Sir,
This refers to the news item, “Governor lays down procedure for PSC appointments” (Excelsior, 28 Feb.).
The news is very heartening. Right from its inception, the State PSC has earned a bad name and under the previous Govt., it became an icon of corruption, nepotism and inefficiency. It was because, the successive Governments adjusted their favourite bureaucrats in this important organization, ignoring the merit altogether. Many officers would start lobbying for their placement in the Commission, two to three years before their retirement. Some were offered the job of a Member or Chairperson just a few days before retirement, simply to enhance their retirement age. The Members made tons of money and got their kith and kin selected against KAS and other high posts by exploiting the marks earmarked for the interview.
The malfunctioning and corruption in the Commission was highlighted by various Legislators in the State Legislature also. Now that the Governor has acknowledged the frivolous approach by the previous Government in the appointment of Members and the Chairperson of the Commission, it is hoped that an effective mechanism would be framed for the appointments. There should be a Parliamentary panel with due representation from all the recognized political parties for framing the list of the members and the Chairperson to be appointed in the Commission. There should also be definite prescribed qualifications and these should include clean service record, high academic qualification and unshakable integrity. Mechanism of appointment and removal should be fool-proof, so that political interference comes downs to zero. There should also be exemplary punishment for those members and the Chairperson who misuse their position and indulge in corruption.
The fair selection cannot, however, be ensured unless rules of the Commission are changed in favour of transparency. The disproportionate number of marks reserved for the interview should be reduced to 20 as is the case with the Service Selection Board, which has far better credibility than the PSC. All interviews should be video recorded, results of written tests/screening tests should be announced at the earliest and the candidates should have a right to apply for re-evaluation. They should also be able to see their answer sheets if they so desire.
It is hoped that the Governor will sustain his interest in the matter and will take the initiative. As we know political parties have compulsions of their own and one cannot expect much from them.
Yours etc….
M.Y.G.Nairang; Retd.
Indian Information Service Officer,
Sidhra, Jammu.
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