Question

Consider the following statements from the history of the Kerala PSC:

1. The Travancore-Cochin PSC was formed on July 1, 1949, with C. Kunhiraman as its first chairman.

2. The Kerala PSC was formed on November 1, 1956, with G.D. Nokes as its first chairman.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• A. 1 only
• B. 2 only
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 only

Public Service Commissions in Kerala

• The history of Public Service Commissions in the region that now constitutes Kerala is intertwined with the administrative evolution of the princely states and their subsequent integration. These commissions play a crucial role in ensuring merit-based recruitment to public services.

Travancore-Cochin Public Service Commission

• The Travancore-Cochin Public Service Commission (PSC) was formally established on July 1, 1949.

• This establishment was a direct consequence of the merger of the former princely states of Travancore and Cochin, leading to the formation of the United State of Travancore-Cochin.

• Shri. C. Kunhiraman holds the distinction of being the first Chairman of the Travancore-Cochin Public Service Commission. His appointment was a landmark event in standardizing recruitment processes in the newly formed state.

Kerala Public Service Commission

• The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) came into existence on November 1, 1956.

• This date is significant as it marks the formation of the modern state of Kerala under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, which unified Malayalam-speaking areas.

• Regarding its first chairman, while the formation date of November 1, 1956, is accurate for the Kerala PSC, the assertion concerning G.D. Nokes as its very first chairman is considered incorrect in the context of competitive exam questions where precision is paramount.

• For competitive examinations, candidates should be aware of specific historical appointments and transitions of such bodies.