Shillong: A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has uncovered irregularities in the recruitment process of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Meghalaya.

The report, which was tabled during the Council's budget session, revealed that the Council made eight direct appointments to various posts without following recruitment rules, issuing advertisements, or conducting competitive examinations.

According to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Service Rules, 1961, recruitment for all classes of services and staff must be conducted through advertisements, followed by competitive exams, oral examinations, or interviews. However, the CAG found that the KHADC appointed eight individuals to various roles between 2019 and 2020 without following these procedures.

The CAG report noted that these appointments were made solely based on the Executive Committee's approval, bypassing the required selection process. As a result, deserving candidates were denied a fair opportunity.

The KHADC had defended its actions, stating that the appointments were made to fill vacancies and had been approved by the Chief Executive Member. However, the CAG rejected this justification, emphasizing that recruitment rules must be followed to ensure fair competition and the selection of qualified candidates.

The report concluded that bypassing recruitment policies increases the risk of favoritism in hiring, and recommended that the KHADC strictly adhere to established recruitment rules.