The state government has already ordered an inquiry into the alleged acts of nepotism by the officials of the department, which is now being conducted by Chief Secretary Amit Kiran Deb.

Last year, the department published an advertisement for the recruitment of 331 Group C and Group D posts. On December 28, the department released a list of 564 selected candidates of the 56,000 people who took the recruitment tests.

But soon, there were complaints of alleged irregularities in the selection process, as majority of the selected candidates were found to be related to one or the other employees of the department, working at the Writers’ Building itself.

After various organisations of the state government employees raised objections to it, the government agreed to inquire into it.

“The chief secretary is looking into the entire matter. However, no appointment letter is being issued immediately,” said Sanjiv Chopra, secretary of Agriculture Department.

Minister for Agriculture Naren Dey, who had earlier denied allegations of nepotism, expressed astonishment over the latest development.

“Who said this? When did he say this?” Dey, a Forward Bloc MLA, asked when he was informed about the government’s decision. He refused to comment.