NC demands judicial probe into Class IV appointments in JKED

Citing alleged irregularities, ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference today demanded a "judicial probe" by a sitting high court judge into class IV appointments in the state education department.
Calling for immediate quashing of these appointments, the Provincial President said that NC cannot act as fence-sitter and watch "helplessly" betrayal of public trust.
"We seek judicial probe by a sitting high court judge into class four appointments in the education department owing to widespread allegations of corruption", Chief of National Conference for Jammu region Devender Singh Rana said here today.
Education Ministry is headed by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, a Senior leader of Congress in Jammu and Kashmir.

Responding to allegations of "corruption and nepotism" levelled by "aggrieved candidates", who met him here this morning, Rana said, the issue will be taken up with the chief minister for quashing the list of appointments to restore public confidence in the government.
He shared the anguish of those not allegedly considered despite having far better merit and claim on the posts, and said National Conference will take all such measures necessary for ensuring fair play in recruitment.

The Provincial President made a fervent appeal to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to quash the list of class four appointees in the education department.

He said, "This is necessary for restoring the faith of people in the government which has striven to ensure accountability and transparency at all the levels".
He said the National Conference cannot become "party to omissions and commissions" being committed by "unscrupulous elements", which has potential of causing sever dent to the image of the party.
Therefore, it is necessary to have the entire issue thoroughly probed by a sitting judge of the high court in a stipulated time frame, he added.