Kerala PSC Probe – Cabinet Orders Crime Branch Investigation into Recruitment Concerns
Kerala PSC Probe – The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday decided to refer concerns surrounding Public Service Commission recruitment to the Crime Branch, widening the proposed inquiry beyond recently reported assessment issues. The investigation will also cover appointments that have drawn scrutiny, including selections to the Kerala Administrative Service, the State Planning Board and other government posts.
Inquiry to examine recruitment process
Speaking after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said investigators would review the full chain of events connected to the alleged recruitment irregularities. The inquiry is expected to determine whether any part of the selection process was improperly influenced or altered.
The Chief Minister said the investigation would also assess concerns about the lack of clarity in interview procedures. The decision comes as questions continue to be raised over the transparency and fairness of recruitment conducted through the state’s public service system.
Wayanad landslide situation reviewed
The Cabinet also took up the Wayanad landslide disaster, with the Chief Minister reporting that a fresh landslip had occurred in the upper portion of the affected region. The latest development has added to worries about the stability of the surrounding terrain and the safety of people living nearby.
A detailed techno-legal examination will be conducted to establish the factors that led to the disaster. The review will include an assessment of whether the terms attached to environmental clearance granted by the Centre for activities in the area were followed as required.
Officials are expected to study technical records, environmental conditions and legal obligations linked to development work in and around the affected zone. The government has indicated that the exercise will aim to identify any gaps in compliance and help guide future decisions in vulnerable locations.
New office to monitor 100-day programme
The Cabinet also reviewed the government’s proposed 100-day action programme and approved the creation of a Programme Coordination Office within the Chief Minister’s Office. The new unit will track the implementation of key commitments made under the programme.
According to the Chief Minister, updates on the progress of the plan will be shared with the public and the media through an Open Court digital platform. The initiative is intended to provide regular information on government work and strengthen public oversight of departmental targets.
Chief Minister responds to portfolio criticism
Addressing criticism from CPI(M) leaders over his decision to retain the Finance, Ports and Law departments, Satheesan rejected claims that major responsibilities had been concentrated in his office.
He referred to the tenure of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, saying the previous administration had placed a larger number of portfolios with the Chief Minister. Satheesan noted that Vijayan had handled 29 departments, including Information Technology, which he said would normally fall under the Industries Minister.
The Chief Minister said he had initially been unwilling to keep the Finance department and accepted the responsibility only after discussions with Cabinet colleagues. He added that he chose to continue with the Ports portfolio because port development has remained a key policy priority for him.
Satheesan said improving Kerala’s port infrastructure was part of a longer-term development vision that he intended to pursue during his tenure. The Cabinet’s decisions on recruitment, disaster assessment and programme monitoring are expected to shape the government’s immediate administrative agenda.