BENGALURU: A review has exposed serious irregularities in the implementation of the roster system for government appointments in Karnataka, with widespread violations that compromise both constitutionally mandated reservation norms and the principles of merit-based recruitment.
The lapses point to arbitrary and non-transparent practices that deviate from the scientific roster system laid down by the Supreme Court, triggering concern over fairness in public employment.
Listing the key irregularities, experts who preferred to speak anonymously, said firstly, fixation of roster points was arbitrary, for example, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Backward Classes candidates are not allotted roster points according to established scientific norms. For instance, the first roster point for SC candidates, which should fall at serial number 6, has been incorrectly placed at point 1. Similarly, ST candidates’ first point, mandated at 33, has been wrongly fixed at 3.
Secondly, post-based calculation has been ignored. Experts said authorities have failed to calculate vacancies on a post-by-post basis as required under rules. As a result, appointments are not being made from specific reserved categories for which vacancies actually arise, leading to improper implementation of reservations.
Thirdly, experts on fairness in reservation said the squeeze on the general category is unfair. They said every cadre is required to maintain a minimum of 50 per cent representation from the general category as a critical safeguard. However, this norm is routinely violated across departments, undermining the balance intended in the reservation policy.
Fourthly, they said small cadres have been neglected. In departments and cadres with a limited number of posts, no effective mechanism has been established to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits. Furthermore, for cadres with fewer than 19 sanctioned posts, parallel and similar posts are not being clubbed together to operate roster points, despite clear directions to do so.
These systemic flaws have reportedly resulted in distorted recruitment outcomes, denial of rightful opportunities to eligible candidates from both reserved and general categories, and growing resentment among aspirants.
The irregularities have raised serious questions about the oversight and functioning of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms and other appointing authorities in the state. Observers expect demands for an immediate high-level inquiry and comprehensive corrective measures.