THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The selection committee for appointing the next Chief Information Commissioner has recommended the name of former DGP Vinson M. Paul for the post to governor P. Sathasivam.
The selection panel comprising Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, industry minister P. K. Kunhalikutty and opposition leader V. S. Achuthanandan met to shortlist the CIC and five information commissioners on Thursday. Mr Paul’s name was recommended with dissent from Mr Achuthanandan.
The names of Joy C Chirayil, Eby Kuriakose, Angathil Jayakumar, Abdul Salam and P. R. Devadas were also recommended to the governor for the post. Mr Achuthanandan had opposed the selection of these persons citing discrepancies in the entire process.
Initially, a huge list consisting the names of 260 plus candidates came up before the panel which was objected to by Mr Achuthanandan.
Later, general administration secretary was asked to look into the list and prune it. Finally, a short list came up before the panel which met on Thursday and took a decision in this regard .
Mr Paul’s appointment is being viewed by many in the opposition, including Mr Achuthanandan, as reward for helping the government in bar bribe case. It may be recalled that the opposition had accused the former vigilance director of derailing the probe by putting undue pressure on the investigating officer.
Moreover, the name of Vinson M Paul has been recommended two months ahead of the expiry of the tenure of incumbent Sibi Mathews. At the Cabinet briefing, chief minister Oommen Chnady refused to reply questions related to Vinson M Paul’s selection for CIC post. “We have sent the list to Governor. I cannot say anything on the issue till the list is approved,” he said.
