Thiruvananthapuram: The Public Service Commission (PSC) has decided to entrust its vigilance wing with the investigation into alleged irregularities in examinations conducted for various posts in the State Planning Board, following sharp criticism from Commission members over the manner in which the probe was handled.The decision was taken at the PSC board meeting on Monday after members strongly objected to chairman’s earlier move to assign the inquiry to the controller of examinations, despite the commission having initially resolved to hand over the investigation to its vigilance wing. Sources said the chairman’s decision had triggered resentment within the commission, with members accusing him of disregarding the board’s decision and compromising the credibility of the probe.During the meeting, members reportedly questioned the decision to rely on the controller of examinations, whose report recommended a detailed inquiry into the alleged irregularities. They argued that the controller’s report itself should not form the basis of the investigation, leading to intense discussions. Following the criticism, the chairman announced that the controller’s inquiry would be kept in abeyance and that the internal vigilance superintendent of police would take over the probe.Meanwhile, the state govt is also examining complaints related to the examination and is learnt to be considering a vigilance and anti-corruption bureau (VACB) probe.The controversy centres on a rank list prepared for appointments to the State Planning Board. Allegations surfaced after it emerged that the answers to 10 questions written by a candidate were allegedly left unevaluated, yet the candidate secured the top rank and was appointed. The commission cancelled the rank list at its meeting last week after the allegations came to light.The issue also sparked political protests. Youth Congress workers took out a march to the PSC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, demanding a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregular appointments made during the previous LDF govt’s tenure.Police used water cannons to disperse protesters after they attempted to breach barricades erected outside the PSC office. Despite the police action, demonstrators continued their protest, raising slogans against the commission and demanding the removal of the PSC chairman and members, alleging that they were appointed during the previous LDF govt’s tenure.The controversy has intensified political pressure on PSC, with both internal dissent within the commission and mounting opposition demands for an independent probe into the alleged recruitment irregularities.
