Government yet to implement decision to hand over RCC appointments to PSC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has not implemented the decision taken seven years ago to hand over appointments at the RCC to the Public Service Commission (PSC). The draft Special Rules, which had been pending in the Secretariat files for the past five years, have now finally been sent back. This was done as requested by the RCC Director to address the shortcomings pointed out by various organisations within the RCC. The Special Rules had earlier been approved by the Governing Body chaired by the Chief Minister and forwarded to the Health Department, but later got delayed in official procedures.

After vigilance found irregularities in appointments at the RCC during the tenure of the previous UDF government, the first Pinarayi Vijayan government decided in 2019 to hand over all non-doctor appointments at the RCC to the PSC. Since then, appointments have largely been made on a contract basis.

The Special Rules were prepared by an official from the Institute of Management in Government (IMG), who held the rank of Special Secretary in the government. After it reached the government in 2022, the draft rules were prepared following discussions with RCC authorities and representatives of employees’ organisations.

There are allegations that the Special Rules have now been recalled to enable the promotion of certain employees to higher supervisory posts. The draft will have to be approved again by the Governing Body, chaired by the Chief Minister, before moving to the next stage. With elections approaching, this is unlikely to happen soon.

The current temporary appointments are alleged to be made to favour certain individuals. Recently, irregularities were reported in the temporary appointment of staff nurses, leading to the cancellation of the rank list and termination of those who had joined duty. A fresh examination will be conducted on the first of next month.

350 posts without govt approval

• It has also emerged that the RCC created 350 posts without government approval.
• Those appointed to these posts were given promotions and benefits.
• The Special Rules can be handed over to the PSC only after the government formally approves these posts.

Steps are in the final stage to prepare the Special Rules in a flawless manner.
Dr Rajaneesh
RCC Director