The Kerala High Court, on October 5, came down heavily on the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the appointment in the State Planning Board. The High Court blasted the manner in which the answer paper valuation was done. The Court said that leaving 58 questions unevaluated is a serious matter. PSC’s credibility should be maintained. PSC is the hope for the youth. Demolishing such an institution shall not be allowed, the Court stated.
The High Court was hearing the PSC’s petition praying to stop the investigation. The Court said that the prayer to stop the investigation is not right. The Court asked if PSC stands against any investigation into its conduct. The PSC’s petition to stop the investigation will not stand. Serious allegations have been levelled against the institution, the Court said.
The hearing has been deferred to October 8.
PSC had argued that the discrepancy in the valuation was a mere clerical lapse. But the government counsel countered the PSC’s argument and stated that it was a pre-planned crime.
The High Court observed that the lack of evaluation cannot be considered a clerical lapse.
The government counsel pointed out that PSC officials did not appear before the Court despite the notice being issued. The Court wondered why there was no strict action against the institution. The Court stated that the PSC has to cooperate with the investigation.
It was widely reported in August about the grave anomaly in connection with the valuation of the KPSC (Kerala Public Service Commission) answer papers. A Left organisation leader has been selected for the position of Chief Industry and Infrastructure in the State Planning Board. Bigwigs of PSC and top politicians are suspected in the conspiracy. Bribery is suspected too.
PSC has been inviting the wrath of jobseekers for a long time, of course, due to anomalies. The PSC candidates have been blaming the political leadership for not controlling the PSC officials properly. But now the SIT is inquiring into a major issue.
These sorts of anomalies are real challenges to the ambitions of the youth. They study well and pass their examinations. Then they appear for PSC examinations, hoping to land jobs. But, at the end of the day, their hopes bite the dust.
It is high time that the Constitutional institutions were liberated from the clutches of corrupt members. Political influence leads to corruption and anomalies. Consequently, the real beneficiaries miss the bus.
