KPSC Chairman Suspended Over Alleged Nepotism in Recruitment

The Karnataka State Public Service Commission (KPSC) is facing fresh controversy over allegations that its chairman, Shivashankrappa S. Sahukar, favoured his daughters in a recruitment drive. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has ordered Sahukar's suspension pending an inquiry, a move the chairman has challenged in the Karnataka High Court.

The allegations centre on recruitment to the Department of Industries and Commerce, for which the KPSC conducted examinations. It is claimed that Sahukar did not formally declare a conflict of interest nor recuse himself from the process, as mandated. Some commission members were reportedly unaware that his daughters were participating and had been selected. One daughter, who is financially dependent on Sahukar, is also accused of submitting a false income certificate declaring an annual income of ₹40,000 to avoid the 'creamy layer' rule for Other Backward Classes reservation, thereby securing selection. These details emerged during document verification by KPSC officials.

The incident has raised concerns about transparency and fairness in civil services recruitment. An aspirant currently employed in a Group C post in the Home Department said, 'Such incidents mar transparency in the examination process and the sanctity of recruitment. Rural candidates are always at a disadvantage; those with connections seem to have an advantage.'

Sahukar's suspension comes amid broader pressures on the state government. Civil services aspirants have staged protests in Dharwad, demanding fair recruitment. The government has announced plans to fill 72,186 posts, up from an initial 56,432, after recruitments slowed since 2022 due to confusion over reservation quotas for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. In 2024-25, the government froze new recruitment pending a report on internal reservation among the 101 Scheduled Castes in the state.

The latest recruitment drive has brought hope to lakhs of students, especially those aiming for Group C positions. The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has also begun its recruitment process. The Second Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission, in its 2025 report, identified about 2.94 lakh vacancies out of 8.16 lakh sanctioned posts in the state's civil services.

A former KPSC member argued that cleaning up the system is not difficult if politicians are willing. 'Background checks on members before appointment are needed. Often, eligibility is overlooked, and caste considerations take precedence,' he said. He also noted that some members have urged for long-serving KPSC employees to be deputed elsewhere to reform the system. 'Why do we need a body larger than the Union Public Service Commission, which conducts examinations efficiently?' he asked.

This is not the first time the KPSC has faced allegations of corruption and nepotism. Over the past two decades, several controversies have eroded public trust. The current case highlights the need for systemic reforms to ensure merit-based recruitment.