Permanent appointment in Lokayukta: PSC disapproves 'special rule'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Public Service Commission (PSC) has withheld the special rule which stipulates permanent employment for all those on deputation at Lokayukta. PSC is opposing the provision of enlisting all in Lokayukta service irrespective of efficiency and integrity. With this, PSC has put a roadblock to the move to give permanent jobs to people who came to Lokayukta on deputation through political influence from various departments. Hitherto, even the mandatory transfer rules didn’t apply to the ones on deputation.

Earlier there was a move to give permanent jobs to those who have completed four years in Lokayukta. However, the special rule provided a permanent opportunity for new arrivals as well. These are people on deputation from various departments including law, revenue and college education. If made permanent, the Lokayukta will become a permanent base for government lackeys. There is also a budget allocation of Rs 8.03 crore for salaries of staff in Lokayukta.

The deputation appointment is for 91 posts including Court Officer, Section Officer, Senior Grade Assistant, Office Attendant, Attendants, ADGP, SP, two DYSPs, three Inspectors and three CPOs for the investigating agency. Besides them, there are only 18 permanent employees in the Lokayukta.

Many moves were made to create more job posts through special rules pointing out that there are 1800 posts in the Karnataka Lokayukta. PSC stepped in and doused the move,

• Trials in corruption cases against politicians, bureaucrats and people's representatives have come to a standstill due to the absence of a division bench consisting of Lokayukta and Upalokayukta.

• A committee consisting of the Speaker, the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition has to recommend the name of the retired High Court judge to the Governor for appointment.