The Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) has called for a thorough Vigilance investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment practices by the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) spanning the last ten years. The committee highlighted concerns over corruption, question paper leaks, and the financial backgrounds of PSC members. SUCC emphasized the need for transparency and credibility within the PSC, which plays a vital role in government job placements for numerous job seekers.
In a memorandum addressed to the Governor, Chief Minister, and Home Minister, SUCC Chairman R.S. Sasikumar expressed apprehensions about the integrity of the current PSC board, which comprises a Chairman and 15 members appointed during the tenure of the Pinarayi Vijayan government (2016-26). The committee pointed out that recent controversies have cast doubts on the fairness of the recruitment processes, affecting the trust of aspiring candidates relying on the PSC for employment opportunities.
Allegations raised by the committee included claims of favoritism towards students affiliated with the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) in the recruitment of Extension Officers in the Fisheries Department. It was reported that a significant majority of appointments went to KUFOS students, raising concerns about the selection criteria and the involvement of university affiliates in the recruitment process. Despite recommendations for external investigations in certain cases, no concrete actions have been taken so far.
Moreover, SUCC highlighted discrepancies in the recruitment procedures for various positions, such as Chief Industrial and Infrastructure Officer in the State Planning Board, Assistant Information Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Assistant Professor in Law Colleges, Kerala Administrative Service (KAS), and University Public Relations Officer. The committee alleged that essential protocols were disregarded, and examination sub-committees were allegedly overlooked, leading to doubts about the fairness and impartiality of the selection processes.
The committee also questioned the lack of a thorough inquiry by the PSC into the involvement of student leaders in previous controversies, particularly related to the University College violence and the Civil Police Officer (CPO) rank list issue. Concerns were raised about the influence exerted by certain PSC members in the appointment of question paper setters, potentially compromising the integrity of written examinations. SUCC emphasized the urgent need for a high-level Vigilance probe by competent authorities to address the allegations and restore public trust in the recruitment system.
