Kozhikode (Keralam), Oct 25 Keralam Minister T Siddique on Sunday asserted that the state government would ensure accountability for alleged irregularities in the PSC and bring those responsible to justice.
Responding to questions about former Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s recommendation to President Droupadi Murmu to remove PSC Chairman M R Baiju, Siddique said the UDF government had taken the allegations seriously and ordered a Crime Branch investigation into the functioning of the recruitment body.
He alleged that the Public Service Commission had undermined merit in recruitment and damaged its credibility during the previous LDF government’s tenure.
“The crime branch investigation is progressing well. In the coming days, the investigation will take important steps. We will not compromise in bringing all the accused before the law,” the state Agriculture minister said.
Siddique alleged that the PSC and universities had suffered serious damage over the past decade, claiming that recruitment irregularities had jeopardised the future of young people in the state.
He said the cabinet had discussed the matter in detail and decided to order an investigation.
The investigation had the court’s full backing, and he added that steps would be taken to expedite it.
The minister alleged that changes in the allocation of marks for interviews in recruitment examinations had undermined merit in PSC selections and said those responsible would face action.
In a separate matter, Siddique denied allegations that he had recommended a lawyer of his choice for appointment as special public prosecutor in the Nedumbassery Mini Cooper crash case, in which three young people were killed when a speeding car hit their scooter.
Police have arrested four people in connection with the incident.
Siddique said his only concern was to ensure that the accused received the maximum punishment and that the victims’ families received full support from the government.
He was responding to allegations that he had recommended Kozhikode-based lawyer P V Hari for the prosecution.
The minister said the family of one of the victims, Devika, who belonged to his constituency, had approached him seeking the lawyer’s appointment.
The family had submitted a petition along with the lawyer’s consent letter, he said.
“I have only one interest in this case—to ensure that the accused receive the maximum punishment,” he said.
Siddique said he had visited the victim’s family earlier, but they had not raised the issue of appointing a public prosecutor at the time.
The request was made later, when the victim’s father met him at the Kalpetta Rest House, he said.
He maintained that the appointment was sought at the family’s request and was not based on his personal recommendation.
The minister said the government would extend all possible support to the families of the three victims and would not compromise on protecting their interests.
(PTI News)
