, the former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, saw his Public Relations Officer appointed in the Publications Department of the Legislative Council.
When questioned Dixit denied any involvement in the appointments.
Public Outcry and Political Repercussions
The revelations have triggered widespread outrage, with critics accusing the government of undermining meritocracy. The case has also sparked debates about systemic nepotism and the need for reforms to ensure transparency in government recruitment processes.
With the Supreme Court’s stay on the CBI investigation, the focus now shifts to the upcoming hearing in January 2025, which will determine the future course of this high-profile case.
