Cabinet decides to amend criteria for sports quota for jobs

The State Cabinet on Thursday decided to amend criteria for sports quota appointments in government services. It was also decided to invite applications for 243 vacancies under sports quota for the 2020-24 period. More sports competitions will be added as part of qualifications for appointments under the sports quota, as per the amendments.

It has been decided to consider competitions like Commonwealth Championships, Asian Championships, recognised international championships where at least eight countries participate and Khelo India University Games conducted by recognised federations for appointment. This will provide an opportunity for more sportspersons to secure jobs under the quota.

The provision that completely exempts those involved in doping scandals from this appointment has also been amended. Instead, only the competition and the period of punishment for using doping will be considered as disqualification for appointment. Other achievements will be considered for appointment.

Applications are being invited for the past five years after completing the pending appointments for 10 years from 2010 to 2019. With this, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government over the past two terms has made appointments for a total of 15 years. In the past decade, 500 people have been appointed in government service under the sports quota. In addition to this, 500 people have been given jobs in KSEB and Kerala Police under special consideration.

The Forest Department has approved a plan to develop infrastructure aimed at undertaking and strengthening forest plantation activities and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved a conditional loan from the KfW Development Bank of Germany to implement the project for the purpose of participatory forest management.

Temporary posts will be created in 436 grama panchayats where Health Inspector Grade II temporary posts have not been created. Panchayats have been given permission to make appointments through Employment Exchange on a contract basis.

Thirty five posts will be created in Kerala Public Service Commission, including one Joint Secretary, three Under Secretaries and six Section Officers.