Appointment row: LDF government in Kerala to frame law to prevent nepotism

The govt is facing flak after Minister Jayarajan appointed some of his relatives for key posts in some state PSUs

The Kerala government on Thursday decided to bring a law to prevent nepotism in appointments in key positions in public sector units. The decision has come in wake of a controversy over certain appointments in the PSUs in the Industrial Department.

The decision in this regard was taken at a cabinet meeting this morning chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The cabinet also entrusted Chief Secretary S M Vijayanand to examine various complaints with regard to the appointments which have become controversial.

"This is to prevent nepotism in appointments," a statement quoting the Chief Minister said.

The cabinet also decided that henceforth vigilance clearance would be mandatory for appointment of posts like Managing Director and General Manager in state PSUs

Besides this, a committee of national level experts will henceforth make appointments in senior posts in PSUs in the state, he said.

The LDF government is facing flak after Industries Minister EP Jayarajan appointed some of his close relatives for key posts in some state PSUs.

Jayarajan had appointed PK Sudheer, his nephew and son of CPI(M) Kannur MP P K Sreemathi, as Managing Director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd.

The minister had also appointed his brother's daughter-in-law Dipthi Nishad as General Manager of Kerala Clay and Ceramics Products Ltd at Kannur.

Following the heat generated over the issue after Congress-led UDF and BJP launched agitation, Sudheer's posting was quashed by the government and Dipthi, who had taken charge, resigned.