Karnataka lawmakers demand reforms for KPSC corruption

Members of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly have criticized the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), calling it a 'den of corruption'. They are demanding significant reforms to improve transparency in civil service exams and recruitment processes. On March 18, S. Suresh Kumar, a BJP MLA, called for a House committee to review how exams are conducted at both the national and state levels. He highlighted the need for accountability in KPSC practices. Kumar noted that KPSC has conducted exams only three times in the past eleven years and insisted that it needs major changes. Opposition leader R. Ashok also called for drastic reforms. He compared the KPSC's situation to a patient needing surgery for recovery. Other members from various parties agreed, suggesting that KPSC should adopt the examination model used by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Concerns were raised about the quality of exams and mistakes found in the Kannada language papers. Some lawmakers even went so far as to rename KPSC as 'Karnataka Public Service Corruption'. The Assembly later approved the Karnataka Public Service Commission (Conduct of Business and Additional Functions) (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This law aims to increase government control over KPSC, including setting a quorum for meetings and streamlining the decision-making process. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H. K. Patil explained that the Bill aims to reduce delays in decision-making and improve the recruitment process for civil service candidates.