SC asks Bengal govt to file an affidavit on process of hiring civic volunteers

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the West Bengal government to file a detailed affidavit outlining the entire process of hiring civic volunteers in the state. The move comes in response to concerns raised by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), who expressed apprehension that the civic volunteer recruitment system could be a means of political patronage.

The Chief Justice remarked that appointing civic volunteers appears to be “a nice way of granting political patronage,” indicating potential misuse of the system. The court's directive requires the West Bengal government to provide complete transparency in the recruitment process.

The court has instructed the state government to furnish an affidavit that includes several key details: the legal authority or source enabling the recruitment of civic volunteers, the qualifications required from candidates, and the verification process used to check their backgrounds. Additionally, the government must explain the institutions or areas where these volunteers are assigned duties, their remuneration packages, and the budget allocated for their payments.

Moreover, the Supreme Court ordered the state government to clarify the measures it has taken to prevent civic volunteers from being posted in sensitive institutions, where their presence might compromise neutrality or security.