The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has directed the Cochin Port Authority (CoPA) to take appropriate action regarding alleged irregular appointments and promotions that violated recruitment rules, as reported by The New Indian Express.
A probe found that C P Rajeev was appointed as the CoPA welfare officer and later promoted as senior welfare officer despite lacking the mandatory qualification in social science prescribed under the Dock Workers Act and the Cochin Port Employees (Recruitment, Seniority and Promotion) Regulations. “Since the matter pertains to Cochin Port Authority, CoPA is requested to look into the matter and take necessary action,” the ministry’s order stated.
The alleged irregularity came to light after the Cochin Port Employees Sangh submitted several complaints to the CoPA chairperson and later approached the Central Vigilance Commission and the Ministry of Shipping when no corrective action was taken, as reported by The Times of India.
The Cochin Port Employees Sangh (BMS) highlighted that the Chief Vigilance Officer’s investigation, following the CVC’s directive, found the appointment violated a central government order prohibiting such appointments. Despite multiple complaints to the port authority chairman, no action was initially taken, prompting the union to escalate the matter.
CoPA is now expected to review the matter and take necessary action to address the alleged irregularities, according to both The New Indian Express and The Times of India.
