Siliguri, Nov 2: Despite the ever-increasing scope of the activities under Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC), not a single orientation programme, workshop or in-house training has been organised for the 600-odd staff serving in different departments of the civic body.

This was alleged today by members of the Intuc-affiliated Siliguri Poura Karmachari Samiti, who blamed the civic authorities for not taking any initiative to hone their skills since 1994, when the corporation was formed. They also pointed out that the authorities are flouting government rules and notifications while implementing promotional policies.

“In my whole service life, I have never come across any training programme. These are essential to sharpen our skills and prepare workers for the new welfare schemes introduced frequently,” said Sangram Singha Mitra, the general secretary of the samiti.

Mitra alleged that the authorities had promoted nine junior employees bypassing their seniors, which they feel is a sheer violation of government rules. Seven of them are serving as senior clerks while two of them are assistant tax collectors now, he said.

The trade union leaders further alleged that the staff strength at SMC is also low as compared to its task. “There are 755 sanctioned posts here while only 600-plus people workers are employed. We want these vacancies to be filled up immediately to reduce workload on the existing workforce,” said Aloke Chakrobarty, the president of Intuc’s Darjeeling district committee, who was also present at the news conference.

The members of the samiti said their service books should be the basis for judging their efficiency. “The SMC’s promotions are neither transparent nor rational,” they said.

Nurul Islam, the deputy mayor of the SMC, however, denied any foul play over the issue. “A staff’s seniority is not the sole criteria while promoting him. His efficiency and other service records are observed as well,” Islam said.