Planning Board recruitment row: RTI Commission orders PSC to release documents

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a blow to the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), the State Right to Information (RTI) Commission has directed it to release all examination records related to the controversial recruitment process for the State Planning Board. The order requires the PSC to provide applicants with all requested documents, including answer sheets and interview marks, within seven days. It comes after candidates alleged that the PSC had failed to furnish the records despite repeated requests under the Right to Information Act.

Meanwhile, the Controller of Examinations has admitted that errors had occurred during the evaluation process. According to the Controller, a mistake in assigning answer scripts for evaluation resulted in 10 questions not being assessed. In a press release, the PSC said a Superintendent of Police (SP) has been entrusted with conducting an inquiry into the matter and has been directed to submit a report within two weeks.

The controversy began after candidates alleged widespread irregularities in the evaluation process and the preparation of the rank lists for three key posts in the State Planning Board. The alleged discrepancies came to light after candidates obtained copies of their answer sheets through RTI applications. The recruitment process under scrutiny involves the posts of Chief of Industry and Infrastructure Division, the Chief of Perspective Planning Division, and the Chief of Planning Coordination Division.