Addl CS Jayathilak obstructed career, says another officer

Thiruvananthapuram: The simmering tension within Kerala's bureaucratic corridors took a sharp turn as new allegations surfaced against additional chief secretary (ACS) A Jayathilak.

Shiny George, a special secretary with nearly 30 years of service, came forward with a scathing account of her experience, accusing Jayathilak of using his position to humiliate and obstruct her career.

In a comment, made below a Facebook post by IAS officer N Prasanth against Jayathilak recently, George detailed how Jayathilak delayed her probation declaration by withholding her work and conduct certificate. This forced her into a situation where her career hung in the balance. When she tried to resolve the issue by meeting Jayathilak in person, she described being chased out of his office in a humiliating manner, equating her treatment to being driven away "like a stray dog."

George's complaints were escalated to the chief minister, GAD secretary and chief secretary but no meaningful action followed, leaving her feeling powerless against what she called the "untouchable" influence of Jayathilak, she wrote.

While George's post fuelled a debate, an interesting twist emerged on Monday through a seemingly unrelated social media message by Prasanth, intensifying speculation about the ongoing feud between him and Jayathilak.

Prasanth, managing director of Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation (Kamco), posted a promotional message regarding a new tilling machine developed by the public sector unit (PSU). "Weeds need not be feared anymore; the ultimate weeder has arrived!"

While promoting Kamco's new product, many believe the "weeds" represent the administrative obstacles and toxic work culture, potentially hinting at his ongoing struggle against Jayathilak's alleged authoritarian style. This speculation follows Prasanth's earlier public outcry, where he directly criticized Jayathilak's management, accusing him of dictatorial practices and damaging the morale of subordinate officers.

While the post details Kamco's expansion into various markets such as EVs, solar autos and hydroponics, it was his metaphorical references that caught the public's attention. Phrases like "eliminating weeds" and "the ultimate weeder has arrived" have been interpreted by many as a not-so-subtle jab at those who are perceived as "weeds" within the state bureaucracy.

In the wake of George's revelations, Prasanth's words have taken on a dual meaning for many observers. In the backdrop of Prasanth's cryptic social media posts and George's detailed account of her alleged mistreatment, the spotlight on state civil services continues to grow. For now, the "weeds" within the state bureaucracy are at the centre of debates that show no signs of fading anytime soon.