Congress ministers yet to appoint personal staff as UDF government completes one month

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even a month after the UDF government came to power under V.D. Satheesan, most Congress ministers have not finalised their personal staff appointments. People coming from different parts of the state for various needs are confused about whom to meet. Ministerial offices are witnessing large crowds, creating a situation similar to a festival ground. During Assembly sessions, ministers are even finding it difficult to enter their offices inside the Assembly complex. The delay is also affecting the movement of files and official work.

Ministers from the RSP and Kerala Congress need to appoint only a few more staff members. Several staff appointments for Muslim League ministers have already been completed, and the remaining list has also been released. Appointments are still pending in the Chief Minister’s office as well. The offices of ministers Ramesh Chennithala and K. Muraleedharan have already finalised the majority of their personal staff appointments. As per the existing practice, 50% of personal staff members are appointed through government service deputation, while the remaining positions are filled through political appointments.

The rules require that most posts, including Additional Private Secretary and Assistant Private Secretary, should be filled by officials from the government service. Although political appointments are usually decided by party leadership, ministers also have the freedom to appoint staff according to their preference. Recommendations are reportedly coming from party district leadership, constituency-level organisations, MPs, MLAs, and community organisations. Some ministers have received more than 100 recommendation letters for personal staff positions.

The KPCC leadership is carefully reviewing candidates before finalising appointments, as it wants to avoid controversies similar to those reported during the appointment of government pleaders.

As per the existing norms, ministers can appoint up to 30 personal staff members, but there is an understanding that around 25 members will be sufficient. The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Chief Whip can also appoint staff in a similar manner. The final list of appointments has reportedly been prepared, and official orders are expected to be issued soon.