Kottayam: Recruitment in universities across Kerala is often conducted outside standard employment channels, bypassing the Employment Exchange and favouring politically influenced appointments. At Sreenarayanaguru Open University, 118 posts were sanctioned; however, it was proposed to fill them largely on deputation and temporary contracts. Despite a four-year waiting period, the Finance Department is yet to approve permanent positions.

10 staff members joined on deputation, 163 were hired on contracts, and four received daily wage roles. While a few were selected through the Employment Exchange to show formal adherence to guidelines, most appointments remain discretionary. Many university positions are filled externally without permanent post approval, even when Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) prepared lists are available. If a post is regularised, it allows employees from other universities to transfer to these universities.

Currently, about 150 people work temporarily at Mahatma Gandhi University, with less than a quarter of them coming through new employment lists. Two recruitment lists are maintained for selection: a syndicate list and a university list. The syndicate list includes candidates nominated by the ruling political party, while the university list also caters to union-backed candidates, often ensuring their employment continues beyond the original term.

The same approach is taken for temporary roles related to examination tabulation. Candidates are listed by the Employment Exchange, and only a few are selected last minute from this list. The remaining posts are filled by choice, allowing the list to expire while a discretionary selection is made.

It’s reported that around 205 people have been hired through employment exchanges at Kannur University, many of whom continue to serve despite expired contracts. The state government has also disclosed employment figures for various public entities: KSFE (49), KSEB (19), Malabar Cements Limited (176), Milma (289), Bevco (129), Traco Cables (36), and Keltron (75). A large number of these roles are not regularly updated and are allegedly reserved for backdoor appointments. This is often done by concealing the true extent of temporary vacancies. Appointments made via the Employment Exchange serve largely as a formality.