No more holding up appointments: Government puts PSC on 33-day clock

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is taking steps to prevent alleged collusion within the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), with delays in approving Special Rules for recruitment reportedly creating opportunities for temporary appointments. An amended order issued by Principal Secretary (General Administration) Dr. B. Ashok mandates that the PSC communicate its views on Special Rules prepared by the respective departments within 33 days. If the PSC fails to respond within this period, the government can exercise its powers to notify the Special Rules in the Gazette with the approval of the concerned department minister.

The move follows allegations that large-scale temporary appointments are being made in government departments and public sector institutions because of prolonged delays in finalising Special Rules. In some cases, Special Rules have remained unapproved for as long as nine years, with the PSC often citing the need to convene a full commission meeting as a reason for the delay.

Under the revised procedure, departments must independently prepare Special Rules and publish them on their websites after obtaining the secretary's approval. They must consider suggestions, including those from service organisations, and finalise the draft within 15 days. Those submitting suggestions may also be heard online. The draft Special Rules must be approved by a committee comprising the department secretary and other officials. The Law Department must then scrutinise the draft and communicate its views within one week.

The proposal must subsequently be sent to the PSC for its advice, which the commission must provide within 30 days. Taking its recommendations into account, the department must make the necessary amendments, obtain ministerial approval and forward the proposal to the Legislative Assembly's Subject Committee. The final version must incorporate the committee's recommendations. If the PSC fails to communicate its views within 30 days, it will be given an additional three days. If it still fails to respond, the government can proceed with further action.

Cabinet approval will not be required for this process. With the Chief Minister's approval, any of the prescribed procedural steps can also be waived. The entire process of framing Special Rules must be completed within 90 days. Any failure to comply will be treated as a violation of procedure. The order applies to all amendments on which the PSC has not yet communicated its views.

KAS special rules to be framed soon

1. Special Rules for Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) recruitment will be prepared on a priority basis. They will include provisions for changing cadre strength and creating additional posts.

2. The move is aimed at facilitating appointments from the second-batch rank list, which came into force on January 30 and contains 31 candidates. With only three months remaining before the rank list expires, appointment recommendations have so far been issued to just three candidates.

3. As there are no regular vacancies, posts such as nodal officer in the Department of Social Justice may also be brought under the KAS cadre. Vacancies in other departments will also be identified.