Thiruvananthapuram, 16 August (H.S.):Kerala Public Service Commission Chairman M.R. Baiju was not invited to the Independence Day ‘At Home’ reception hosted by Lok Bhavan, triggering speculation over the reasons behind his exclusion from the customary official event.

This is reportedly the first time that a serving Kerala PSC chairman has not been invited to the Independence Day reception. Following the exclusion of the chairman, none of the commission’s 15 members was extended an invitation to attend the programme.

The decision has attracted attention as the PSC chairman and its members have traditionally been included among the dignitaries invited to the reception. The ‘At Home’ programme is attended by senior government functionaries, constitutional authorities, political leaders and prominent personalities from various fields.

Sources indicated that complaints alleging irregularities in appointments may have prompted Lok Bhavan to leave the chairman out of the guest list. However, no official explanation has been issued by Lok Bhavan or the Public Service Commission regarding the decision.

The move is also being viewed in official circles as a possible indication that Lok Bhavan may be considering further action over the complaints. The exclusion of all commission members has strengthened speculation that the decision was deliberate and linked to concerns surrounding the functioning of the recruitment body.

The Governor is the appointing authority for the chairman and members of the Kerala Public Service Commission. Reports suggest that Lok Bhavan has received several complaints alleging irregularities in recruitment and appointments handled by the commission.

It remains unclear whether the complaints have been formally examined or whether any inquiry has been initiated. The nature and details of the alleged irregularities have also not been officially disclosed.

The unprecedented absence of the PSC leadership from the reception has nevertheless raised questions about the relationship between Lok Bhavan and the commission. An official clarification is awaited from both sides.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman