'Remove PSC Chairman along with 16 members'; Unusual move from Kerala Lok Bhavan, formal recommendation submitted to President

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar submitted a formal recommendation to the Indian President to remove Kerala Public Service Commission Chairman MR Baiju. It is reported that this recommendation was made a week before Arlekar stepped down as Kerala Governor. The recommendation to the President calls for the removal of the PSC Chairman and all its members, based on serious findings and complaints.

Although the Governor appoints the Chairman and members of the Public Service Commission (PSC)—a constitutional body—the power to remove the members rests solely with the President. Upon receiving a recommendation from the Governor, Rashtrapati Bhavan will seek the government's stand. The government’s stance on the matter will be vital.

Irregularities were unearthed in the recruitment at the Planning Board of Kerala PSC. A Crime Branch investigation into the matter is also underway. Meanwhile, Lok Bhavan received complaints alleging corruption in over 12 other posts. The former Governor’s unusual move comes amid the Crime Branch preparing for further investigation into the issue.

Recently, the High Court had also sharply criticised the government's apathy and sluggishness regarding the recruitment scam in the Planning Board. The court warned that if the government and the accused act like 'best buddies', it will inevitably arouse suspicion among the public.