It appears that decks have been cleared for T. Sham Bhatt, Principal Secretary to Co-operation Department, to occupy the post of chairman of Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).
It has been learnt that Governor Vajubhai R. Vala has cleared the name of Mr. Bhatt. Even though Raj Bhavan sources refused to comment on the report, it is said that a formal communication is expected on Monday.
Similarly, though sources close to Mr. Bhatt confirmed the clearance, sources in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat clarified that “so far, there was no communication from the Governor to the government.” Incidentally, Mr. Vala had also taken a report from the Lokayukta on the complaints and cases pending against Mr. Bhatt. The report revealed that 18 complaints were pending inquiry and action was recommended by Lokayukta in two cases. However, the government has taken no action against him in the cases.
The June verdict of the Karnataka High Court in the KPSC case, had directed the government to follow the P.C. Hota panel recommendations for selection of KPSC chairman and members, which prescribed forming a screening committee with experts for the selection process. However, no such screening committee was formed.
Sources in the government said as Mr. Bhatt’s name was sent to the Governor before the High Court order, so it did not apply to this case.
