HC raps TN govt on computer instructors selection process

The Madras High Court today rapped the Tamil Nadu government over the process of selection adopted by it to fill computer instructors posts and directed it to complete the present recruitment process by July 31, 2014.
A division bench comprising Justice R Banumathi and Justice K K Sasidharan pulled up the government while rejecting the pleas by candidates, who had failed in qualifying examination, seeking quashing of orders terminating their services.
The government had appointed 2,394 computer instructors on temporary basis during 1999 and 2000. They filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking regularisation of their services.
The apex court had directed the state to conduct eligibility test for these instructors and regularise the services of those who scored 50 per cent marks.

In the three tests conducted, about 1,000 qualified and 1,440 failed leading to the government terminating their services.
The failed candidates filed petitions and writ appeals challenging termination of their services.

Referring to appointment of the instructors on temporary basis, the court said "this case shows the undue haste shown by Tamil Nadu government to appoint 2,394 computer instructors on temporary basis through private agencies, nominated by Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu, without resorting to a transparent process of selection..."
The court directed the government that the recruitment for computer instructors be carried out through the Teachers Recruitment Board and the process completed by July 31, 2014.

The bench, however, upheld the government's decision to dismiss those who failed in qualifying test and said "it is very strange on the part of 1,440 failed candidates to come up with a prayer to quash their termination orders.
In a relief to the petitioners, it directed the government to re-enter the names of the failed candidates in employment exchange register by restoring the earlier seniority and allowed them to apply along with others when the notification was issued for recruitment.
While clearly stating that these candidates were not entitled to any kind of preference, the court said they can claim age relaxation which should be considered by TRB on merits.