Thiruvananthapuram: Five years after the initial notification regarding appointments to vacancies under the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS), there has been no second notification from the Public Service Commission (PSC). The delay is attributed to the non-identification and non-reporting of vacancies. 

According to the rules, notifications are to be issued once every two years for appointments. The first KAS notification was issued by the PSC on November 1, 2019. A total of 108 candidates were recommended for appointment from the first-rank list.

It may be noted that approximately 40 vacancies were identified as part of the deputation reserve. However, these vacancies have not yet been considered for inclusion under KAS so that they can be reported to the PSC. The main reason for the delay in the notification is reportedly pressure from service organisations.

If the notification is not issued this year, a significant number of candidates who exceed the age limit conditions will lose their opportunity to join KAS.

Delay in transferring KAS appointees

According to KAS officers, the criteria for transfers and the actual transfers were assured within a year of appointments. The first appointment order was issued on July 3, 2023. While the criteria for determining transfers were released three months ago, no actual transfers have taken place, even after 1.4 years.