The list of selected candidates for 362 government posts in the rank of assistant commissioner and below has been put on hold, following alleged irregularities.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday announced an inquiry into the reported irregularities in interviews conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) for the posts. This follows a sting operation by a TV channel exposing a cash-for-posts scam and a statement by Dr Maitri, a topper in the ST category, that she was asked to pay Rs 70 lakh for more marks in the selection interview for an assistant commissioner’s post. Siddaramaiah told the Legislative Council: “Advocate General Ravivarma Kumar is being consulted to initiate legal action against the guilty. The KPSC has hurriedly finished interviews to fill up the 362 posts in Group A and B Categories on May 27 itself. The government will withhold the list and not issue appointment orders till the inquiry is completed.” He said the inquiry will be completed soon considering the need to fill the posts quickly.
“The inquiry will be completed within two to three weeks. Stern action will be initiated against all those involved in the alleged irregularities however mighty they be. We will not tolerate corruption at any cost.
The need of the hour is to ensure total transparency in recruitment through KPSC as its image has taken a severe beating in the eyes of the people.”
The recent sting by the news channel showed three government officials demanding lakhs of rupees from a candidate for additional marks in the interview.
Taking note of a suggestion by his old friend and JD(S) MLC M C Nanaiah, Siddaramaiah said the government would examine whether it was possible to reduce the marks allotted to interview from 200 to 50. ‘’The government is also examining whether to conduct the selection on the lines of Union Public Service Commission,’’ he added.
As per the UPSC selection procedure, neither the candidates nor the interviewers know the marks of preliminary, finals and interviews, till the list of selected candidates are announced, he contended.
‘’The government will also seek reports from other states where such irregularities are not taking place,’’ Siddaramaiah said.
He rued that the scam has marred the image of both the KPSC and the state government.
“The scam has exposed the functioning of the constitutionally created body which has to select deserving candidates,’’ he said.
Earlier, Nanaiah explained the scam in detail.
