Thiruvananthapuram: Alleged irregularities in Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitment go beyond a single examination, with complaints emerging over several tests and preliminary findings pointing to relatives and associates being appointed over deserving candidates, chief minister V D Satheesan said on Wednesday.At his post-cabinet press conference, Satheesan said the investigation had revealed shocking details threatening the PSC’s credibility, and that everyone found responsible would be brought to justice.“People who waited, underwent training and appeared for examinations were allegedly sidelined to accommodate relatives and party associates,” he said.Several people who had hesitated to complain were now approaching the authorities, realising the investigation was proceeding properly, he said. All complaints received by the govt were being forwarded to the investigating team, and the appointment of the PSC chairman and related matters would also be examined.Satheesan criticised former governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for recommending the removal of the PSC chairman and members without consulting the govt. But the recommendation should not be used to divert attention from the alleged irregularities, which were a separate matter, he said. The govt would decide on the recommendation after receiving the investigation report.CM dismisses fears over Mission SamudraSatheesan also rejected fears that the proposed Mission Samudra project would hurt fishing or the fishing community. Citing Vizhinjam, he said the port, opposed during construction, was handling a record number of ships, beyond initial expectations.The govt had earmarked Rs 510 crore for fishing community projects in the Vizhinjam region, including Rs 260 crore for a fishing harbour, Rs 90 crore to improve the existing harbour and Rs 25 crore for coastal protection.Around 2,000 fishermen who had to travel farther to fish during port construction had received Rs 35 crore in kerosene subsidy, between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 3.5 lakh each, he said. Housing assistance for fishermen had been raised from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh under a separate scheme.Twelve academic programmes were planned as part of the Port City development, some starting next year, with reservation for children of coastal fishermen to give them education and jobs in the region.Under the proposed land bank, land held by government departments within the port limits would come under the maritime board, which would set development priorities, he said. This would facilitate investment without affecting fishing.
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