PSC first rank holder gets appointment order to defunct school, protest follows

KANNUR: Soumya Nanu, a native of Pattiam was in high spirits when she reached Peringoth Model Residential School, after securing first rank in the PSC examination for a school-maid post. However, the high spirits soon withered away as the school authorities informed about the classes not starting due to poor attendance. Soumya later approached the Kannur District Scheduled Caste Development Office, which is the appointing authority, but was left dejected as the authorities refused to take necessary actions.

The appointment order issued on January 4 will expire on the 4th of next month. 37-year-old Soumya, who toiled hard to get the coveted job is now conducting a sit-in strike in front of the office. She is also considering taking legal steps. As per the rules, Soumya should have started work by January and now she is walking through offices in the hope of getting her appointment ready at the earliest.

Soumya who was ranked first is denied appointment while those who secured second and third rank have already joined work at various schools coming under the educational department. The school which has not started functioning comes under the Scheduled Caste Development Department. There are no other schools under the department in the district. As the PSC exam was conducted within the district, the officials can't allow appointments outside the district for Soumya.

PSC says that the authorities had reported that there is a vacancy in this school. Soumya is planning to take legal action against the District Scheduled Caste Development Officer who issued the appointment order.