Karnataka CM Shivakumar mulls dismantling state recruitment commission

The call for systemic reform follows a series of recruitment scandals currently under investigation by both state police and the Enforcement Directorate. Shivakumar voiced frustration regarding the integrity of officials previously appointed to the commission, noting that the agency has become a hub for malpractice. A special court in Bengaluru recently remanded suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar to six days of ED custody in connection with these irregularities, marking a significant escalation in the probe.

While the Deputy CM welcomed the Karnataka High Court’s directive to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to oversee the inquiry, he expressed reservations regarding the loss of executive autonomy. He argued that the state government should retain the authority to appoint investigators, rather than having the process dictated by external mandates. Shivakumar emphasized that his administration remains focused on protecting the interests of job aspirants, pointing to his own record as Energy Minister where he implemented strict oversight to prevent bribery in technical hiring processes. The government is now weighing its options to restructure the commission while balancing the political pressure of ongoing investigations and mounting public scrutiny.