Thiruvananthapuram, July 3 (IANS) In a significant move that signals closer scrutiny of the functioning of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), a constitutional body entrusted with recruitment to State government services, the Chief Minister Satheesan-led Kerala government has directed all department heads to report vacancies to the Commission within three weeks, warning of disciplinary action against officials who fail to comply.

The directive, issued by the Administrative Reforms Department, applies not only to government departments but also to Public Sector Undertakings.

The move comes amid mounting allegations that delays in reporting vacancies have fuelled irregular temporary appointments, raising concerns over transparency in public recruitment.

The communication is widely seen as the first administrative step in a broader exercise to restore confidence in the recruitment process.

Since the V.D. Satheesan-led UDF government assumed office in May, a series of serious allegations concerning the PSC’s recent selection processes have surfaced, prompting the government to order an internal vigilance probe.

However, recent remarks by Youth Affairs Minister, O.J. Jeneesh, indicated that the government is not fully satisfied with the progress of the enquiry, with indications that a more comprehensive investigation into recent recruitments could follow.

The present PSC, comprising the Chairman and 15 members, was constituted during the decade-long tenure of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, which remained in office from 2016 to 2026.

Five positions in the Commission are currently vacant.

Under the Constitution, a PSC Chairman or member holds office for six years or until attaining the age of 62, whichever is earlier.

Fresh controversy has also erupted over the Research Officer examination conducted for recruitment to the Department of Economics and Statistics.

Candidates have alleged serious irregularities in the test, claiming that the question paper did not reflect the postgraduate standard prescribed as the minimum qualification.

They have further alleged that the answer key was prepared in a manner that made option ‘B’ the correct answer for an unusually large number of questions.

Seeking cancellation of the examination and a fresh test, candidates have approached the Chief Minister, alleging that the recruitment process was compromised.

The government is expected to examine these complaints alongside the ongoing vigilance enquiry, making the PSC’s functioning one of the first major governance issues to come under the scanner of the new administration.

–IANS

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