Plight of KAS

The Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) was conceived with the objective of creating a civil service of Kerala's own. Overcoming resistance from the IAS lobby and attempts to derail the reservation framework, the then Left government made KAS a reality. The examination pattern adopted was the same as that of the IAS exam. The biggest attraction of KAS is that meritorious candidates can secure well-paying, prestigious jobs within the state itself. Consequently, thousands of students spend lakhs of rupees at coaching centres preparing for the examination. Yet, the current reality is that even seven months after the second KAS rank list came into force, not even the first rank holder has received an appointment. The rank list is valid for one year, and there are 31 vacancies.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) published the rank list on January 30. It was released across three streams, but to this day, not a single appointment has been made.

In June 2023, a secretary-level committee chaired by the Chief Secretary was entrusted with forming a deputation reserve on the All India Services model for 30 per cent of the KAS cadre strength. Based on its recommendations, 28 vacancies were identified. In addition, three more vacancies were reported to the PSC. Sharing his anguish over not being appointed despite topping the list, the first rank holder recently posted a video on Facebook. Devanarayanan, a native of Kilimanoor in Thiruvananthapuram and the topper of KAS Stream One, revealed that he is in the painful position of not even being able to answer his mother when she asks about his appointment.

Devanarayanan asks what hope remains for other young people who took the examination placing their trust in the PSC if this is the fate of someone who topped Kerala's own civil service examination. The delay in appointments is reportedly because the file for filling the 31 vacancies remains stuck in the General Administration Department. It shows that despite all the talk of digital governance, old-fashioned bureaucratic red tape still prevails. Of the lakhs of candidates who appeared for the examination, 674 qualified for the main examination, and around 60 eventually found a place in the main list. It is deplorable that this is the government's approach towards young people who wish to secure dignified employment and build their lives in their home state, even as many of Kerala's brightest continue to migrate to other states and abroad.

Although it was initially announced that the KAS examination would be conducted every year, the second examination was held only in 2025, three years after the first. KAS officers who have entered the service have also complained that IAS officers treat them as second-class citizens. Reports have emerged that the IAS lobby opposes entrusting important responsibilities to KAS officers. Whatever the reasons, the appointments of meritorious candidates who secured places in the KAS rank list remaining mired in red tape despite the availability of vacancies is a matter of embarrassment for the entire state. It is to be hoped that the Chief Minister will intervene and ensure that their appointments are made without further delay.