99 panchayats hit by staff crunch; Kerala government begins recruitment process

Malappuram: A growing staff shortage in Kerala's local self-government institutions has left 99 grama panchayats without secretaries and 119 without assistant secretaries, raising concerns over delays in public services, welfare schemes and development projects.

The vacancies emerged after a large number of officials retired in April and May. According to government figures, 99 Panchayat Secretaries and 124 Assistant Secretaries retired during the two-month period, creating a significant administrative gap across the state.

The shortage has affected the functioning of local bodies that play a key role in implementing development programmes, welfare initiatives and public service delivery. Officials say the workload of panchayats has increased considerably in recent years, with responsibilities expanding to include disaster management, disease prevention and various welfare activities.

The absence of secretaries and assistant secretaries has reportedly slowed project implementation, beneficiary identification processes and day-to-day administrative operations. Several panchayats are struggling to provide timely services to residents as existing staff are forced to handle additional responsibilities.

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Responding to concerns, the Kerala government said steps are underway to fill the vacancies. Secretaries will be appointed through the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) and through promotions, while assistant secretary posts will be filled through promotional appointments.

The government stated that the PSC has already initiated proceedings to appoint 10 Panchayat Secretaries. The remaining vacancies are expected to be filled after scrutiny of seniority lists and the completion of promotion-related procedures.

Ernakulam and Palakkad worst affected

Ernakulam and Palakkad districts have the highest number of panchayats without secretaries, with 13 vacancies each.

Other districts facing secretary shortages include Kozhikode (12), Thrissur (9), Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha (7 each), Idukki, Malappuram and Kannur (6 each), Kottayam (5), and Wayanad and Kasaragod (4 each).

Assistant Secretary vacancies are highest in Malappuram, where 17 panchayats are functioning without the official. Ernakulam, Palakkad and Kasaragod each have 11 such vacancies, while Kollam has 10 and Kannur has 9.