Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's Public Service Commission has a credibility problem. The way its chairman was to be removed is a second, separate mess. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan drew that line on Wednesday, speaking to reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting.
Former Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar recommended to President Droupadi Murmu that PSC chairman M.R. Baiju be removed and the commission dissolved. The recommendation came after a Crime Branch investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitments to the State Planning Board.
"The Governor's recommendation to remove the PSC chairman and members was made without adhering to the prescribed procedures. Under the Constitution, the Governor is required to consult the government on such matters," Satheesan said. Then he closed the escape route the ruling front now fears: "The Governor's procedural lapse cannot be used to cover up irregularities within the PSC. The Opposition is now conducting a campaign to shield the PSC chairman and members by highlighting the Governor's actions."
The Crime Branch probe, he said, had turned up "shocking details". Preliminary findings suggest the commission appointed associates, relatives and party affiliates to various posts. Complaints are still arriving and will be handed to the investigating team. Those found guilty will face strict action, he said, and the commission needs what he called a clean-up exercise.
On the transfers of IAS officers that have dominated television debates in the state, Satheesan said the moves followed established rules. The change of the Kerala State Electricity Board chairman was a routine administrative decision, he said, and dismissed reports that transfers were cleared without the Civil Services Board's approval.
He was sharper on liquor licences. Officials showed undue haste in granting bar licences, he said, and such decisions should not be taken without the government's knowledge. A new liquor policy will be unveiled soon, and the government will reconsider the provision the previous LDF government introduced through a rule amendment, which let deputy commissioners grant bar licences.
To LP/UP school teacher rank-holders protesting over appointments, he offered sympathy rather than a date. The government has held discussions with them on eight occasions, he said, and added that he was "moved to tears" watching protesters cut their hair as part of the agitation.
The Chief Minister also promised strict action over an incident inside a police station. A YouTuber was attacked while being brought to a station, and Congress district panchayat member Sreenadevi Kunjamma walked into the Adoor police station to confront an accused in the lock-up. Calling the episode serious, Satheesan said action would follow against anyone who broke the law inside a police station. State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar has sought a report from the Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police.