​​​​​​THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government institutions including the local bodies are selecting employees by ignoring the government order that all appointments not covered by the PSC should be made through the Employment Exchange. The ombudsman directed that those appointed not through employment exchange should be dismissed. But this was also not followed. At present employment exchanges are relied upon only for temporary recruitment for permanent posts in government offices. All the others are shown as short-term appointments as part of various projects or missions. Then direct applications are called and the party members are appointed.

The government order is that all appointments not covered by the PSC Act should be through the Employment Exchange. The order was issued by the then Principal Secretary Tom Jose on February 2, 2014, on the basis of the Compulsory Notification of Vacancies Act, 1959. The directive issued by the then Additional Chief Secretary to all department heads on December 26, 2016, that action would be taken against the heads of institutions if this order was not followed, was also not given any consideration.

Later, RTI activist Ravi Ulliyeri approached the ombudsman with evidence. The complaint was against the illegal appointment in Chakkittapara panchayat and Thalakulathur panchayat of Kozhikode district. The ombudsman ordered that the illegal appointees should be dismissed, but nothing happened.

Even if candidates are called for an interview through the employment exchange, those who bring the party letter will get the appointment. This has been an open secret in the state.