Karnataka CM weighs shutting down KPSC amid recruitment scam

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said he is examining whether the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) can be shut down, amid allegations of irregularities in its recruitment process.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on September 22 after attending the 50th foundation day of the State-owned Keonics, the Chief Minister said he was consulting experts on the option of closing the commission within the framework of the law. He alleged that irregularities in the KPSC had grown and that people with dishonest intent had found their way into the body.

"The officials whom we trusted and appointed are indulging in these things," he said, adding that members of the commission had effectively set up shop there. He said police officers had gathered documents in the matter and that the details would emerge in due course.

Mr. Shivakumar welcomed the High Court of Karnataka's direction to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged irregularities, but expressed displeasure over the court choosing the officers for the panel. In his view, the State Government should have been given the freedom to appoint the SIT members, and he said the court could instead have monitored the investigation.

He noted that the Enforcement Directorate is also probing the case, while maintaining that the police investigation is progressing well. The Chief Minister said he had received calls from Delhi and other States on the matter and was seeking the opinion of legal experts.

Stressing that the future of students is a priority for the government, he recalled that former chief minister Siddaramaiah had reduced the number of KPSC members for this reason. He said the members appointed in a transparent manner and trusted by the government had nonetheless engaged in such practices.