Bengaluru: Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar has written to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, an IAS officer of 1989 batch from Karnataka cadre, presenting his version of events amid the controversy surrounding the alleged recruitment of his two daughters as Industrial Department Extension Officers.
The letter comes in the wake of a widening row after the KPSC board reportedly barred Sahukar from attending its future meetings and submitted an adverse report against him over allegations that he influenced the recruitment process.
Chairman Denies Any Role in Recruitment
In his communication to the Chief Secretary, Sahukar categorically denied having any involvement in the recruitment of his two daughters.
According to him, he neither participated in nor influenced the selection process. He further stated that he had no knowledge of his daughters submitting income and caste certificates that have since come under scrutiny for allegedly not matching their social and economic background.
Cites Recruitment Rules for Group C Posts
Defending himself against the allegations, Sahukar pointed out that the posts of Industrial Department Extension Officers are classified as Group C positions.
He argued that recruitment to these posts does not involve an interview process, making it impossible for him to influence the selection through any discretionary role. On this basis, he maintained that the allegations of favouritism or interference are without merit.
To support his stand, Sahukar enclosed copies of the applicable recruitment rules governing the posts along with newspaper reports related to the controversy.
Appeals for Decision Based on Facts
In his letter, the KPSC Chairman urged Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to examine the matter based on the factual records and the applicable recruitment procedures rather than relying solely on the adverse report submitted by the KPSC board.
He also referred to the board’s decision and noted that the report included the opinion of the KPSC Secretary, requesting that the government independently assess the evidence before arriving at any conclusion.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that Sahukar had allegedly favoured the recruitment of his two daughters as Industrial Department Extension Officers. Following the allegations, the KPSC board reportedly decided to bar him from participating in future commission meetings and submitted an adverse report against him to the state government.
The matter has triggered significant attention, with questions being raised over transparency and fairness in recruitment conducted by the constitutional body.
The state government is expected to examine Sahukar’s representation along with the KPSC board’s report before deciding on the next course of action.
