PSC recruitment scam to be handed over to Vigilance; order to be issued shortly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Allegations of recruitment irregularities and examination evaluation lapses in the Public Service Commission (PSC), which have caused concern among thousands of job aspirants, are likely to come under a Vigilance probe.

Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) Director Manoj Abraham has sought the state government's permission to launch an inquiry based on two complaints. Approval is expected soon. The government is also likely to seek legal opinion from the Advocate General before taking a final decision, which is expected to be discussed at the Cabinet meeting.

Earlier, the PSC Commission had decided to conduct an internal vigilance inquiry into the allegations. However, the PSC chairman reportedly entrusted the probe to the Examination Controller, whose designation includes the term "Vigilance", instead of an independent vigilance wing.

The controversy surfaced after evidence allegedly showed that 10 questions carrying a total of 58 marks were left unevaluated in an examination conducted for key posts in the State Planning Board. There are also complaints that 38 of the 44 appointments made to the Fisheries Extension Officer post went to candidates associated with a particular student organisation.

Allegations have also been raised regarding recruitment to the posts of Assistant Information Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Special Recruitment), Assistant Professor in Government Law Colleges and the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS). Complaints have also been filed over the process of preparing question papers.

No legal immunity from criminal investigation

Although the Kerala PSC is a constitutional body, its chairman and members do not enjoy immunity from criminal proceedings in the same way as a Governor. They can be named as accused and arrested if required under the law. However, central government sanction is required before prosecution can proceed.

Only President has power to remove chairman and members

The state government does not have the authority to remove the PSC chairman or its members. While the Governor appoints them, only the President of India has the power to remove them after an inquiry conducted at the level of a Supreme Court judge.

"The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau can investigate the allegations of corruption within the PSC as the Commission functions using government funds and for public administration."
-Manoj Abraham
Vigilance Director

Serious allegations in complaint submitted to CM

Meanwhile, complaints submitted to Chief Minister V D Satheesan have raised serious allegations regarding the PSC's recruitment process. One of the key allegations is that many candidates who secured top ranks in several PSC rank lists were linked to a Left-affiliated organisation.

Minister O. J. Jenish Kumar has reportedly written to the Chief Minister seeking an inquiry by an officer of Director General of Police (DGP) rank. The complaint alleges that the PSC had been politically influenced over the past decade.

The complaint also alleges that the PSC chairman, M. R. Baiju, who was formerly associated with the Kerala Government Officers' Association (KGOA), influenced the interview process by obtaining candidates' examination marks before interviews and favouring selected candidates.

It further claims that KGOA leaders frequently served as subject experts during interviews for posts including Planning Board Chief, Assistant Professor in Government Law Colleges and Deputy Superintendent of Police (Special Recruitment). Another allegation states that during the KAS interview process, a Principal Secretary who served as an expert refused to award the unusually high marks allegedly suggested by the chairman.