Questions raised over appointment of 150 PDO after 8 toppers found to be from same taluk

BENGALURU: Close on the heels of a controversy over recruitment of veterinary officers, there are now allegations of irregularities in the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) recruitment exam as well.

The PDO exam was conducted in 2024 and the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) announced the results on July 18. Candidates have expressed doubts over the recruitment exam for 150 PDO posts.

The allegations are that two candidates from the same village were in the top 10 ranks. Also, eight candidates from the same taluk have passed. Candidates allege that there were irregularities in the results.They also alleged that even after filing a complaint with the Chief Minister, no action has been taken.

A complaint regarding the irregularities has been submitted to the KPSC Secretary raising questions about the transparency of the PDO recruitment process. Candidates are demanding a comprehensive investigation. There is strong dissatisfaction among candidates against the functioning of the KPSC.

On Thursday, Veterinary Officer candidates had gathered in front of Vidhana Soudha police station to protest against the massive corruption in KPSC. They alleged that those who paid money got the government jobs. They pointed out that agents themselves are calling aspirants directly and telling theat that their marks are a little low and that if they wanted to be selected in the final list, they would have pay money.

They also questioned how the candidate list, which is with KPSC officials, is ending up in the hands of agents. They alleged that Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, the suspended KPSC Chairman, gave opportunity to his relatives’ children in the final selection list. The exam was held in January and the final selection list was published last week.

Making serious allegations of exam irregularities, they pointed out that candidates who had failed in Veterinary degree course secured top ranks in the KPSC exam. A complaint has been filed demanding that the recruitment be cancelled as there were irregularities. They have also demanded a CBI investigation claiming that Rs 80 lakh was demanded for a veterinary doctor’s post. Of that, Rs 40 lakh is to be paid as advance, they said.