“The committee will verify whether his appointment is in consonance the rules”
Finally the Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a fact finding committee (FFC) to verify appointment of Er Firdous Ahmed Qazi, presently posted in Jammu Municipal Corporation as Executive Engineer, project division.
Authorities in Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), were aware of it for a long as repeated complaints along with copies of service book, but no officer dare to initiate action against officer in question, under political influence. Qazi according to sources enjoyed political patronage for decades, despite being his appointment doubtful, he held prize positions during his service. Leaders from Congress Party, National Conference and People Democratic Party always showered their blessings on Qazi. However, some never give-up and kept pursing the matter to take it a logical conclusion.
Recently, a whistle-blower on 14 May a complaint was lodged at the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances Government of India, (Grievance Status for registration number: GOVJK/E/2022/01221) and the very next day i.e. 15/05/2022 the complaint was forwarded to Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Principal Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department, however this complaint is under investigation before the Science and Technology Department.
Meanwhile acting on another complaint against Qazi, the Principal Secretary to HUDD, Dheeraj Gupta on 25/05/2022 constituted two member FFC. “Sanction is hereby accorded to the constitution of FFC comprising of following officers to enquire into the allegations of illegal/backdoor appointment of Mr Firdous Ahmed Qazi, presently Executive Engineer, Jammu Municipal Corporation, in the complaint filed by Sh. Mujeeb Ahmad, President of All J&K Engineer Association, Jammu. Mr Ashish Gupta, Additional Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department and Sana Khan, Deputy Director, Urban Local Bodies Jammu”, Govt order no 75-JK(HUD) of 2022, dated 25/05/2022 read.
The order further read that the committee would look into the initial appointment/promotion of Mr Firdous Ahmad Qazi, presently Executive Engineer, Jammu Municipal Corporation, (previously borne on the establishment of Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, Jammu).
“The Committee will verify whether his appointment is in consonance with the rules. The committee shall submit its report within the 15 days of issuance of this order”, the order read. The HUDD in its order have no mention of initial appointment in the Science and Technology Department, where Mr Qazi appointed through backdoor and got promoted in less than a year service. Qazi in his representation sent to HUDD for his placement as Superintending Engineer, as mentioned his initial appointment in Science and Technology Department.
It has been learnt from the reliable sources that a KAS officer, who shielded Qazi’s all misdeed during his posting in JK Housing Board, has started lobbying to save Qazi from this inquiry. This officer, hailing from Chenab valley region, claims to have direct access in Chief Secretary office, as well as in the Raj Bhawan. This KAS officer, last year himself was in trouble, when an activist lodged a disproportionate asset complaint against him was lodged with Raj Bhawan.
