Kerala PSC recruitment scandal widens; Crime Branch to probe 3 more exams

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s recruitment controversy is set to widen, with the Crime Branch preparing to register cases over alleged irregularities in three more Public Service Commission (PSC) examinations.

The proposed investigations concern the recruitment of Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspectors, Fisheries Extension Officers and Village Oil Inspectors, amid mounting allegations of malpractice in question papers, rank lists and appointments.

In the Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector examination, a preliminary inquiry reportedly found that questions prepared by a prominent PSC coaching institute had appeared in the examination paper. Investigators are examining how this happened and whether candidates gained an unfair advantage.

The Fisheries Extension Officer recruitment has come under scrutiny after reports that all candidates in the top 100 of the rank list studied at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies. Allegations that university teachers were involved in both question-setting and interviews have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

In another case, a PSC official’s wife was allegedly appointed as a Village Oil Inspector despite lacking the required qualifications.

The developments follow outgoing Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s recommendation to President Droupadi Murmu to remove the PSC chairman and 15 members, citing findings of the commission’s internal vigilance wing. Arlekar had also summoned the PSC leadership for explanations.

The President’s decision on the recommendation is awaited, while scrutiny of the recruitment process continues.

With IANS inputs