How are MLAs’ laptop operators recruited?

The Central Information Commission has ordered the general administration department of the Delhi Government to provide a copy of the decision about providing perks and staff to the elected members of Delhi Assembly for operating laptops.

The Central Information Commission has ordered the general administration department of the Delhi Government to provide a copy of the decision about providing perks and staff to the elected members of Delhi Assembly for operating laptops.

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The copy would help the applicant ascertain if the appointments (of staff) were through regular and transparent process of recruitment as government employees.

Frequent RTI user Subhash Agrawal had filed applications under the Right to Information many weeks ago with the department (for Delhi Assembly members) and Deputy Municipal Secretary (for Municipal Corporation of Delhi).

“I wanted to know in clear terms if actually employment is given to persons as laptop operators to members of Delhi Legislative Assembly (MLAs) or it is a mode of indirect increase in salary of MLAs themselves in the name of laptop operators,” Agrawal had said in his appeal to the CIC.

It was said that the competent authority had decided to enhance the facility regarding reimbursement of Rs 10,000 per month to all MLAs for laptop operators. But, as the GAD officials combined information for all the questions above with no clear replies, Agrawal went in for an appeal.

“In the second case, it would mean, they (MLAs) are even at liberty to draw salary in the name of any of their relation, friend or favourite.” Agrawal pointed out.