The credibility of the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) is under scrutiny as allegations of irregularities during the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government's term have surfaced. The Congress-led government ordered a Crime Branch probe on Wednesday, prompting more complaints to emerge.
Allegations of Irregularities
Multiple complaints have been filed regarding alleged malpractices in recruitments and appointments made by the KPSC during the LDF's tenure. These include claims of favoritism, manipulation of merit lists, and violation of reservation norms. According to sources, at least 10 formal complaints have been submitted since the probe was announced.
Government Response
The state government has taken a firm stance, with Chief Minister stating, "We are committed to transparency and will ensure a thorough investigation into all allegations. The credibility of the KPSC must be upheld." The Crime Branch has been directed to submit a preliminary report within 30 days.
Political Reactions
The opposition LDF has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, calling it a witch-hunt against its previous administration. LDF convener said, "These are baseless claims aimed at tarnishing our image. The KPSC has always functioned independently." Meanwhile, the Congress party has demanded a comprehensive inquiry into all recruitments made since 2021.
Impact on KPSC
The controversy has raised questions about the commission's autonomy and efficiency. With over 50,000 pending vacancies in various state departments, the probe could delay recruitments further. A senior KPSC official noted, "We are cooperating fully with the investigation, but this uncertainty affects our operations."
Next Steps
The Crime Branch will examine documents, including appointment records and selection lists, from the KPSC. The government has assured that no interference will occur in the probe. Transparency advocates have called for a time-bound investigation to restore public trust.
