Thiruvananthapuram, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), known for its fair recruitment processes, is facing a significant credibility crisis due to alleged irregularities in the Planning Board examination. On October 13, the Kerala High Court clarified that the government can continue its investigation even while considering PSC’s plea to dismiss the FIR against it. Justice Badaruddeen stated that filing the petition does not necessitate halting the investigation, emphasizing that the court had not imposed any stay and was merely reviewing the petition.
The PSC has requested additional time to respond to the Crime Branch’s report. The court plans to revisit the matter in two days. This ongoing situation has captured public attention, with candidates and the general populace awaiting action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities.
The Crime Branch informed the High Court that ten questions, totaling 58 marks, were deliberately left unchecked. This revelation has raised serious concerns about the examination’s administration and the ranking process. Following a reevaluation, the rankings were altered, resulting in Shyam Krishnan, who filed the complaint, achieving the top rank. Subsequently, the PSC issued an advisory memo based on the new ranking list.
Reports indicate that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the Planning Board examination controversy has received over 150 complaints. The investigation is also examining the potential involvement of other PSC staff members. Job candidates are closely monitoring the inquiry, eager to see those responsible for the discrepancies identified and penalized.
This controversy has also drawn attention to the PSC’s composition. The current commission’s 16 members were appointed by the previous government led by Pinarayi Vijayan. One of these appointments, later rescinded, is linked to an individual perceived as a supporter of leftist ideology. Such allegations have further politicized the issue.
For candidates who have dedicated years to preparing for competitive exams, the PSC symbolizes the promise that merit, rather than political influence, will determine their future. Therefore, the outcome of the Crime Branch investigation is crucial not only for those directly affected by the Planning Board examination but also for public trust in the state’s recruitment processes.
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