Kerala PSC secretary questioned for the second time in exam irregularities case
He reportedly told investigators that PSC chairperson M.R. Baiju had not consulted him, the other commission members, or other senior officials on important examination-related decisions and took many decisions unilaterally
Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) secretary Saju George faced investigators at the Crime Branch headquarters for a second time on Monday to address alleged irregularities in PSC examinations. The official, who had previously stated his full cooperation with the probe, reiterated his previous claims during the approximately three-hour-long questioning.
Saju George alleged that PSC chairperson M.R. Baiju had not consulted him or other senior officials, instead making unilateral decisions on critical examination-related issues. Moreover, the secretary claimed procedural irregularities had occurred in multiple exams, with the chairperson allegedly making independent decisions on matters that should have been collectively discussed and approved by the commission.
Allegations also surfaced regarding the selection of interview board members, with the chairperson suspected of appointing individuals of his choosing, bypassing the established decision-making process and causing internal divisions within the organization. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) demanded further information on examination procedures, question paper preparation, interview board member selection, and other technical aspects of the recruitment process.
PSC chairperson M.R. Baiju, who was also questioned a few days ago, denied any wrongdoing and attributed the lapses to officials. The Crime Branch is also set to question the PSC Controller of Examinations, and notices have been issued to 12 PSC members, who are expected to appear for questioning in the coming days.
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