Panel recommends 50 p.c. KPSC staff to be on deputation

In order to ensure transparency in the recruitment of candidates for various gazetted posts, the P.C. Hota Committee has recommended transfer of 50 per cent of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) employees to other departments and institutions on deputation.

In a report submitted to the State government, the panel said at present, except Secretary, KPSC, who is the only official of the State government on deputation, all others — about 288 employees — are employees of the commission.

The committee is of the view that at least 50 per cent of those employees should be sent on deputation and replaced by employees from the State government/other institutions. “This change-over may be made expeditiously in the computer section of the KPSC, where sensitive/confidential information is handled,” the report noted.

The government has accepted the recommendation.

Entry restricted

To eliminate the interference of middlemen and influential people, the three-member panel recommended restriction on entry for outsiders on the KPSC premises. “At present, there is hardly any restriction on entry of outsiders to the KPSC premises.” Such a situation would be detrimental to the confidentiality of the system and procedures of the KPSC. “It may also give rise to other unhealthy practices,” the report said.

Strict control

The panel recommends that there should be strict control on access to the premises such as the one in UPSC, New Delhi. Any outsider — including a candidate — has to approach the Facilitation Counter at the main entrance for a legitimate inquiry.

It said no outsider would be permitted inside the premises of the KPSC, unless he or she gets permission in writing from the Secretary, KPSC.

On days when various examinations are held on the premises, candidates may gain entry on the basis of their call letters which should carry their photographs, the panel said in its 58-page report.

The government has accepted the recommendations on restricted entry. It has also decided to conduct recruitments every year as suggested by the panel.