No special treatment for GLP cadres in police recruitment sparks row

THE Trinamool Congress government's decision to recruit 6,500 police personnel in Darjeeling district has sparked a controversy in the area as the government has not mentioned any special criteria for the Gorkhland Police (GLP) cadres — a volunteer force raised by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) during the days of agitation.

Significantly, according to the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) agreement, the GLP cadres are supposed to be absorbed in the state police force and central para military force with some "modified eligibility criteria". However, the district administration has announced that the recruitment drive is free for all and anybody can apply for the job, which is subject to physical tests and the candidates have to qualify the eligibility criteria.

Superintendent of Police (Darjeeling) Kunal Agarwal announced recruitment of 6,500 police personnel in 14 police stations of Darjeeling district. Out of the 14 police stations, 12 fall in the GTA area.

According to the sources, the recruitment process will be carried out across the state and Darjeeling is the first district where the process has been announced.

Agarwal said, "An eligibility criteria has been fixed. It is free for all and anybody who meets the criteria is eligible for the job. The minimum qualification is Madhyamik and the candidates should fall within the 20-30 year age bracket.

He confirmed that no special criteria has been fixed for the GLP cadres. The application forms will be made available in all the 14 police stations from next week. Candidates will have to submit their filled-up forms by April 10. Aggarwal said: "The 14 police stations in the district have around 3,000 personnel at present, and the recruitment would help in doubling the strength."

GJM leaders termed the step taken as an attempt by the government to put the party in trouble and a breach in the GTA agreement. Significantly, the GTA has does not have a role to play in the hiring drive.

... contd.

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