Kerala PSC Introduces Aadhaar-Based Verification for Job Applicants

In a move to prevent impersonation and enhance the verification process, the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) has been granted permission to implement Aadhaar-based verification for job applicants. The Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department issued a notification allowing the PSC to conduct Aadhaar-based verification, provided the applicants give their consent.

The verification process will occur at various stages, including one-time registrations on the PSC portal, pre-examination, document verification, interviews, and other instances as determined by the PSC. To ensure transparency and compliance with privacy norms, the Aadhaar cards will be verified only with the explicit consent of the job seekers. The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has approved this move.

It’s worth noting that the government had initially issued an order in July 2020 mandating Aadhaar for government services, including job applications. However, the order was later withdrawn in April 2021 following legal intervention. Despite the withdrawal, around 48 lakh people have voluntarily linked their profiles with Aadhaar on the PSC portal.

Candidates who face challenges in completing Aadhaar verification can opt for EKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) authentication as an alternative. Additionally, individuals with Type-1 diabetes have been granted permission to carry necessary medical items such as insulin, insulin pen, insulin pump/CGMAS, and sugar tablets to PSC exam halls. To avail this concession, applicants must provide a medical certificate issued by a medical officer of at least the rank of an assistant surgeon.