Allegations of deep-rooted irregularities in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) have sharpened heading into the weekly Cabinet meeting of the V.D. Satheesan government on Wednesday, 7 July, with the new administration facing its first significant test of institutional accountability. The Cabinet's response is expected to signal how the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government intends to handle one of Kerala's most consequential constitutional bodies.

Demand for Judicial Inquiry

Veteran Congress leader Cherian Philip has called for a comprehensive judicial inquiry into alleged irregularities that, according to him, have accumulated within the PSC over the past decade. Philip has specifically sought an immediate probe into appointments made in the State Planning Board and the Public Relations Department (PRD), registration of criminal cases against those found culpable, and sweeping structural reforms in the Commission's administration and functioning.

In a social media post, Philip alleged that the PSC — despite being a constitutional institution — had been thoroughly politicised. He claimed appointments to the Commission had become instruments of political patronage, with allegations that influential leaders accepted money for securing membership and that quota-based appointments allotted to coalition partners had turned into subjects of political bargaining.

Scope of Alleged Irregularities

Philip's allegations span a wide range of systemic failures: flaws in question paper preparation, question paper leaks, manipulation in the valuation of answer scripts, malpractice in viva voce examinations, and corruption in appointments. He also called for a reduction in the salaries of the PSC Chairman and members, arguing that their emoluments and pension benefits exceed those of several top constitutional and administrative functionaries.

A Pattern Across Governments

A review of the PSC's appointment history suggests the politicisation Philip describes is not new. Successive governments, irrespective of political affiliation, have largely nominated individuals considered close to the ruling dispensation. Membership has routinely gone to senior party functionaries, candidates who narrowly missed Assembly nominations, election losers, or close associates of influential political leaders.

The present Commission reflects appointments made entirely during the decade-long tenure of the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government under Pinarayi Vijayan. The body currently comprises a Chairman and 15 members, all appointed during that period. Under governing rules, members serve until they reach the age of 62 or complete a six-year tenure, whichever comes first.

Notably, the immediate past PSC Chairman — upon completing his tenure — was appointed Chairman of the Kerala Wakf Board and was subsequently fielded by the Left as an Assembly candidate, though he was defeated in a constituency traditionally considered favourable to the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Five Vacancies and Fresh Lobbying

At present, five vacancies exist in the Commission. With the UDF now in power, political circles are already abuzz with lobbying by coalition constituents seeking representation in those posts. How the Satheesan government fills these vacancies is expected to be one of the earliest and most visible tests of its stated commitment to institutional reform.

What the Cabinet Decides Next

Whether the government opts for an independent judicial investigation, institutes structural reforms, or confines itself to administrative measures will be closely scrutinised. The decisions taken in the coming days are likely to shape not only the future credibility of the PSC but also the new government's standing on accountability — a theme that was central to the UDF's electoral campaign.