THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Muhammad Riyaz has intervened to address the delay in appointing 71 assistant engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) to the Kerala Road Fund Board. The decision was made following a report published in Kerala Kaumudi.

Direct instructions were issued for the immediate appointment process, which received approval during the recent cabinet meeting. The PSC has commenced the process of reporting these 71 vacancies, and recruitment recommendations will be swiftly forwarded.

The vacancies arose as 71 officers from the PWD were deputed to the Kerala Road Fund Board for KIFB-related activities. Notably, these replacements were recommended back in July 2021 yet no decisive action was taken. The existing rank list, effective since April 9, 2021 is set to expire within four months, with approximately 650 candidates on the list. However, only 67 people have been recommended for appointment so far.

Highlighting the shortage, the report revealed that while 401 assistant engineers are authorized for direct recruitment in the PWD, only 332 positions are currently filled. Consequently, an immediate decision to fill these vacancies has been reached.

The corrective measures implemented by Minister Riyaz aim to streamline the appointment process and fill crucial engineering positions promptly within the Public Works Department.