Extension without appointments

The Cabinet’s decision to extend by six months the validity of 18 rank lists for teacher appointments in government schools comes as considerable relief to candidates. The government has recommended the extension to the Public Service Commission (PSC). After assuming office, the government had extended until November 30 the validity of all PSC rank lists due to expire by August 31. The latest decision covers the rank lists for pre-primary, high school and higher secondary teachers due to expire in September, October and November. If appointments are not made in time, it is ordinary students studying in government schools who will ultimately suffer the consequences.

A large share of those who have secured a place on these rank lists are likely to be from middle-class families. Securing a place on a rank list takes years of hard work. Behind the achievement lies not merely the hope of an individual candidate, but the hopes and prayers of an entire family. As the validity of the lists draws to an end, disappointment naturally sets in among the candidates. For many, the upper age limit is also fast approaching. By the time they complete their studies, undergo group preparation or coaching-centre training for PSC competitive examinations, sit the examination and finally see the rank list published, several years may have passed. In earlier times, securing a place on a PSC rank list virtually guaranteed employment. Back then, the PSC did not have such a large number of members. Its members did not enjoy hefty salaries or lavish facilities. The entire focus was on conducting examinations impartially and fairly and publishing the lists on time. Although minor allegations surfaced occasionally like flashes of lightning, the PSC took care to maintain complete credibility.

There were very few members with rubber spines who blindly submitted to the dictates of political masters. In those days, people with strong academic credentials, expertise and a good reputation were appointed as PSC members.

With the decline of morality in politics, all of that was upended. It has become a system in which the most politically subservient are rewarded with the highest positions. The PSC, too, has not escaped these ills. From question papers to interviews and appointments, the entire process is mired in allegations and irregularities. The PSC will have to work hard to shed that bad reputation. With many rank lists dying prematurely and others drawing their last breath, the public has begun asking why the Kerala PSC needs so many members. In other states, there are only a quarter as many members, yet they do not have a similar reputation. The successive ruling fronts must answer questions such as why experts are not appointed instead of people whose vision and insight have been clouded by political cataracts.

The hopes of the younger generation should not be toyed with in this manner. The wider public wants a radical overhaul of the PSC’s structure. Extending the validity of rank lists is certainly welcome, but the reality is that it does not increase the number of vacancies. Many of the rank lists whose validity has been extended are district-level lists. The biggest threat facing candidates who have secured a place on these lists is that vacancies are not reported on time. Employee organisations, apart from seeking increased benefits for themselves, have little interest in addressing the plight of candidates who wait in hope of securing an appointment from these rank lists. The government must also take appropriate measures to ensure that vacancies are reported and filled in time.