KABUL - Leaked documents on Sunday revealed that there has been extensive corruption in the hiring process and contracts of the Electronic National Identity Cards (e-NIC) department – assigned for preparing the ground to register and distribute electronic identity cards for Afghans countrywide.
The leaked documents are part of a report prepared by the High Office of Oversight and Anti-Corruption (HOOAC) and the Joint Committee of Oversight and Monitoring of Anti-Corruption Campaign, submitted to President Ashraf Ghani last year – but was not made public so far.
According to the report, the lack of a proper appointment process, paying less attention to civil services law and a lack of a good monitoring system have resulted in the illegal appointment of at least 70 percent of the e-NIC employees.
The report mentions the appointment of relatives, families and friends of former senior officials of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and a number of powerful figures as main violations by the e-NIC department.
The report reveals that scores of high school graduates and unprofessional individuals have been appointed in the department without considering their abilities and skills for the posts.
"Nearly 27 employees of the e-NIC [department] have been appointed by direct order of former interior minister [Mohammad Umar Daudzai] and his deputies – without going through the employment process. In addition, the leadership of the e-NIC department has been appointed based on the order of the Interior Ministry and the Chief Executive Office," the report reveals.
Only 320 out of 1,046 employees in the e-NIC department have been appointed through free competition, but the remaining officials have been appointed based on direct orders by a number of MPs and former leaders of the Interior Ministry, the report says.
The leaked documents also reveal that 519 employees of the e-NIC department were first appointed directly by the MoI and then they were provided the grounds for a competition process and finally they were hired as permanent staffers in the organization. However, e-NIC officials have said they have done this because of the pressure on them.
Meanwhile, the report speaks of assessment of three contracts in the organization – including a 101 million Afs contract with the GRT company, a contract worth $500,000 USD on public awareness signed with Orange Group and a contract with IOM on procurement.
The report also mentions claims made that more than 50 percent of the e-NIC budget has been spent on purchasing machines and equipment required for the organization; but the team members have requested a technical team assess the issue.
In addition, the probe team has found that there are a number of gaps in the e-NIC procurement process.
The team has suggested that the formation of the human resources and administrative affairs offices of the organization as well as the e-NIC contract with GRT company require a thorough and professional review. (Tolonews)