THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A private consultancy here that runs as a parallel PSC makes unlawful appointments that too in government and public sector institutions. This includes designations with a salary of over Rs 50,000.

Mint Housekeeping job consultancy functioning in Thycaud Church Lane, appointed 90 people so far in 22 designations even in offices including that of the chief secretary's. The government is paying a monthly amount of Rs 19.95 lakh to the consultancy.

The consultancy appointed a team leader in a special cell and two deputy team leaders at a salary of Rs 1.25 lakh in the chief secretary's office. Keralakaumudi had earlier reported that team leader Niranjan K Nair and deputy leader Kavitha C Pillai going around carrying a visit card that has the government seal on it, The consultancy has appointed personnel in the finance department and NORKA.

For Kinfra, Mint provides skilled workers under a contract basis without a specific period. KINFRA won't be giving salaries to them but an amount that includes an 18 percent tax will be transferred to 'Mint'. Most of the appointments are in designations like housekeeping, office assistant, and computer assistant.

In the government order, it is said that appointments to high salaried designations like special team leader and deputy team leader were made by the chief secretary. The chief secretary has the power to evaluate their work and decide to relieve them if needed.