PSC undermined merit, damaged credibility: Minister Siddique

Agriculture Minister T. Siddique has lashed out at the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), accusing it of undermining the merit system and damaging the institution’s credibility.

Speaking to media persons here on Sunday (October 25), the Minister warned that those found guilty in the ongoing Crime Branch investigation would be brought to justice without compromise.

Mr. Siddique said that the United Democratic Front (UDF) government had taken the PSC issue seriously and decided to order an investigation following detailed discussions in the Cabinet.

He said the investigation was progressing well and that significant developments were expected in the coming days. “The government will not spare anyone found responsible for the alleged irregularities, irrespective of their position,” the Minister added.

Accusing the PSC’s present leadership of seriously eroding public confidence in the institution, he alleged that its actions had jeopardised the future of Keralam’s youth by compromising merit in recruitment.

Mr. Siddique also accused the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of damaging constitutional institutions during its decade in power, citing universities and the PSC as two sectors where serious problems had emerged.

The Minister said the government was considering awarding grace marks to students actively involved in farming to foster an interest in agriculture. As part of the initiative, ‘Kathir Clubs’ will be launched in 500 schools this year.

The logo of the Kathir Club scheme will be unveiled by the end of this month, with the official launch scheduled for November. The initiative aims to promote farming at homes and in schools and bring students closer to the agricultural sector.

Mr. Siddique said the government had sanctioned ₹119.68 crore to clear pending compensation for crop losses caused by natural calamities and claims under the crop insurance scheme. Of this, ₹76.68 crore is earmarked for crop-loss compensation and ₹43 crore for crop insurance claims.

He said that of the total amount sanctioned, ₹22.39 crore had already been disbursed, while the remaining amount would be distributed within two weeks.

The State-level World Soil Day celebrations will be held in Wayanad on December 5, while a State-level programme on tuber crops is scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram for December 4.