The Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) has urged the Kerala state government to ensure that only qualified individuals are appointed as members of the State Public Service Commission (PSC). Currently, five vacancies exist in the PSC.
Controversy Over Past Appointments
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government faced controversy after introducing a significant pay hike and pension benefits for PSC members appointed on political grounds rather than academic merit or professional excellence, according to SUCC. The Governor recently refused to endorse the LDF government’s recommendation to appoint two members, following complaints about their lack of competence.
Memorandum to Chief Minister
In a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister V D Satheesan, SUCC emphasized that only highly qualified persons with substantial experience should be appointed as PSC members. The committee urged the Chief Minister to amend the PSC Act to ensure this requirement. Additionally, SUCC requested a review of the previous government’s decision to grant hefty pensions to PSC members who served for only a few years.
Call for Academic Excellence
The committee stated that PSC members should possess academic excellence comparable to the qualifications required for vice-chancellors. Just before the assembly elections, the LDF government had recommended the appointment of two individuals as PSC members but failed to secure the Governor’s approval.
Withdrawal of Recommendations
The first cabinet meeting of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government decided to withdraw those recommendations. The nominees proposed by the LDF were Ajayakumar, private secretary of a former CPI minister, and Shihabudheen, a leader of Congress (S).
Retirements and Vacancies
The number of member vacancies increased to five after three more members retired in May: CPM representative Jose D’Cruz, Kerala Congress representative Mini Zachariah, and CPI’s Vijayakumaran Nair. The PSC currently has 16 members out of a total strength of 21, including Chairman M R Baiju, who is also a leader of a CPM teachers’ organization.
