Candidate accuses ICAR of ignoring preference for locals; Organisation denies having appointed anyone so far

GANGTOK, 26 May: Pravesh Shivakoty and Karma Doma Bhutia, two candidates who had applied for the post of T-3 (a non-scientific C-Grade Post) at the National Research Centre for Orchids, ICAR, Pakyong claim that the selection process was “biased and unfair”.
Mr. Shivakoty has alleged that the department has not adhered to the statement made in the advertisement notification F.No.NRCO/Admn/117/10-11 in the general instruction for the candidates of clause 4, which underlines, “preferences will be given to the candidates possessing Sikkim Subject/Domicile certificates as proof of nature of Sikkim (attested copy of Certificate must be enclosed)”.

As per Mr. Shivakoty’s statement, the written test for the said post was held on 02 May and the results were to be declared on 19 May. But when the results were not declared even many days past the deadline, the candidates called up the Administrative Officer and learned that the results had been declared and that a candidate from Assam had been selected. Even his appointment letter was ready, Mr. Shivakoty claims to have been told.
However, when the candidates contacted the Director, ICAR, RP Medhi, he said that the results had not yet been declared. Mr. Shivakoty has also alleged that the Director even said that preference to COI holders was not a necessary.
When NOW! got in touch with the Director, he denied making any such statement and informed that such matters were taken care of by the Administrative Officer. He also stressed that no official appointment for the post has been made yet.
The Administrative Officer also denied having given out any information about any appointment.
Mr. Shivakoty, however, maintains that the organization has decided whom to appoint and it is not him. Even though his complaint might be premature, he has shot off a complaint letter to the Chief Minister and the Commission of Inquiry requesting them look into the matter.