Planning Board Exam irregularities; PSC Additional Secretary R. Hari suspended

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: R. Hari, Additional Secretary in the examination wing of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), has been suspended pending an inquiry into irregularities in the Planning Board examination. The benefit due to P. Satheesh, a Deputy Secretary who retired months ago, has been withheld. The government took the action after they were named as accused in the case. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) will question them.

Meanwhile, a PSC meeting decided to seek legal advice on former Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s recommendation to the President to remove the PSC chairman and members. At the meeting, criticism was raised that the current crisis stemmed from the chairman’s decision to prevent members who had received notices from appearing for questioning, citing their constitutional status and privileges. The members had been willing to appear for questioning.

PSC Chairman M.R. Baiju criticised the PSC secretary’s earlier visit to Lok Bhavan at the Governor’s request. Only 11 of the commission’s 16 members, including Baiju, attended the meeting. Commission members S.A. Saif, S. Sreekumar and Stanley Thomas appeared before the SIT.

Two cases registered

The SIT has registered two cases against the PSC over irregularities in examinations and recruitment. A third case will be registered the following day. The Crime Branch will inform the Kerala High Court about the cases when it considers the PSC’s petition challenging the investigation.

The cases concern alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment for the posts of Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector in the Motor Vehicles Department, Extension Officer in the Fisheries Department and Village Oil Inspector in the Khadi Board. According to indications, no one has been named as an accused in the FIRs. FIRs will also be registered in seven other cases involving serious irregularities.