VACB recommends Kerala PSC to conduct aided-school appointments to stop corruption

VACB recommends Kerala PSC to conduct aided-school appointments to stop corruption

## Kerala PSC Urged to Oversee Aided School Appointments Amid Concerns Over Transparency

**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala** – In a move aimed at bolstering transparency and curbing potential corruption, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has formally recommended that the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) assume oversight of appointments within aided schools across the state. The recommendation focuses specifically on appointments made under the disability quota, citing concerns about potential irregularities and a lack of public accountability.

The VACB’s recommendation stems from growing unease regarding the appointment processes currently in place within aided schools. These institutions, while receiving government funding, are largely managed independently, leading to concerns that appointment procedures may not always adhere strictly to established guidelines and legal mandates. The absence of a centralized, independent body overseeing these appointments, particularly those reserved for individuals with disabilities, has created a vulnerability to manipulation and potential abuse, according to sources within the Bureau.

The core of the VACB’s recommendation centers on the mandatory publication of detailed information pertaining to all appointments made under the disability category. This would include, but not be limited to, the specific criteria used for selection, the qualifications of all applicants, and the justification for the chosen candidate. The Bureau believes that this increased transparency would allow for effective scrutiny by relevant authorities, ensuring compliance with the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, and subsequent amendments.

Furthermore, the VACB suggests that the Kerala PSC, with its established expertise in conducting fair and impartial recruitment processes, is uniquely positioned to provide the necessary oversight. By involving the PSC, the selection process would be standardized, and the potential for undue influence from school management would be significantly reduced. This would not only ensure a more equitable system for qualified individuals with disabilities but also safeguard the integrity of the aided school system as a whole.

The move has been met with mixed reactions. While disability rights activists have largely welcomed the recommendation, viewing it as a crucial step towards ensuring fair representation and equal opportunities, some aided school managements have expressed reservations. Concerns have been raised regarding potential bureaucratic delays and the perceived infringement upon their autonomy in personnel matters.

However, proponents of the VACB’s recommendation argue that the need for transparency and accountability outweighs any potential inconveniences. They emphasize that the primary objective is to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities and to ensure that appointments are made solely on merit, free from any form of favoritism or corruption.

The Kerala government is currently reviewing the VACB’s recommendation. If implemented, this measure could represent a significant shift in the appointment procedures within aided schools, potentially setting a new precedent for transparency and accountability in the education sector. The decision ultimately rests on balancing the autonomy of aided schools with the imperative of ensuring fair and equitable opportunities for all, particularly those belonging to vulnerable sections of society. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this recommendation will translate into concrete action, ushering in a new era of transparency in Kerala’s aided school system.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.