Computers have replaced typewriters everywhere, but surprisingly, the Kerala Public Service Commission continues to recruit Lower Division Typists (LD Typists), who need to possess outdated typewriting course certificates to qualify. All this is at a time when there are hardly any typewriting institutes in Kerala.
In a recent notification, the PSC invited applications for the post of 53 LD Typists. The qualifications listed for the post include a pass in SSLC, Typewriting Malayalam (Lower) Kerala Government Technical Examination (KGTE) Certificate, Typewriting English (Lower) KGTE Certificate and Computer Word Processing or its equivalent.
Those who have passed the KGTE Typewriting before January 2002 should produce separate certificates in Computer Word Processing or its equivalent. In the direct recruitment method of appointment, only candidates in 18-35 age group can apply.
According to the PSC authorities, the job of the selected candidates would be data entry in computers, though they would be designated as LD Typists. The last date for application was July 31 and only those with the KGTE certificate have applied for the post. “At a time when the PSC itself is conducting tests for evaluating the word processing skills of candidates, demanding KGTE certificates is an injustice against those possessing data entry and DCA certificates,” said Sakheer N N, a government job aspirant from Malappuram. According to him, there are several potential candidates who hold certificates and Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA) offered by government-run institutions like C-DIT, Keltron and LBS.