PSC recruitment row: Fresh allegations surface over DIET Lecturer, Assistant Information Officer appointments

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Allegations of irregularities in PSC appointments made during the previous government's tenure are mounting. Fresh complaints have surfaced, alleging that candidates favoured by Left parties were appointed to the posts of District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Lecturer and Assistant Information Officer. The new allegations come even as the controversy over alleged irregularities in the preparation of various rank lists for the State Planning Board continues.

The latest complaint alleges that the eligibility criteria for the Assistant Information Officer post were manipulated to benefit candidates included in the rank list. According to the allegations, fake work experience certificates were created with the assistance of officials from the Public Relations Department (PRD). Applicants for the post are required to have two years of work experience in the media sector.

It is further alleged that officials bypassed prescribed procedures to issue work experience certificates to M-panel employees under the PRISM panel and others. Reports suggest that nearly 100 candidates may have altered their qualification documents in this manner. Complainants have also alleged that all 15 candidates included in the rank list submitted fake qualification certificates.

Meanwhile, candidates have also raised allegations of irregularities in the rank lists for DIET Lecturer posts, claiming that members of the state committee of the Left-affiliated teachers' organisation KSTA received preferential treatment. The allegations relate to the rank lists published by the PSC in April for 47 gazetted DIET Lecturer posts under Category Nos. 349/2022 to 396/2022. According to the complainants, it is not a coincidence that seven SCERT Research Officers, including KSTA state leaders, secured top positions in the rank lists. They have alleged that the selection process was manipulated to favour candidates with political affiliations.