The Kerala government is actively considering handing over the investigation into alleged irregularities in a Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitment examination for senior posts in the State Planning Board to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), amid escalating criticism over the PSC's handling of the controversy. The development, reported on 5 July, marks a significant escalation in the state's response to what critics have called a compromised internal inquiry.

Background: What Went Wrong in the Evaluation

The controversy centres on a PSC recruitment examination conducted for three Chief-level posts in the State Planning Board. During the evaluation process, examiners allegedly failed to assess answers to ten questions in the answer scripts of candidates — a lapse that went undetected before results were processed. More than 200 candidates had appeared for the examination.

Despite the error, the PSC proceeded to publish rank lists for two of the three posts and went ahead with the appointment of two candidates. The irregularity came to light only after a complaint was filed before the Kerala Administrative Tribunal. During tribunal proceedings, the PSC admitted that mistakes had occurred in the evaluation process.

Why the Internal Probe Has Lost Credibility

Following the tribunal's intervention, the PSC announced that all answer scripts would be re-evaluated and rank lists revised accordingly. However, candidates have since complained that no concrete steps have been initiated to carry out the promised re-evaluation, deepening distrust in the process.

Critics have specifically questioned the fairness of the ongoing internal inquiry, pointing out that it has been entrusted to an official who reports directly to the PSC Chairman. Opposition voices and several stakeholders have alleged that such an arrangement could undermine the integrity of the probe and shield those responsible for the lapse.

Government's Next Steps: Legal Opinion and Cabinet Decision

In response to mounting pressure, the Home Department has decided to seek a legal opinion on whether there are any constitutional or legal hurdles to a Vigilance probe into the functioning of the PSC, which is a constitutional body. A final decision on transferring the investigation to the VACB is expected to be taken at the next meeting of the State Cabinet.

Notably, the question of whether a state vigilance body can investigate a constitutionally established commission like the PSC is itself legally complex — a factor that has prompted the government to seek legal clarity before proceeding.

Probe May Expand to Other Recruitment Processes

The controversy has also triggered scrutiny of recruitment processes for several other government posts. Complaints have been raised regarding selections for Fisheries Extension Officer, Assistant Information Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Special Recruitment), Assistant Professor in Law Colleges, Kerala Administrative Service (KAS), and Public Relations Officer in universities.

According to government sources, ministers concerned have urged Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to order impartial investigations into these recruitment processes as well. The government is reportedly considering referring these complaints to the Vigilance Department, potentially expanding the scope of the probe into alleged irregularities across public sector recruitment in the state.

How the Cabinet responds at its next sitting will determine whether this becomes a landmark accountability moment for the PSC — or another inquiry that stalls under institutional inertia.