Shobha Karandlaje seeks CBI probe into KPSC veterinary officer recruitment

Bengaluru: Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment and MSME Shobha Karandlaje has sought the intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission's (KPSC) recruitment of Veterinary Officers.

The demand comes amid continuing scrutiny of the KPSC over allegations of irregularities in recruitments. The constitutional body has faced criticism in recent years over delays, alleged procedural lapses and complaints relating to transparency in recruitment examinations.

In a letter to Shah, Karandlaje alleged that the Veterinary Officer recruitment process was marred by corruption, abuse of official position, manipulation of the selection process and criminal conspiracy, raising serious questions over the credibility of the constitutional body entrusted with public recruitment.


"The allegations point to large-scale irregularities, including possible payment of illegal gratification and systematic abuse of the recruitment process," the Bengaluru North MP said.

She said failure to order an independent investigation would erode public confidence in the fairness and transparency of government recruitment.

"Lakhs of meritorious candidates aspiring for government service deserve a recruitment system that is free from corruption and undue influence," she said.

Karandlaje argued that the integrity of the KPSC was central to the constitutional guarantee of equality in public employment under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution.

"Any compromise in its functioning not only prejudices deserving candidates but also weakens public trust in constitutional institutions and the rule of law," she said.

The minister said a CBI investigation was necessary to independently examine the allegations, uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy, identify those involved, trace the flow of illegal gratification and fix accountability without fear or favour.

"In view of the seriousness of the allegations and the larger public interest involved, the matter must be investigated in a fair, independent and comprehensive manner," she said.