THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central government informed the Supreme Court about taking necessary steps to ensure reservation for SC, ST, and OBC categories in temporary appointments above 45 days in the central government. The same will also be applicable in Kerala.

Unofficial estimates show that more than ten thousand temporary appointments are made without reservation in various government departments, boards, corporations, and other public sector institutions in the state every year. the central government will be in a fix if someone approaches court alleging non-compliance with reservation. As of now, the employment exchange is made to sit idle while the government officials in connivance with other parties are toppling the reservation systems in the state.

Contract and daily wage assignments are often for three months, six months, and one year. At least 5,000 temporary appointments are made every year in contingency posts like attendants, lab assistants, and sweepers in government hospitals from medical colleges to primary health centers under the health department.

Appointments made through Hospital Development Committees (HDCs) are devoid of reservation rules. Meanwhile, appointments made by committees controlled by local leaders of ruling parties are based on lists provided by party high committees and recommendations of leaders. Many such appointments are also being made through Kudumbasree. Allegations are also rife about bribes being taken to complete such appointments. Even if the government changes, the appointees will remain fixed to the same rank.

In KSRTC's new company SWIFT, more than 200 temporary appointments in posts ranging from conductor, and driver to mechanical engineer were made without following reservation criteria. About 500 temporary appointments in the posts of medical officer and in the AYUSH under the health department were done in the same way.

The Co-operative Recruitment Board recently formed by the government is least bothered about following the reservation norms. The same is the case with institutions like C-DIT and the State Sports Council.