Kumaraswamy calls for KPSC reform or abolition over recruitment allegations

Union minister HD Kumaraswamy called for the Karnataka Public Service Commission to be reformed or abolished, alleging that its recruitment processes have damaged the prospects of job aspirants.

Speaking in Bengaluru on Sunday, Kumaraswamy alleged irregularities in selections for assistant executive engineers, veterinary officers and other government posts. He said meritorious candidates were being moved down selection lists and alleged that some candidates who paid bribes were allowed to take examinations at resorts. He did not provide evidence for those claims.

Kumaraswamy also referred to the CID’s arrest of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar in the alleged KPSC veterinary officer recruitment case, and questioned the circumstances of the officer’s travel before the arrest. The veterinary officer recruitment probe has already seen another CID search of the KPSC office and an ED search at Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar’s Jayamahal home.

Priyank Kharge rejected Kumaraswamy’s criticism, accusing him of avoiding a direct response. Kharge said Kumaraswamy had recommended appointments from the 2011 gazetted probationers batch even after courts cancelled that selection over irregularities, and asked him to explain alleged links with a former jailed KPSC chairperson.