SUCC urges Kerala governor to deny nod for political appointments in PSC

Thiruvananthapuram: Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) urged governor Rajendra Arlekar to deny his clearance to the state govt's move to appoint political functionaries as the members of Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC). It was a matter of public record that the monthly salary of a PSC member (Rs 3.80 lakh, apart from TA and DA as revised from 2025) exceeds that of a state governor (approx Rs 3.5 lakh). The scale of remuneration reflected the constitutional importance, independence and high responsibility attached to the office. Such positions demand individuals of unquestionable integrity, distinguished academic background and substantial administrative competence. However, it was reported that the govt recommended the appointment of Ajayakumar, a CPI district committee member and former personal assistant to a minister, and I Shihabudheen, state secretary of Congress (S), as PSC members. The recommendations were forwarded to the Lok Bhavan for approval, SUCC said in its memorandum.
While Ajayakumar is an employee of a private educational institution, Shihabudheen is an NRI. Neither of them possesses outstanding academic credentials, experience in academic administration or public administration, it pointed out. Since PSC conducts interviews and prepares rank lists for highly responsible posts such as KAS officers, college teachers, doctors, engineers and other senior public positions, those who evaluate candidates for such posts should themselves be persons of exceptional educational attainment, administrative maturity and impeccable impartiality. Anything less directly undermines the credibility of the selection process, the committee said. "Your excellency's office, as the constitutional head of the state and the appointing authority, carries a solemn responsibility to preserve the independence, integrity and credibility of the PSC. The principled and merit-based standards insisted upon in university vice-chancellor appointments must equally govern PSC appointments. Constitutional institutions cannot be allowed to become rehabilitation centres for political functionaries," the committee said. Approval for the present recommendations may not be granted unless full and objective satisfaction was reached regarding the academic excellence, administrative competence and institutional suitability of the proposed appointees, it added. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !