Yuva Morcha Intensifies Protests Over Kerala PSC Irregularities
The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha has intensified its ongoing agitation against alleged irregularities and corruption within the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC). The protests, which have been active for nearly two weeks, saw major demonstrations staged outside the Kerala Secretariat on August 8.
The youth wing is demanding immediate appointments for deserving PSC rank holders, enhanced transparency in the recruitment process, and the accurate reporting of vacant positions. Additionally, the organisation is calling for an independent investigation into allegations of irregularities concerning PSC examinations and appointments.
Clashes and Water Cannon Use at Secretariat March
On August 6, workers of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha staged a major protest before the State Secretariat, organised by the Yuva Morcha Thiruvananthapuram North District Committee. The demonstration was held to protest the alleged sabotage of KPSC examinations and to support the ongoing agitation of KPSC rank holders.
The protest march commenced from the Palayam Martyrs Column. Police personnel deployed barricades to halt the march before it reached the Secretariat. Pushes and shoves broke out between the protesters and the police as marchers attempted to overcome the barricades. The police subsequently used water cannons to disperse the crowd.
Several Yuva Morcha workers sustained injuries during the confrontation and required hospitalisation. Among those injured were Yuva Morcha state secretary Akhil A.S., district general secretary Jishnu Navaykkulam, Jitin Kilimanoor, and Bipin.
Allegations Against the State Government
BJP state general secretary Adv. S. Suresh inaugurated the march and alleged that the Kerala PSC has turned into a "white elephant" and a centre for looting the state's youth. Suresh claimed that corrupt individuals are being inducted into the hierarchy, causing the commission to lose its credibility.
Suresh stated that the Yuva Morcha had previously submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister urging him to secure appointments for Lower Primary School Teacher (LPST) rank holders. He noted that qualified candidates have been agitating for over a month, and the health of a female candidate on a hunger strike has been deteriorating without any response or readiness for discussion from the government.
The BJP leader further alleged that Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan is following the same policy and attitude as former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Suresh stated that despite the V.D. Satheeshan government coming to power with promises to resolve youth issues, the problems remain unresolved two months after he took office.
Demands for Transparency and Structural Reforms
Yuva Morcha state president Manu Prasad affirmed that the agitation will continue until LPST rank holders receive their appointments. He accused Chief Minister Satheeshan of ignoring deserving candidates and continuing a practice of backdoor appointments. Prasad stated that the Chief Minister has declined to meet with the candidates to discuss their grievances.
In Kasaragod, a separate protest march to the collectorate was organised by the Yuva Morcha Kasaragod district committee. The march was inaugurated by Yuva Morcha state general secretary K.V. Varun Prasad, with BJP Kasaragod district president M.L. Ashwini and other leaders in attendance.
BJP MLA V. Muraleedharan raised questions regarding the size of the Kerala PSC. He pointed out that while Uttar Pradesh has 12 PSC members for a population of 20 crore, and Maharashtra has 12 members for 12 crore people, Kerala has 21 functioning PSC members for a population of 4 crore. Muraleedharan questioned whether this large number serves administrative efficiency or political objectives, calling for an investigation into the matter.
