Already under investigation by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) for serious irregularities in recruiting 174 non-teaching staff during the United Democratic Front (UDF) regime, the Institute of Integrated Medical Sciences (IIMS) at Yakkara here finds itself in the middle of yet another storm with doctors applied for the post of junior resident alleging serious irregularities in the selection process, including manipulation of the rank list.
The allegations are snowballing into a controversy in the backdrop of the alleged slow pedalling by the present LDF government in bringing the institute, better known as Palakkad Medical College, under the direct control of Directorate of Medical Education (DME) and entrusting the Public Service Commission (PSC) with the task of filling vacancies.
Both were the promises of LDF during campaigning for the last Assembly election. Started by the UDF government using funds from the Department for Welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Schedule Tribes (STs) by terming it a pioneering effort to give more educational opportunities for SCs/STs, the IIMS was later brought under the administrative control of a charitable society formed under the Cooperative Department.
The fresh allegations of irregularity in appointments have turned into a blot on the institution which has already drawn the wrath of organisations representing Dalits and tribespeople as the targeted communities failed to gain any educational or health benefits from the institution established using Rs.800 crore from the special component plan fund for SC/ST welfare.
Those who performed well in the written examinations but failed to find appointment after the interviews alleged that it was a high level conspiracy that resulted in selecting less qualified persons without adhering to applicable laws. Thirteen among the 15 candidates who scored high marks in the written examination failed to find place in the final list for recruitment.
However, those who secured 95th and 96th ranks have found place among the first 15 in the final list. Candidates allege that the interview board had asked questions on non-medical issues and not even ventured to examine the mark lists.
K. Vinod Kumar, one among the candidates who secured 11th rank in the test, alleged that the college authorities had confirmed his queries that there were specific instruction from top authorities to ignore the written test while preparing the final list.
Though he came 11th in the examination, Dr. Vinod’s rank became 75th after the interview.
‘‘It is quite dubious that the government was not notifying the vacancies to PSC. The 12 vacancies of junior residents were filled by a special committee involving experts from different medical colleges in the State. The written test was held on January 22 and the interviews were held during February first week,’’ said Hari Raj, another candidate.
In the case of recruitments through the PSC, there is an 80:20 ratio for the written test and interview. Here, the students allege that the written test was just a cover up to irregularities. Candidates are demanding a complete overhaul of the recruitment process by cancelling the selection list.
