Kerala PSC to decide on rank list validity extension until November; crucial decision on May 25

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) has received the Cabinet’s recommendation to extend the validity of rank lists until 30 November. The matter will be discussed at the PSC meeting scheduled for 25 May. If approved, around 100 rank lists will receive an extension of three to six months. Rank lists set to expire between the date of the decision and 31 August will remain valid until 30 November.

The proposed extension applies to several state-level rank lists, including Assistant Professor posts in various subjects, Special Branch Assistant in the Police Department, and Fisheries Assistant in the Fisheries Department. Certain district-level rank lists, such as Supplyco Assistant Salesman and High School Teacher posts, will also benefit from the extension.

The Cabinet cited the delay in vacancy reporting by government departments in recent months, owing to the Assembly elections, as the reason for seeking the extension. At present, all members of the PSC are representatives aligned with the Left. However, the recommendation may not be accepted in its current form, as the PSC is expected to undertake a detailed review before taking a final decision. In 2016, the PSC had approved a similar request from the first Pinarayi Vijayan government to extend the validity of rank lists.

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The previous government had opposed extending rank lists due to concerns over non-appointment, and the PSC had followed the same approach. However, there is a perception that the PSC may be reluctant to enter into a political confrontation with the new government at the very beginning of its term.

During the final phase of the previous Left government, there were widespread complaints over the failure to appoint even top-ranked candidates in certain lists, including those for college teaching posts. The current government is believed to view the extension of rank list validity as a measure aimed at retaining the support of young job seekers.

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