Anit Thapa, the chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), while handing appointment letters to teachers on Tuesday, threatened to take action against them if they were later found to have bribed their way to the jobs.
Thapa’s assertion assumes significance as the GTA has been dragged to court over the appointment of over 600 hill teachers in recent years.
“There should be no play of money in these appointments.... If I come to hear about it later, I will first take action on people who have paid money, that is you people,” Thapa said while handing over appointment letters to 32 teachers.
These teachers were appointed as beneficiaries of died-in-harness cases. Under this policy, the next-of-kin of a person who dies while in service gets a job.
Thapa also warned: “Remember, if I can help provide a job, I can also work to remove you."
The GTA head explained he was bound to harden his stand as “blame”, if any, over any foul play involved in the appointments, would come to him later.
“The blame (of accepting bribes) will fall on us. In case you got the jobs in a genuine manner, it is your right. I have hurried through the appointments as your jobs would have got delayed if (Lok Sabha) elections were announced, which I did not want,” Thapa said.
The GTA and the leaders of the ruling party Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) are under fire from various sections for allegedly indulging in corruption and nepotism while appointing over 600-odd teachers. Thapa is the BGPM president.
Allegations of political recommendations have also surfaced and the matter is currently being heard in Calcutta High Court.
Thapa on Tuesday said that during this phase of recruitment, the GTA had not looked into the political affiliations of the candidates.
“There is no partybaazi involved in this (the appointments). I won't lie, there was some pressure on me (about some candidates). If someone is getting something, I will not victimise them.... this (job) is your right. Try to teach properly and sincerely,” said Thapa.
