Government announces 6-point reform plan to overhaul KPSC; BJP seeks SIT probe into malpractices

The State government on Wednesday (March 18) announced a six-point reform plan in the Legislative Assembly, including an annual recruitment cycle with a fixed timeline and a five-year recruitment roadmap, to overhaul the alleged scam-hit Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).

The Opposition BJP demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged irregularities in the gazetted probationers’ examination conducted by the KPSC and called for re-examination of the main test to ensure transparency and to curb corruption.

Members from both the Treasury and Opposition benches, however, agreed on constituting a House committee to recommend reforms aimed at ensuring transparency in KPSC recruitments.

Replying to a debate on allegations of corruption and nepotism in recruitment to gazetted probationary and other posts, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda expressed the government’s dissatisfaction with the functioning of the KPSC, a statutory body, and outlined measures to reform its recruitment process.

Six-point reform plan

The proposed measures include conducting recruitment examinations annually for gazetted and other vacant posts; fixing a calendar of events for examinations, interviews, and announcement of results; adopting best practices of the Karnataka Examination Authority; preparing an advance five-year recruitment plan; constituting a House committee to suggest reforms; and reducing the number of KPSC members from 18 to 8.

Mr. Byre Gowda said each department will determine its recruitment requirements in advance. By December 31 every year, departments must inform the KPSC of the number of posts to be filled in the following calendar year.

A fixed annual calendar — specifying the month, week, and date of examinations — on the lines of the Union Public Service Commission  (UPSC) will reduce uncertainty for job aspirants and minimise litigation, he said.

“If there is litigation in one year, the next year’s recruitment will proceed as scheduled. At present, litigation in one cycle has a cascading effect,” he noted. The government also plans to prepare a five-year recruitment strategy based on HRMS data

Streamlining Group ‘C’ recruitment

For Group ‘C’ posts, a strict timeline will be prescribed. These recruitments will not involve interviews and will be based solely on examinations, roster, and merit. The KPSC will be directed to adhere to the prescribed timelines to avoid delays.

Mr. Byre Gowda said the government will urge the KPSC to adopt KEA’s “best practices”, noting that KEA conducts multiple recruitment exams without major malpractices or translation issues.

He also clarified that while the KPSC is a constitutional autonomous body, the government remains accountable for lapses. “The Commission has not been following government directives,” he said.

Opposition raises concerns

Senior BJP member S. Suresh Kumar held the Controller of Examinations responsible for alleged malpractices and demanded a probe and re-examination of the main test.

Citing corruption and nepotism, he alleged that multiple candidates from the same examination hall clearing the mains had raised serious public doubts. “The KPSC has become a fountainhead of corruption. Those involved must be impeached to send a strong message,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok along with V. Sunil Kumar and C.N. Ashwath Narayan (all BJP) reiterated the demand for an SIT probe and stringent action against those involved.

Mr. Byre Gowda said the government is open to a probe if the Opposition provides specific instances of malpractice. The House ultimately agreed to constitute a committee to recommend comprehensive reforms to the KPSC recruitment system.