Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 3: The Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) on Friday called for a comprehensive Vigilance investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission over the past decade, accusing the constitutional body of corruption, question paper leaks and politically influenced appointments.
In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, the Chief Minister and the Home Minister, SUCC chairman R.S. Sasikumar alleged that repeated controversies had eroded the credibility and transparency of the Kerala PSC, which is responsible for recruiting candidates to government services.
The committee pointed out that the present PSC, comprising a chairman and 15 members, was appointed during the tenure of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government between 2016 and 2026.
Among the allegations raised, SUCC claimed that the recruitment process for Extension Officer posts in the Fisheries Department disproportionately favoured students from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, particularly those associated with the Students' Federation of India.
According to the memorandum, 38 of the 44 selected candidates were KUFOS students. It further alleged that individuals connected with the university were involved in preparing the examination question paper as well as serving on the interview panel, while more qualified candidates from other institutions were overlooked.
The committee also noted that although the Fisheries Director had reportedly recommended an independent inquiry into the recruitment process, no investigation had been initiated.
SUCC further alleged irregularities in appointments to the post of Chief Industrial and Infrastructure Officer in the State Planning Board, claiming answer sheets were not properly evaluated and that the rank list was released hastily to benefit politically connected candidates.
Similar concerns were raised over recruitment to several other posts, including Assistant Information Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police under the special recruitment category, Assistant Professor in Law Colleges, the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) and University Public Relations Officer.
The committee alleged that mandatory recruitment procedures were ignored and examination sub-committees were bypassed in these selection processes.
It also questioned why the PSC had not carried out a detailed inquiry into how certain student leaders accused in the earlier University College violence case, which was linked to the Civil Police Officer recruitment controversy, secured high ranks in the selection list.
Sasikumar further alleged that a group comprising the PSC chairman and some members exercised control over the appointment of question paper setters, creating opportunities for question paper leaks and manipulation of written examinations.
He also claimed that the recent appointment of a young leader from the Democratic Youth Federation of India as a PSC member was part of an effort to influence the selection of question paper setters.
According to the committee, these alleged developments have fuelled public perception that the PSC has become increasingly politicised, weakening the confidence of genuine job aspirants and contributing to the migration of talented youth abroad in search of employment opportunities.
The SUCC has urged the state government to order a high-level Vigilance inquiry into all the allegations and ensure that the investigation is carried out by independent and competent officers.