Haryana government in a spot over appointments
Norms relaxed for recruiting Joginder Sharma and Mamta Kharab, reports Aditya Kant.
CRICKETER JOGINDER Sharma and former hockey player Mamta Kharab were recruited as deputy superintendents in the Haryana Police last year by relaxing the norms, it was admitted by the Haryana government before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Claiming that the powers to make such appointments rested with it, the government also maintained that in the absence of specific rules for recruitment of sportspersons, the state government could appoint candidates after considering their 'extraordinary' achievements.
The detailed reply submitted through V.P. Vats, under secretary, Home Department, also mentioned that the appointments were made by relaxing the rules as provided under Rule 18 of the Haryana Police Service Rules 2002 on a provisional basis in anticipation of approval from the council of ministers.
The government, however, clarified that the appointments were made as a one-time exception and were not to be treated as a precedent. The government submitted that, in order to promote sports in the police department and to attract good talent, the DGP had initially recommended to the state government in 2007 that Joginder and Mamta be recruited as DSPs against the Direct Recruitment Quota.
After considering their 'outstanding achievements', they were offered appointments as DSP in September 2007 with 'ex-post facto' approval of the council of ministers.
Citing Joginder's achievements, the reply submitted that he had represented India in various international cricket events. He was captain of state team and was also selected to the Indian team for the Twenty20 World Championships. Regarding Mamta, the government submitted that the proposal for her recruitment was also sent by the DGP on July 4, 2007.
Mentioning that she was a great hockey player, the reply mentions that she has been captain of Indian women's hockey team in 6th Asia Cup held in Hong Kong.
Both have necessary physical and educational qualification for recruitment as DSP, the reply added.
the controversy?
-Petitioner Jitender Kumar, an Olympian had challenged their (Joginder and Mamta’s) appointments. He alleged that the appointments were arbitrary since sportspersons with better records, including himself were left out.
-A Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court comprising Justice Jasbir Singh and Justice K.C.Puri on Tuesday issued fresh notices for July 15 to Joginder and Mamta.