The integrity of the Kerala Public Service Commission has come under severe scrutiny once again as authorities prepare to launch criminal investigations into three more recruitment exams. This widening controversy has deepened the crisis surrounding the state hiring body, raising renewed questions about transparency and fairness in public sector appointments. The developments follow a strong push from former governor Rajendra Arlekar, who had earlier recommended the removal of the commission chairman and 15 members due to persistent allegations of corruption and procedural lapses. On October 25, it came to light that Arlekar had formally written to President Droupadi Murmu, urging decisive action against the leadership of the commission.
New Exams Brought Under Criminal Probe
The scope of the investigation is expanding rapidly as law enforcement agencies step up their inquiries. The crime branch is currently preparing to register fresh cases concerning the recruitment processes for the posts of Assistant Motor Vehicles Inspector, Fisheries Extension Officer, and Village Oil Inspector. These examinations have been marred by serious allegations involving compromised question papers, manipulated rank lists, and irregular appointments. Investigators are now looking closely at how these systemic failures were allowed to take place across multiple recruitment cycles.
Internal Vigilance Report Ignored
The push for high-level intervention originated from the findings of the commission's own internal vigilance department, which had uncovered glaring irregularities in the conduct of various examinations. Before stepping down from his post on October 15, Arlekar dispatched a detailed recommendation to President Murmu based on these internal findings. The lack of appropriate administrative action despite clear warnings from the vigilance wing served as a primary catalyst for the former governor to intervene directly in the matter.
Coaching Centre Link in Motor Vehicle Exam
The investigation into the Assistant Motor Vehicles Inspector examination has revealed troubling details regarding how question papers were handled. Preliminary findings indicate that questions featured in the official examination paper matched material previously prepared by a prominent coaching centre specializing in PSC exam preparation. Investigators are actively probing how these questions found their way into the official test paper and whether specific candidates gained an unfair advantage as a result.
Conflict of Interest in Fisheries Recruitment
Significant irregularities have also been flagged in the selection process for the Fisheries Extension Officer post. Reports indicate that every single candidate who secured a spot in the top 100 of the rank list belonged to the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies. Unsuccessful candidates have alleged that faculty members from the exact same university were involved in drafting the question papers and served on the interview board, creating a clear conflict of interest. Furthermore, allegations have surfaced suggesting that student union activists and members associated with the SFI received undue preference during the recruitment.
Rules Flouted for Official Relative
The controversy deepened further with revelations surrounding the Village Oil Inspector recruitment. Reports claim that the wife of a senior PSC official was appointed to the post despite lacking the mandatory qualifications required for the job. This specific allegation has intensified debates over whether recruitment rules were selectively applied to favor connected individuals. These fresh allegations arrive at a time when the commission is already facing immense pressure following intervention from the Kerala High Court regarding widespread irregularities in public service tests.
Special Investigation Team Under Scrutiny
Although the state government previously established a special investigation team to look into the irregularities, the slow pace of the probe has drawn widespread criticism. Before his departure, the former governor summoned the chairman and secretary of the commission to the Raj Bhavan to seek clarifications regarding the mounting scandals. Dissatisfied with their explanations, the former governor concluded that much stricter measures were necessary to restore public faith in the constitutional body.
