In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case regarding large-scale irregularities in the recruitment process for the posts of Fireman and Fireman Drivers within the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Department. This comes after a comprehensive inquiry conducted by a government-appointed committee revealed alarming discrepancies and favoritism during the selection process, ultimately prompting the ACB to take action.
The case stems from a communication dated July 24, 2024, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), which enclosed a detailed report from the inquiry committee. The committee had been tasked with investigating allegations of paper leaks, mass copying, and manipulation of results during the recruitment drive conducted in 2020. Upon review, the inquiry committee recommended a thorough criminal investigation through the ACB, citing significant evidence of malpractice.
Background of the Recruitment Process:
The roots of this recruitment scandal trace back to 2013 when the Departmental Recruitment Board (DRB) of the Fire & Emergency Services issued Advertisement Notice No. 01 of 2013 to fill vacancies for Fireman/Fireman Drivers and tradesmen. However, the recruitment process was marred by discrepancies, leading the government to terminate the selection process in 2016 through Order No. 381-Home.
In 2018, the recruitment drive was restarted following a directive from the J&K High Court, instructing authorities to adhere to the original 2013 advertisement without modifications. To ensure transparency, the government mandated the selection of a Transparent Recruitment Process (TRP) agency through an open bidding process. Hyderabad-based M/s Timing Technologies India Pvt. Ltd emerged as the selected agency, overseeing the physical and written examinations.
However, allegations of mass copying led to the cancellation of the written exam in 2019. The government subsequently ordered a fresh examination and replaced M/s Timing Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
Emerging Irregularities:
In January 2020, the Directorate of F&ES floated a new tender (e-NIT No. 01 of 2020) to engage TRP agencies with proven experience in conducting similar recruitment exercises. A total of six agencies participated in the bidding process. After rigorous scrutiny, Kolkata-based M/s UMC Technology Pvt. Ltd. emerged as the lowest bidder (L-1) with a quoted rate of ₹107.50 per candidate.
Surprisingly, instead of awarding the contract to the L-1 bidder, the Technical Committee entered into negotiations with the second-lowest bidder (L-2), M/s LMES IT LLP, Jammu, quoting a significantly higher price of ₹185 per candidate. Post-negotiations, the price was revised to ₹179 per candidate, and the contract was ultimately awarded to M/s LMES IT LLP – a firm with little prior experience, in direct violation of CVC guidelines.
Investigations revealed that Maharaj Krishan Wali, the primary partner holding a 99% share in M/s LMES IT LLP, was previously associated with M/s Timing Technologies, the agency implicated in the earlier failed recruitment process. The selection of L-2, despite clear eligibility concerns, pointed towards deliberate favoritism and collusion.
Fraudulent Selection and Manipulation:
The written examination was conducted on September 20, 2020, resulting in the selection of 690 candidates. However, upon closer scrutiny, investigators found glaring discrepancies in the selection list. Candidates who had scored as low as 11, 17, and 24 marks were fraudulently shown to have secured 90 marks in the final list. This manipulation facilitated the selection of 109 unqualified candidates.
Adding to the irregularities, five brothers from Budgam district were selected, while several other candidates were found to be relatives of officials within the F&ES Department. Many of the selected candidates hailed from the same localities, raising suspicions of nepotism and favoritism.
Violations and Legal Implications:
The actions of the DRB members, the Technical Committee, and officials of the Fire & Emergency Services Department constitute serious offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PC Act) 1988 (as amended in 2018) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Charges include:
Section 7, 13(1)(a), 13(2) of PC Act – Criminal misconduct and bribery.
Section 120-B IPC – Criminal conspiracy.
Section 420 IPC – Cheating and dishonesty.
Section 467 IPC – Forgery of valuable documents.
Section 468 IPC – Forgery for the purpose of cheating.
Section 471 IPC – Using forged documents as genuine.
The ACB has filed FIR No. 01/2025 in Police Station ACB Central and has initiated further investigations.
Ongoing Investigation:
As the probe continues, authorities are meticulously examining all records, including OMR sheets, answer keys, and tender documents, to uncover the full extent of the irregularities. More arrests and revelations are expected in the coming days as investigators delve deeper into this case of blatant corruption and malpractice.
This recruitment scam serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public sector hiring processes. The swift action by the ACB underscores the government’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring that justice is served.
