Jayathilak faces probe days before taking over as Kerala Chief Secretary

Thiruvananthapuram: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has forwarded a complaint concerning Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) A. Jayathilak to the Chief Secretary. Jayathilak is expected to assume the role of Chief Secretary following the retirement of Sarada Muraleedharan on April 30.

The complaint accuses Jayathilak and fellow IAS officer K. Gopalakrishnan of misappropriating central funds intended for the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), a scheme aimed at the upliftment of scheduled caste communities. Since the matter falls outside the CVC's jurisdiction, the complaint was referred to the state government for further action, TNIE reported.

A complaint was filed by J Bency, a resident of Kollam, alleging fund diversion and questionable contracts by certain officials. According to the complaint, a non-IATA-accredited firm was awarded a contract to train Scheduled Caste youth for aviation-related jobs. K. Gopalakrishnan, who formerly served as the Director of the Scheduled Caste Development Department, currently holds the position of Managing Director at the Vyttila Mobility Hub.

Sarada Muraleedharan reportedly told the media that she would investigate the issue. Previously, suspended IAS officer N. Prasanth had made several allegations against Jayathilak. On April 17, Prasanth attended a personal hearing with Sarada Muraleedharan to present his side regarding accusations such as causing disruption within the civil service, insubordination, and making disrespectful remarks about senior officers.