Job aspirant groups to protest in Bengaluru, demand KPSC recruitment reforms
JASC and AIDYO will hold a State-level protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Friday, demanding reforms and greater transparency in KPSC recruitment.
Two job aspirant organisations will hold a State-level protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Friday, pressing for reforms in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) and greater transparency in its recruitment process.
The Job Aspirants Struggle Committee (JASC) and the All India Democratic Youth Organisation (AIDYO) announced the demonstration in a statement issued on Wednesday. They alleged that irregularities, question paper leaks, manipulation of examination results and delays in recruitment had harmed the interests of candidates.
The organisations called for an independent and comprehensive inquiry into recruitments conducted over the past five to six years. They said questions had been raised about several KPSC examinations, including those for PDO, Assistant Executive Engineer and KAS posts, and referred to allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in earlier recruitment drives.
JASC and AIDYO argued that alleged corruption in the Commission was not merely a matter concerning individual candidates but one that affected the future of a large number of young people seeking government employment. They claimed their earlier campaigns had contributed to action being taken against certain KPSC officials, and demanded strict punishment under law for anyone found guilty of corruption or other irregularities.
Among their demands is an independent investigation into recruitments of the past five to six years under the supervision of a serving or retired judge of the High Court or Supreme Court, along with speedy trial of cases relating to alleged corruption in the KPSC.
The organisations also sought implementation of the recommendations of the P.C. Hota Committee on KPSC reforms and a more transparent, technology-driven recruitment process. They called for a non-political process for appointing the Commission's Chairman and members, with subject experts considered for the positions, and for the periodic transfer of personnel who have remained in the Commission for several years.
Until measures are taken to address the alleged irregularities and strengthen public confidence in the Commission, the protesters said recruitment responsibilities should be withheld from the KPSC.
Issuing the statement on behalf of both organisations, Bhavanishankar Gouda appealed to job aspirants across Karnataka to take part in Friday's protest at Freedom Park.