Another PSC rank list row: SIT probes bypass of top ranker for unlisted candidate

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating the Kerala Public Service Commission's (PSC) move to appoint a differently-abled candidate who is not included in the rank list, bypassing the candidate who secured the first rank.

The issue concerns a single vacancy for the post of Media Maker in the Drugs Control Department, carrying a pay scale of ₹35,600–75,400. The post is notified for recruitment only once in ten years. The notification specifies direct recruitment. 'Kerala Kaumudi' had reported on the alleged attempt at recruitment fraud.

A BSc in Chemistry and a DMLT qualification are the prescribed qualifications for the post. A total of 343 candidates applied. The online examination was held in February. After the interview at the PSC headquarters, the rank list was published on September 17.

V.S. Reshma, a native of Neyyattinkara, secured the first rank with 47.33 marks, comprising 35.33 marks in the written examination and 12 marks in the interview. The rank list contained 11 candidates, with 10 in the main list and one in the supplementary list.

The advice memo was expected in October. When it was delayed, Reshma approached the PSC to enquire about the matter. It was then that she learnt about the move to make the appointment. When she pointed out that there were no differently-abled candidates in the rank list, she learnt that the PSC was considering appointing a differently-abled candidate who had appeared for the examination.

The rank list has not been changed so far. PSC officials reportedly told Reshma that the differently-abled candidate would be appointed if the first-ranked candidate did not approach the court.

Reshma subsequently lodged complaints with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Crime Branch Inspector General S. Ajeetha Begum. Following the Home Minister's direction, the SIT has begun an investigation into whether there were any differently-abled candidates in the rank list and the current status of the appointment process. No advice memo has been issued to anyone so far.

In 2004 and 2015, appointments to the post were made from the open category. Since this is a single post, the reservation rotation system is not applicable. Had the rotation system been followed, the appointment would have gone to a candidate belonging to the Ezhava community.