No evidence in KPSC probe will be diluted, says Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge

Home Minister Priyank Kharge said there is no question of diluting any evidence in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), irrespective of the political or official position of those accused.

“Nobody, be it any party or commission, has any right to play with the future of our youth. Rest assured, I will not allow any evidence to be diluted as long as I am the Home Minister, no matter whether the accused is an IAS or IPS officer, or a BJP or Congress leader,” he said.

Speaking to mediapersons at the Aiwan-e-Shahi Guest House in Kalaburagi on September 5, Mr. Kharge said the government is committed to safeguarding the interests of candidates appearing for various recruitment examinations in Karnataka.

“I had introduced a private member’s Bill in the Belagavi Legislature session when we were in the opposition seeking to prevent malpractices in recruitment examinations. After we came to power, we have passed the Bill. The draft rules have been published,” he said.

Referring to the arrest of an IAS officer in connection with alleged irregularities in a KPSC recruitment examination, Mr. Kharge said the action had been taken under the new legislation. “Around 35 lakh candidates are appearing for various recruitment examinations.

Most of them belong to middle-class, lower-income, and poor families and had studied in government educational institutions. It is our duty to protect their interests,” he said. Asked about the declaration of drought in only five taluks of Kalaburagi district, Mr.

Kharge said drought had to be declared in accordance with the norms prescribed under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines. “It is the Union Government that has framed the norms according which the drought-hit taluks are declared.

The BJP leaders, instead of asking the Union Government headed by their party, are protesting in Kalaburagi. These leaders make a hue and cry in Karnataka, but do not have the courage to open their mouth before Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.

To another question, Mr. Kharge said a high-level committee headed by Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) R. Hitendra had submitted its report on the administration, security, and reforms in prisons in Karnataka.

“The recommendations would be discussed with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and steps would be taken to implement them,” he said. MLC Tippannappa Kamaknoor was present at the press conference.