Bengaluru, 15 September (H.S.): Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to abolish the Karnataka Public Service Commission, alleging that repeated corruption scandals and recruitment irregularities have destroyed its credibility.

In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister, Khandre said serious allegations involving corruption, question paper leaks and manipulation of recruitment procedures had been levelled against the commission since 1998. The recent veterinary recruitment controversy had further intensified doubts over its functioning, he said.

The minister expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged lack of transparency in examinations and recruitment conducted by the KPSC. He maintained that the commission had failed to discharge the fundamental responsibility for which it was established.

KPSC is an autonomous constitutional body entrusted with selecting qualified candidates for various posts in Karnataka government departments. Its recruitment examinations and selection procedures are expected to be conducted transparently, impartially and in accordance with established rules.

Khandre, however, argued that recurring allegations had severely eroded public confidence in the institution. Candidates preparing for competitive examinations could no longer be expected to trust a system repeatedly linked to paper leaks, corruption and serious procedural violations, he said.

The minister cited the continuing investigation into alleged irregularities in veterinary department recruitment as the latest example of the commission's failure. He said the controversy had reinforced the perception that KPSC was no longer capable of ensuring a fair and credible selection process.

Calling for decisive action, Khandre asked the Chief Minister to consider completely disbanding the commission and replacing it with a new, accountable recruitment mechanism. He said reforms must ensure transparency at every stage, from preparing question papers to publishing final selection lists.

The demand is expected to intensify the debate over KPSC's future, with aspirants and public-interest groups repeatedly seeking stricter oversight of government recruitment in Karnataka.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman