It?s almost a headless existence for the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission and its investigative arm DGIR with the organisations being saddled with big work pressure but depleting manpower.
The anti-monopoly watchdog, that also deals with cases of unfair and restrictive trade practices, as well as its investigation arm are functioning without their respective heads with the government also not looking very keen to fill the vacancies as they would be replaced by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Senior officials told FE that many key appointments at the two crucial departments, that fall under the ministry of corporate affairs, have ?virtually halted? since the last few years as the government was working hard to operationalise the CCI, that has been hanging in limbo since 2002 but now looks set for a roll-out from next year with its amendment bill passed by the Parliament in its last session.
But even as the CCI comes into force from mid-2008, the MRTPC will still be required to function for two more years to settle and clear all existing cases. Apart from this, MRTPC is still accepting fresh cases (on complaints and suo motu basis), putting pressure on the thin staff strength managing affairs.
Let?s look at the DGIR, the crucial investigative arm of MRTPC. The wing, that has close to 40% of its approved strength vacant, has been functioning without a head (director-general) since November 29 last year.
According to sources, out of the total approved strength of 55, as many as 21 vacancies are there in the department. In fact, its main wing of ?Group A? officers, involved in investigations and crucial administrative functions, has just four officers against the authorised 16.
DGIR?s workload includes hundreds of investigation cases, including appeals where it has to appear before the high court and supreme court.
MRTPC, on the other hand, is also functioning without a head as its secretary retired on August 31. The Commission, that is dealing with more than 1,000 cases, has 20 vacancies before it against the 123 authorised strength.
The vacant posts includes that of 3 members, secretary, director (research), three deputy directors and four assistant directors.
A senior official of the corporate affairs ministry admitted that there had been a slowdown in making fresh appointments in the organisations as the CCI was around the corner. ?However, since MRTPC is likely to function for another two years, we will consider their demands for recruitments at key positions,? the official said.