Mizoram Government vows action against 3,300 employees using proxies

In a decisive move to address systemic irregularities, K Sapdanga, the Minister of Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DP&AR) in Mizoram, declared on Tuesday that the state government is poised to take action against over 3,300 government employees who have illicitly employed proxies or substitutes, especially during periods of the model code of conduct. Minister Sapdanga revealed that a staggering 3,365 state government employees have engaged substitutes to work in their stead across various departments, primarily in rural regions. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding employees stationed in locations contrary to their designated posting places. Elaborating on the predicament, the minister emphasized the challenges faced by the government due to these proxy employees, noting the inherent difficulty in initiating disciplinary measures against them, as they are not officially recognized by the state.

Highlighting the grave implications of this practice, Sapdanga underscored the breach of confidentiality as proxy staffers gain access to sensitive government files, posing a significant operational risk. Assuring swift action, Sapdanga asserted, “The condition of all those who employed proxy staffers and those stationed in unauthorized locations will be addressed following the lifting of the model code of conduct in June.” The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, which assumed power in December last year, promptly initiated inquiries into the employment of substitute workers. Employees were directed to submit reports to the government by January, facilitating a comprehensive review of the situation.

Officials disclosed that the school education department reported the highest number of substitute employees at 1,115, trailed by the health and family welfare department with 624, and the power and electricity department with 253 proxies. Of those who resorted to employing substitutes, 2,070 cited health issues as the primary reason, while 703 cited domestic concerns. Other justifications included the absence of residential quarters, logistical challenges in accessing remote villages, and language barriers, among others. With approximately 50,000 state government employees in Mizoram, the government’s proactive stance signals a concerted effort to uphold transparency and accountability within the administration.