The Kerala Crime Branch has expanded its investigation into the state's Public Service Commission following reports of exam plagiarism and procedural lapses. Allegations of nepotism and technical failures in recruitment for various government roles have sparked a formal inquiry, with authorities questioning commission officials. This investigation highlights concerns regarding administrative integrity and the reliability of state-led hiring processes.
The Kerala Crime Branch has widened its formal inquiry into the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding a series of recruitment irregularities. This investigation was initially triggered by claims that 45 questions for the Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector examination were copied verbatim from online study materials, raising questions about the commission’s question-setting process. Authorities are now examining the commission's handling of multiple recruitment cycles to determine the extent of these procedural lapses.
The investigation now includes serious allegations of nepotism and bias. Reports indicate that the probe covers recruitment processes for the Fisheries Department, where authorities are investigating claims that selection procedures were manipulated to favor candidates linked to the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies. As part of this expanded focus, the Crime Branch has registered cases against the PSC chairman and several commission members, signaling a high level of scrutiny into the recruitment hierarchy.
Beyond alleged favoritism, the commission is facing significant criticism regarding its technical infrastructure. An inquiry into the recruitment process for the State Planning Board uncovered critical failures in the On-Screen Marking system. This technical issue resulted in descriptive economics questions worth 58 marks going unevaluated. The error forced a mandatory revaluation that significantly changed the candidate rankings, leading to concerns about the fairness and accuracy of the commission's evaluation methods. The ongoing probe has also been extended to include recruitment irregularities related to the Khadi Board and the Village Oil Inspector position.
For observers of the state's administrative and governance landscape, these developments highlight significant risks related to institutional accountability. Reliable recruitment is essential for the efficient functioning of government departments and public sector entities. Persistent failures in exam integrity, evaluation procedures, and selection fairness can undermine the quality of personnel inducted into the public service. As the Crime Branch continues to summon top-ranking PSC officials for questioning, the primary focus for stakeholders is on whether the commission can implement structural changes to restore public trust and ensure the integrity of its future recruitment drives.