Kerala PSC scam: Crime Branch alleges officials manipulated Planning Board chief recruitment

Thiruvananthapuram: The Crime Branch has alleged that Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) officials conspired to manipulate the recruitment process for the post of Chief in the Kerala State Planning Board. A preliminary investigation found that the evaluation process was tampered with to help Arun J. Prathap secure the first rank and get appointed as Chief of the Industry and Infrastructure Division.

Arun J. Prathap is reportedly associated with a Left-affiliated organisation. According to the investigation, 10 answers, carrying a total of 58 marks, were left unevaluated for all candidates who appeared for the examination in order to help him secure the top rank.

The investigation team notes that if these answers had been evaluated, Arun J. Prathap would not have made it to the rank list. Of the 10 questions, he had left four unanswered, while many of the remaining six contained arbitrary or incorrect answers. Hence, the SIT suspects that PSC officials have conspired to manipulate the evaluation process.
The PSC rank list consists of 10 candidates. The investigation is currently focused on the two officials who were responsible for the evaluation. They had served in the ranks of Additional Secretary and Secretary.

Whether more PSC officials were involved can only be determined through a detailed investigation. The final rank list was prepared by combining marks obtained in the written examination and interview. However, the PSC has not yet published the mark list. The interview was conducted by a board comprising the Chairman, a CPM nominee, and two other members. The investigation will be completed only after examining the records of the interview as well.

The SIT has so far received 90 complaints related to the recruitment process. More officers will have to be included in the investigation team to conduct detailed inquiries into each complaint. The Home Department is examining a proposal in this regard. The names of the PSC officials involved will be included in a report to be submitted before the court after obtaining the government's approval.

Meanwhile, a complaint filed by V.S. Jayalal, who secured the fifth rank, challenging the evaluation process is pending before the Kerala Administrative Tribunal. K. Shyamkrishnan, who secured the third rank, has also filed a complaint before the State Information Commission.