Kerala PSC to cooperate with SIT probe into alleged recruitment irregularities

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) has said it will fully cooperate with the Crime Branch's Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in recruitment.

The PSC noted that it would hand over all documents sought by the investigating agency in accordance with the law.

The SIT, constituted by the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister VD Satheesan, has adopted a calibrated approach to the investigation, considering the PSC's constitutional status and statutory safeguards.

Instead of immediately registering criminal cases, the team has begun verifying complaints, recording statements, examining recruitment records and questioning officials associated with various selection processes before deciding on further legal action.

The investigation gathered pace on its first day, with the SIT receiving more than a dozen complaints alleging irregularities in several key recruitment processes. These include the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS), the appointment of the Planning Board Chief, the Deputy Superintendent of Police Special Recruitment examination, the Economics and Statistics Research Officer examination and recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor in Hotel Management.

The state government has expanded the SIT to eight members. It is headed by IG Ajitha Begum under the overall supervision of ADGP H. Venkatesh.

A preliminary report is expected to be submitted to the State Police Chief by July 25.

The probe has also brought the PSC's internal vigilance mechanism under scrutiny. Questions have been raised over whether its vigilance wing, headed by a Superintendent of Police, had adequate safeguards in place to detect and prevent the alleged irregularities.

The Kerala PSC currently has 16 members, including its chairman, all appointed during the previous Pinarayi Vijayan government. Five posts remain vacant, with the VD Satheesan-led government yet to make fresh appointments.

Appointments to the PSC have traditionally attracted political attention, with ruling parties often competing to nominate their candidates whenever vacancies arise.

IANS