Bengaluru, 13 July

Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday said there was a huge trust deficit surrounding the Karnataka Public Service Commission.

He called for drastic reforms to restore public confidence, while asserting that institutions dealing with recruitment must be strengthened to safeguard the future of the youth.

Reacting to the suspension of KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Monday over the alleged illegal selection of his two daughters for government jobs, Priyank said the action had been taken as per the prescribed procedure.

He stressed that those facing serious allegations should step aside to facilitate a fair investigation.

"There is a huge trust deficit regarding the Public Service Commission, and there is a need for drastic reforms. Considering the NEET paper leak, what happened in the CBSE examinations, and, more importantly, the serious doubts cast on the KPSC chairman, reforms have become essential," the minister said.

Priyank said anyone holding public office against whom suspicion had arisen should voluntarily resign and allow an impartial probe.

"Whoever the person may be—an official, an individual or the head of an institution—if there is suspicion against them, they should voluntarily resign and allow an impartial investigation. If they are ultimately found innocent, they can continue," he said.

Referring to the KPSC case, Priyank said that when all the members recommended Sahukar's removal, he had insisted on continuing in the post, which was inappropriate.

The governor has ordered his removal, he added.

Priyank said the action had been taken as per the prescribed procedure.

Stating that the credibility of recruitment agencies had taken a hit, Priyank said the Assembly had already debated the issue for nearly three days, with both the ruling party and the Opposition in favour of reforms.

He said the state and the Centre should jointly examine whether constitutional or legal changes were required to strengthen such institutions.

"There is widespread suspicion among the youth and the public. If we want to restore confidence, all of us must work together with one objective—to protect the future of our youth," the minister said.

Referring to alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, Priyank said paper leak controversies involving the CBSE, NEET, KPSC and Railway recruitment examinations had contributed to a trust deficit in public institutions and required a collective response.