Alappuzha: Temporary Assistant Grade appointments in universities will henceforth be made directly from the Public Service Commission (PSC) rank list. The Governor, who also serves as the Chancellor, has intervened in the matter, and an official directive from the Governor’s office is expected shortly.

The Vice-Chancellors of Mahatma Gandhi (MG) and Kerala Universities have reportedly conveyed their consent to this transition. The move comes in the wake of widespread complaints regarding interference by ruling party unions and leaders in temporary appointments.

Presently, permanent Assistant Grade recruitment is conducted through a common competitive examination held by the PSC for 13 universities across the state. Roughly 500 vacancies arise every three years.

Since the PSC examination is conducted only once every three years, intermediate vacancies are technically supposed to be filled via Employment Exchanges. However, most universities have been bypassing this by conducting their own ad-hoc recruitments, leaving room for heavy union interference.

Although there is an existing directive to give preference to candidates on the PSC rank list for temporary teaching appointments in colleges, it is rarely followed. Permanent recruitment in government colleges is handled by the PSC, while aided colleges recruit independently through their respective managements. Since there is no separate rank list for aided colleges, temporary appointments are ideally meant to be made from the existing government college rank list.

‘Justice for job seekers’

"Widespread complaints frequently arise even regarding temporary appointments. To resolve this, recruiting from the active PSC rank list is the most appropriate solution. It will ensure fair justice for deserving candidates," says Dr Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kerala.