Backdoor appointment issues in Kerala have sparked widespread protests around the state, with youth and student organisations organising protests across Kerala. Meanwhile, PSC Last Grade Rankholders’ association has been protesting the matter at the Thiruvananthapuram Secretariat for the past 14 days, and things have not looked well for them. Despite their reasonable demands for legal measures protecting their status, the government has turned a blind eye to their plight.
As the issues have turned worse in the state, the protestors have decided to take it up a notch. With self-immolation in their agenda, the protestors believed that the death of one would help. The police, who were hyper-vigilant after learning about the plan, stopped the candidate from pouring kerosene on himself, but in the ensuing chaos, others had already poured kerosene and were ready to burn themselves. After more struggle, the police was able to stop any of them from taking drastic action. Visuals of the incident showed the candidates having their moment, crying and heartbroken, as an apathetic system failed them.
According to political observers, as well as opposition parties, almost three lakh people have been employed via the backdoor, which would mean that the same number of people have been desperately waiting for years
While no more issues have been reported, since a few have been detained, the situation remains tense, but authorities have deployed Fire Force officials at the venue. The protestors opine that they are not going to be selected even if the rank list is extended for one year, let alone six months. They are demanding that, even if the government engage in any form of backdoor appointment, they be considered alongside.
According to political observers, as well as opposition parties, almost three lakh people have been employed via the backdoor, which would mean that the same number of people have been desperately waiting for years, to have their name called.
Backdoor Appointments Continue
Meanwhile, unauthorised recruitment of almost 200 members at the Kalamassery Medical College Hospital has been brought to media attention. CPI Kalamassery area secretary has demanded a vigilance probe into the matter and has asked the government to give the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Reportedly, at a high-level meeting with the District Collector, the Hospital Development Committee had decided to select the required workforce from the employment exchange. However, the letter alleges that an ongoing recruitment interview at the Kalamassery hospital is a farcical venture as the positions has already been illegally filled and it adds that top-level members such as the Resident Medical Officer are involved in the act.
According to sources, the nature of the jobs is not yet clear. Some say that most are temporary positions, but others clarify that a few of those posts could be made permanent. Others add that most of these have been filled during the pandemic, using the Covid-19 as a cover to hide the illicit act.
Addressing the current issues, Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala had said that the UDF would be making a comprehensive law to solve the issue. “In the five years of the LDF government, there have been almost three lakh illegal/backdoor appointments in the state. If the UDF gets into power, we will bring about legislation making a lack of reporting of vacancies illegal and punishable. All temporary appointments will be made through the employment exchange,” he said.
However, in a bold move, the Opposition Leader admitted that there have been backdoor appointments during the Oommen Chandy government, and it was one of the reasons for the people to reject the UDF a second chance.