PSC recruitment irregularities: Probe extending to government departments and KAS vacancies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) led probe into recruitment irregularities is extending from Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) to other government departments as well. The SIT is investigating the possibility of officials from government departments, alongside high-ranking figures within the Public Service Commission (PSC), being involved in the irregularities.

An investigation by the General Administration Department revealed that fake vacancies were created and reported to the PSC for the second phase of KAS recruitment.

It is alleged that the previous government reported fake vacancies to the PSC—under the second and third streams, in an effort to place political sympathisers in top administrative positions. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) gathered details regarding the General Administration Department's finding that two of the three reported vacancies were invalid. The SIT also obtained a report indicating that the 31 anticipated vacancies had been calculated based on a 'deputation reserve'—a practice that violated the special rules governing KAS recruitment.

Two additional vacancies arose because existing KAS officers were appointed to newly created deputation posts; these cannot be classified as permanent vacancies. This irregularity occurred despite there being no vacancies in the second and third streams reserved for employees.

The ulterior motives behind the decision to create reserve posts are also being investigated. A meeting chaired by the then Chief Minister on June 5, 2023, had decided to designate 30 per cent of KAS posts as a deputation reserve, following the All India Service model. No study was conducted to determine which institutions' posts should be included in this reserve. Furthermore, the Public Service Commission (PSC) had been informed of 31 anticipated future vacancies even prior to that meeting. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently investigating these matters across various departments.

• Serious irregularities were detected in the appointment of certain Assistant Professors, including in the Music department. The question papers were set and the evaluation conducted by teachers from the very institutions where the appointees studied. An investigation is underway within the Department of Collegiate Education.

• It was also discovered that the question paper for one of the exams was prepared by the Dean of the college where a candidate who secured full marks had studied. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is examining the possibility of a question paper leak.