T’puram: Opposition leader V D Satheesan has sought the election commission’s (EC) intervention to put on hold the interview procedures for the appointment of the executive vice-president (EVP) of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) until the completion of the assembly election process. He sent a letter in this regard to the chief election officer (CEO). The letter pointed out that conducting the interview procedures scheduled for April 25 would be inappropriate given the current model code of conduct. Kerala State Planning Board issued the notification for the appointment on March 2. This position, with a five-year term, is the chief executive role of KSCSTE. Only distinguished scientists and technical experts are eligible to apply for this position. The opposition leader alleged that proceeding with such a significant appointment during the code of conduct period affects transparency and impartiality. The letter also questioned the undue haste in conducting the interview and the composition of the search-cum-selection committee, challenging the objectivity of the procedures. He urged the CEO to examine the issue and provide appropriate urgent instructions to the govt to ensure strict adherence to the election code of conduct. “Projects worth crores of rupees allocated by the central govt for science and technology research in universities and colleges are conducted under the leadership of KSCSTE. The council is responsible for coordinating institutions like Thiruvananthapuram Palode botanical garden, water resource centre, forest research institute and NatPAC. While the govt-recommended appointments of PSC members, information commissioners and panchayat ombudsman are on hold by the governor, the rush to conduct the appointment of the KSCSTE executive vice-president during the code of conduct is dubious,” Satheesan said.
