Kollam: The select list of Deputy Tehsildars eligible for consideration for Tehsildar vacancies has stirred controversy due to the inclusion of individuals facing serious criminal charges, including bribery and a case under the POCSO Act.

The list contains candidates involved in the embezzlement of government funds, accepting bribes for issuing quarry licenses, fabricating land ownership documents, and other offences. Upon investigation, 10 out of the 15 individuals named on this list have been charged with such crimes.

Although the Departmental Promotion Committee initially included these controversial names in the list, subsequent scrutiny led to their exclusion. This incident underscores the issue of corruption within the revenue department. 

While the exclusion of corrupt officials from promotion lists has occurred in the past, the scale of this exclusion marks a significant development in addressing systemic corruption in the department.