Kerala Kaumudi impact; atonement for PSC's 'one-minute cruelty'; visually impaired Saiju secures government job

KOCHI: For P.S. Saiju, a visually impaired resident of Udayamperoor, Ernakulam, a journey defined by bureaucratic hurdles and persistent advocacy has finally reached a triumphant conclusion. Following a cabinet decision, the state government has officially paved the way for his appointment as a Lower Division (LD) Clerk in the Local Self-Government (LSG) Department, correcting a long-standing injustice that had denied him employment over a mere one-minute delay.

Saiju’s ordeal began in 2018 when he was placed ninth on the LD Clerk supplementary rank list for Ernakulam. As the rank list approached its expiration date on March 31, 2018, all vacancies were reported to the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC).

The crux of the conflict centered on a vacancy vacated by the eighth-ranked candidate, K.K. Jawahar, who had formally declined the position. Despite Saiju’s efforts to ensure the vacancy was reported in time, administrative complications hindered the process. While a fresh recommendation was sent by the Director of Urban Affairs, the notification reached the Ernakulam office at 12:01 AM—one minute past the midnight deadline.

The PSC initially maintained a rigid stance, refusing to acknowledge the vacancy due to the timing. Even after the Director of Urban Affairs clarified that the delay was a technical error and requested the consideration of all vacancies reported before the conclusion of the day, the district PSC office remained unmoved.

Saiju—who supports his wife and daughter by running a small stationery shop—relentlessly sought justice. His case gained significant public attention when Kerala Kaumudi highlighted his struggle.

The media report acted as a catalyst and the State Commission for Disabled Persons registered a case against the PSC Secretary and the District PSC Officer. Throughout this period, Saiju appealed to the Chief Minister and the Human Rights Commission, even securing a favorable ruling from the Administrative Tribunal that mandated his appointment should a vacancy exist.

Reflecting on the government's decision to finally grant him the appointment, an emotional Saiju expressed his profound gratitude. "Very happy... thanks to Kerala Kaumudi," he stated, acknowledging the role of the media in bringing his plight to the forefront.