New Delhi, 03, March 2025: The impending merger of National Projects Construction Corporation (NPCC) Ltd., a subsidiary of WAPCOS under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, is facing serious allegations of corruption, particularly regarding a recent recruitment drive. Despite being a profitable Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) with a strong track record in infrastructure development across India, including challenging terrains in the North East, NPCC’s ongoing recruitment process has raised significant concerns.
The Government of India’s decision to disinvest NPCC and merge it with WAPCOS has accelerated operational changes. However, recent activities, particularly in recruitment, have triggered suspicion. NPCC, despite having a substantial workforce, has created new vacancies in finance (Deputy Manager, Manager, and Joint General Manager) that had been consistently cancelled for the past 4-5 years.
Concerns are mounting that these positions are being filled hastily to increase manpower liabilities or to favor pre-selected candidates. The decision to conduct the application process offline is seen as a deliberate move to facilitate corrupt practices. Furthermore, a recent amendment to the recruitment rules in 2024 has effectively barred existing contractual employees from applying, leading to accusations of deliberate exclusion.
“The timing and methodology of this recruitment drive are highly suspicious,” stated a source within NPCC. “The management’s decision to ignore the concerns of the employees’ union and the existing contractual workforce is alarming.”
The NPCC Employees Union has voiced its opposition, emphasizing the need to prioritize existing employees. However, their concerns have been disregarded. The union also alleges that employees have been deprived of promotions.
Multiple Right to Information (RTI) applications, including NPCCL/R/E/25/00003 dated 28.01.2025 and NPCCL/R/E/25/00001 dated 03.01.2025, have been filed, but NPCC’s General Manager (HR), Ms. Jasminedhar Singh, who is handling these RTIs, has yet to respond.
Complaints have been lodged with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and NPCC’s Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), but concerns are being raised about the CVO’s impartiality. The screening committee’s report is also reportedly riddled with flaws, raising questions about the fairness of the selection process.
“This is not an isolated incident,” a whistleblower claimed, referencing past allegations of corruption in NPCC recruitments, notably in November 2019.
The spotlight is on NPCC’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Mr. R.K. Agarwal, and GM-HR Ms. Jasminedhar Singh, who are accused of orchestrating these corrupt practices. Notably, Ms. Jasminedhar Singh’s own recruitment is reportedly under investigation by the CVC.
“These CPSEs are playing with public funds and jeopardizing the careers of ordinary people,” a concerned employee stated. “The entire recruitment process must be thoroughly investigated.”
The allegations have cast a shadow over the NPCC-WAPCOS merger, raising questions about transparency and accountability within the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The situation demands immediate attention to ensure fairness and integrity in the management of public sector enterprises.
