Kozhikode: Employment Exchanges in Kerala remain in the dark over appointments of daily wagers in various state government offices. The majority of these appointments are politically driven or based on recommendations. As a result, exchanges are often clueless about vacancies left unreported by government offices. 

Meanwhile, an estimated 40 lakh people are registered in employment exchanges in the state, including candidates, awaiting appointments for the past 30 years. 

Employment Exchanges are supposed to issue notifications based on various factors, including seniority, age, and reservation. Upon receiving details of vacancies, exchanges prepare a list and hand it over to concerned departments and offices. However, often candidates with political backing are handed a favour over others during appointments. 

Currently, daily wagers are appointed for 179 days to 360 days. As per the existing law, the respective department should report before the employment exchange after the expiry of their tenure. The department should conduct an interview and make new appointments. However, these rules are flouted, and some candidates remain in their posts for several years. 

As per the law, the government offices are bound to inform the exchange regarding vacancies. However, many offices continue to fill these vacancies at their discretion.