CHENNAI: With just weeks left for the model code of conduct to kick in ahead of the ensuing Assembly election, the state government has approved the filling of 709 long-vacant posts in the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department.
The department had sought permission in April 2024 to fill the posts that have remained vacant for more than three years. After nearly a year and a half, the State government has now given its approval to fill the positions, which include both State- and Union-sanctioned posts.
According to a Finance Department order, vacancies that have remained vacant for three years or more can be revived and filled only with the approval of the Staff Committee. Following this provision, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department sought clearance to fill 709 posts.
After detailed deliberations, the government granted its assent. As per a Government Order issued by additional chief secretary to the Rural Development Department Gagandeep Singh Bedi, the vacancies are for 120 jeep drivers, 56 record clerks, 421 office assistants and 112 night watchmen.
The order said that the first three categories will be filled based on government instructions issued during the Covid-19 period. During the pandemic, the State government had imposed a ban on the creation of new posts. However, the revival of posts that had been vacant for more than three years has been permitted, subject to Staff Committee approval.
Based on these provisions, the department had submitted its proposal on April 23, 2024. With the government now clearing the vacancies, recruitment is expected to proceed shortly. Officials, however, pointed out that job notifications cannot be issued once the model code of conduct comes into force.